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Is Your Dog's Cough More Serious Than You Think?

Spotting the signs of pneumonia could save your pup's life.

As dog parents, the health of our furry companions is always top of mind. One of the more serious conditions that can affect dogs is pneumonia, a lung infection that can make it hard for your pup to breathe. While it may sound scary, understanding the signs and knowing when to act can make all the difference in your dog’s recovery.

What Exactly is Pneumonia?
Pneumonia happens when a dog’s lungs become inflamed due to an infection, often from bacteria, viruses, or fungi. This infection causes fluid to build up, making it difficult for your dog to breathe properly. Pneumonia can affect dogs of any age, but puppies, older dogs, and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk.

How to Spot the Signs
The symptoms of pneumonia in dogs can be subtle at first but quickly escalate. Here are some common signs to watch out for:

  • Coughing: A persistent, wet-sounding cough is one of the biggest indicators.
  • Difficulty Breathing: If your dog is breathing rapidly or seems to be working harder to breathe, this is a red flag.
  • Lethargy: Dogs with pneumonia may seem unusually tired or disinterested in activities they normally love.
  • Loss of Appetite: Pneumonia can make your dog feel unwell, leading to a loss of interest in food.
  • Fever: A high temperature (anything about 102.5°F) can indicate infection, including pneumonia.

If you notice any combination of these symptoms, getting your dog checked by a vet as soon as possible is important.

What Causes Pneumonia?
Pneumonia in dogs can be caused by various factors:

  • Inhaled Irritants: Dogs that inhale smoke, dust, or chemicals are more susceptible.
  • Secondary to Illness: Sometimes pneumonia develops as a complication of another illness, like kennel cough or the flu.
  • Weak Immune System: Dogs with weakened immune systems, such as seniors or puppies, are more prone to infections like pneumonia.

How You Can Help?
The good news is that pneumonia is treatable with the right care. Depending on the cause, your vet will likely prescribe antibiotics or antifungal medications. In severe cases, hospitalization may be needed to provide oxygen therapy or IV fluids.

As a dog parent, you can aid your pup’s recovery by ensuring they get plenty of rest, stay hydrated, and take their medication as prescribed. It can also help to keep their environment clean and free of smoke or other irritants.

Having a thermometer at home, like the Mella Fear Free Thermometer (available at a discount through the PupWise Discover page), can be a great tool for monitoring your dog’s temperature. This helps you track any potential fever and gauge the severity of the illness.

If your dog's temperature exceeds 102.5°F (39.2°C), it’s a sign that your dog’s body is fighting an infection, and if it gets close to 104°F (40°C), you should contact your vet immediately.

When in Doubt, See the Vet
While pneumonia sounds scary, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming if caught early. By knowing the signs and getting timely veterinary care, you can help your dog bounce back to their happy, healthy self. Always trust your gut—if something feels off with your pup, don’t hesitate to get them the help they need.

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