Bronchitis in dogs is a condition occurring when your pet develops inflammation of the airways. Although this condition can affect any type of dog, it is much more common in smaller breeds. Causes for canine bronchitis can include environmental factors or exposure to harmful irritants such as smoke or hairspray. If your pet develops bronchitis, he will probably begin to have trouble breathing and will cough constantly. Other signs of bronchitis include gagging, loss of appetite, weight loss and lack of energy. The condition can be treated, but normally cannot be cured.
Overview of Canine Bronchitis
When your pet develops bronchitis, his airways have become inflamed and bothered. There can be a number of different causes for this, and particular breeds are more prone to developing bronchitis than others. Smaller breeds are known for developing bronchitis and other respiratory conditions. Allergies, heavy pollution, exposure to cigarette smoke or household chemicals, and other environmental issues can cause bronchitis in dogs. If your pet has been diagnosed with bronchitis, he will need to be treated for it for the rest of his life. Treatment usually involves the use of medications.
Signs and symptoms of bronchitis in dogs can vary, but most often, your pet will have difficulty breathing. Coughing excessively, lethargy, gagging, retching, heaving, weight loss and inability to eat are also signs of bronchitis. Bronchitis is a chronic condition, and the symptoms of this illness will need to be treated with medication on a regular basis.
If you have a pet that has chronic bronchitis, it is advised that you do not smoke cigarettes anywhere near him, because this can irritate the condition even more and cause your pet a considerable amount of discomfort. Spraying perfumes, hairsprays, air fresheners and other household chemical products is also not recommended. If your pet inhales these irritating substances, it will only aggravate his condition and cause him to cough even more.
Is Bronchitis in Dogs Contagious?
Chronic bronchitis in canines is not contagious, and is not caused by a viral infection. Dogs in the same household, however, may develop bronchitis due to the presence of harmful irritants that trigger the condition within the home. Heavily polluted areas can also cause bronchitis, so dogs living in similar environments may all develop bronchitis.
If your pet is suffering from a condition that is caused by a viral infection, then it will be contagious. Coughing in dogs does not always mean your pet has bronchitis, and can indicate a number of other contagious conditions. Kennel cough, for example, produces many of the same symptoms of bronchitis in dogs. Kennel cough is highly contagious and can be deadly, so it is important to take your pet to a veterinarian if he is coughing to establish the underlying cause.
It is best to avoid areas that are heavily populated with dogs, such as parks or animal shelters. Your pet can easily catch many contagious viral and bacterial conditions in crowded areas.