Introduction to COPD in Dogs
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a chronic, progressive lung disease characterized by difficulty breathing due to airway obstruction. In dogs, COPD is an umbrella term for several respiratory conditions including chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and some forms of asthma (Source).
COPD is a relatively common disease in older dogs. Estimates indicate around 1-2% of the general dog population is affected, with higher prevalence in certain predisposed breeds like terriers and boxers (Source).
The main symptoms of COPD in dogs include chronic coughing, wheezing, exercise intolerance, and difficulty breathing. As the disease progresses, dogs develop more severe respiratory distress.
Causes and Risk Factors
There are several factors that may contribute to a dog developing COPD:
Underlying conditions like asthma – Dogs with underlying asthma are at greater risk for developing COPD. The chronic inflammation associated with asthma can damage the airways over time and lead to COPD (VCA Hospitals).
Exposure to smoke, dust, air pollution – Inhaling irritants like tobacco smoke, chemical fumes, dust, or air pollution can cause chronic inflammation and injury to the airways. This long-term damage to the lungs can progress into COPD (Carolina Veterinary Specialists).
Genetics – Some dog breeds like West Highland White Terriers may be genetically predisposed to lung diseases like COPD (Lake Cross Animal Hospital).
Age – COPD usually develops in middle to older aged dogs. The lungs naturally lose some elasticity and become more vulnerable to disease as a dog ages (VCA).
Diagnosis
A veterinarian will diagnose COPD in dogs based on the medical history, a physical examination, and diagnostic tests. The vet will take a full medical history to understand the duration and progression of symptoms. They will listen to the dog’s breathing with a stethoscope to check for abnormalities like crackling sounds or wheezing.
Diagnostic imaging tests like chest X-rays are commonly used to evaluate the lungs and look for signs of COPD, such as emphysema and enlarged airways. X-rays allow the vet to see the size and shape of the lungs and check for issues like collapsed airways or fluid buildup. According to the South Wilton Veterinary Group, CT scans may also be used to get a more detailed 3D view of the lungs.
Lung function tests can also help confirm a COPD diagnosis and determine the severity. Tests like spirometry measure the volume of air inhaled and exhaled. The results can identify obstructions in breathing and show if the lungs are overinflated. Blood tests may also check oxygen and carbon dioxide levels.
Signs and Symptoms
The most common sign of COPD in dogs is a chronic, dry cough that persists for over a month. Dogs with COPD will experience wheezing and breathing difficulties as their airways become obstructed. They may also have exercise intolerance, becoming easily winded and tired during physical exertion. As COPD progresses, dogs may develop a bluish tinge to their gums due to lack of oxygen.
Coughing is one of the earliest indicators of COPD in dogs. A chronic, dry, hacking cough that persists over weeks or months is a classic symptom. The cough may worsen at night or with exercise as breathing becomes more labored. Dogs with COPD have inflamed airways that cause mucus buildup, irritating the throat and triggering coughing fits.
Wheezing is another common symptom of COPD as narrowed airways make it difficult for dogs to exhale. Owners may hear a high-pitched whistling or squeaking sound as their dog breathes. The wheezing is often exacerbated during physical activity when more rapid breathing leads to further airway constriction. Severe wheezing indicates an acute COPD flare-up.
Dogs with COPD experience exercise intolerance and shortness of breath with exertion. They may seem very eager to play and go for walks but tire out much more quickly than normal. Moderate activity leads to heavy panting, wheezing, and exhaustion. As COPD advances, dogs become unwilling or unable to exercise at all.
Gradual breathing changes are another COPD symptom in dogs. Owners may notice more rapid, shallow breathing even at rest as the lungs struggle to get enough air. Breathing may involve abdominal muscles as the dog tries harder to inhale. Breathing difficulty tends to worsen over time as COPD progresses.1
Breathing and Coughing Changes
Dogs with COPD often develop a chronic cough as the disease progresses. The cough may start out intermittent, but becomes more frequent over time. According to VCA Hospitals, the cough often has a honking sound and the dog may gag or retch after coughing spells.
Charlotte Veterinary Specialists notes that coughing may worsen at night or with activity or excitement. The cough may also be triggered by cold air or exercise. Dogs may try to suppress the cough which can lead to gagging or retching sounds.
As COPD advances, wheezing or whistling sounds may accompany breathing as air attempts to pass through inflamed and constricted airways (Trudell Animal Health). Breathing often becomes labored and the dog may breathe with an open mouth or have a distended abdomen as it struggles to inhale enough air.
In severe cases, the gums or tongue may take on a bluish tinge indicating a lack of oxygen according to VCA Hospitals. Dogs in end stages of COPD may collapse or be unable to exercise at all without severe coughing and struggling for breath.
Treatment
There is no cure for COPD in dogs, but various treatments can help relieve symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. Some of the main treatment options include:
Oxygen therapy – Providing supplemental oxygen can help relieve respiratory distress. This may involve using an oxygen cage or mask at home or periodic visits to receive oxygen therapy. According to the South Wilton Veterinary Group, oxygen therapy helps reduce secondary issues like pulmonary hypertension.
Medications – Bronchodilators open up airways and make breathing easier. Corticosteroids help reduce inflammation. Antibiotics may be used if there is a bacterial infection complicating COPD. According to VCA Hospitals, these medications can provide substantial relief from symptoms when used properly.
Avoiding triggers – Since COPD flare-ups can be triggered by things like smoke, dust, pollution, and respiratory irritants, avoiding exposure to these triggers is recommended. Keeping the dog in a clean, air-filtered environment can help.
Lifestyle changes – Low-stress exercise like short, slow walks and a healthy diet can help manage COPD progression. Obesity exacerbates breathing issues, so maintaining a healthy weight is important.
Progression
As COPD progresses in dogs, more damage occurs in the airways and lung tissue, making breathing increasingly difficult over time. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, COPD is not curable and the damage is permanent (AVMA). The long-term outlook for dogs with COPD depends on the severity of the disease. With proper management and treatment, dogs can live with COPD for months or years before reaching end-stage disease.
COPD impacts a dog’s quality of life as breathing becomes more challenging. Dogs may tire easily during walks or play. They may have reduced appetite and activity levels. Severe coughing bouts can also greatly impact a dog’s wellbeing. As the disease advances, dogs may develop secondary pulmonary hypertension, heart disease, or respiratory failure (VCA Hospitals).
Acute exacerbations or flare-ups of COPD symptoms are common. Triggers include airborne irritants, respiratory infections, weather changes, and stress. Exacerbations are managed with medication adjustments, rest, oxygen therapy, and avoiding triggers. However, frequent severe exacerbations indicate poor disease control and a poor prognosis (Lake Cross Animal Hospital).
Living with a Dog with COPD
Caring for a dog with COPD can be challenging but rewarding. Here are some tips for living with and caring for a dog with this progressive disease:
Monitor your dog’s breathing carefully, take note of any increased effort, open-mouth breathing, nostril flaring, abdominal breathing, or bluish gums which could indicate insufficient oxygen levels. Keeping a log can help identify trends or acute episodes requiring veterinary attention (Source).
Adjust exercise to your dog’s tolerance level. Short, gentle walks and mental stimulation through training or games is recommended over strenuous activity that could trigger coughing. Use a harness rather than collar for walks and avoid overexertion (Source).
Help your dog maintain a healthy weight, as extra weight stresses the lungs. Your vet may prescribe a therapeutic diet. Feed smaller, more frequent meals if needed (Source).
Prevention
There are several steps pet owners can take to help prevent COPD in dogs:
Minimizing exposure to risk factors is important. Avoid exposing your dog to irritants such as cigarette smoke, dust, air pollution, and aerosol sprays, which can irritate the airways and exacerbate breathing problems. Even limited exposure to these irritants will reduce the chances of COPD development (Huntersville Vet).
Vaccinating your dog against infectious diseases like kennel cough and canine influenza can help prevent respiratory infections that could lead to COPD down the line. Maintaining these vaccines according to your veterinarian’s recommendations is advised.
Treating any respiratory infections quickly and effectively at the first signs of illness can prevent long-term damage and complications. Having your vet examine any persistent cough or breathing issue is important, as early treatment of infections may help avoid COPD progression (VCA Hospitals).
The Takeaway
COPD in dogs is a progressive lung disease that makes it difficult for dogs to breathe. The main causes are long-term exposure to lung irritants like cigarette smoke or air pollution. The most common symptoms are a chronic cough, exercise intolerance, and increased breathing effort. While there’s no cure for COPD, treatment focuses on reducing symptoms and slowing the progression of the disease. Lifestyle changes like avoiding smoke, using a harness instead of a collar, and keeping a healthy weight can all help. The earlier COPD is caught, the better the long-term outlook. If your dog develops breathing issues, take them to the vet right away for evaluation. With medication and proper care, many dogs can still live happy and comfortable lives despite COPD.
To learn more about COPD in dogs, talk to your vet or visit reputable pet health websites. Joining an online forum for pet owners dealing with canine COPD can also provide community support.
