🐾 Chronic Bronchitis in Dogs: A 2025 Vet’s Guide to Diagnosis, Treatment & Long-Term Care

By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc 🩺

If your dog has a daily cough that just won’t go away, you may be dealing with a condition called chronic bronchitis. This lifelong respiratory issue is common, especially in middle-aged to older dogs, and while it can’t be cured, it can definitely be managed. In this vet-approved guide for 2025, I’ll walk you through what chronic bronchitis is, how it’s diagnosed, and what treatments and home care options are available to keep your pup comfortable. 🐶💨

🫁 What Is Bronchitis?

Bronchitis is the inflammation of the bronchi—the larger airways in the lungs. These tubes branch from the windpipe and carry air to smaller airways and eventually to the alveoli, where oxygen is absorbed. When inflamed, the bronchi produce excess mucus, causing coughing and discomfort. This creates a vicious cycle of irritation → inflammation → mucus → coughing → more irritation. 🔁

📅 What Makes It Chronic?

For a dog to be diagnosed with chronic bronchitis, the cough must:

• 📆 Be present daily for at least two months
• 💨 Involve inflammation of the bronchial tubes

This is different from short-term issues like kennel cough or temporary infections. Chronic bronchitis tends to affect dogs long-term and will require lifelong management. 💊🐕

🔍 Other Causes of Chronic Coughing

It’s crucial to rule out other possible causes of coughing before confirming bronchitis. These include:

• 🦠 Pneumonia
• 🌀 Tracheal collapse
• 🌿 Fungal lung infections
• 🪱 Lungworms
• 🦀 Lung cancer
• 💔 Heart failure
• 🦟 Heartworm disease

💡 Fun fact: Asthma is not a natural condition in dogs—it’s seen in cats, but not dogs.

🩻 Diagnosing Chronic Bronchitis

Diagnosing bronchitis involves both ruling out other diseases and identifying signs of airway inflammation. Your vet may use:

1. 🖼️ Chest X-Rays

X-rays help rule out pneumonia, tumors, heart disease, and other lung conditions. In bronchitis, inflamed airways often show up as:

• 🛤️ Tram lines (parallel lines)
• 🍩 Doughnuts (circular cross-sections)

2. 🔬 Airway Sampling

More advanced techniques like bronchoscopy (using a tiny camera to look inside the airways) or tracheal wash (flushing the airway with fluid and collecting samples) can help pinpoint inflammation and rule out infections. These may require sedation or anesthesia. 😷

💊 Treatment Options

Because chronic bronchitis cannot be cured, treatment focuses on reducing symptoms and breaking the mucus-cough cycle. Here's how:

1. 🔥 Corticosteroids

Prednisone is often used to reduce inflammation and mucus. Long-term use has side effects, so your vet will often start with a higher dose and taper to a maintenance level.

2. 💨 Inhaled Steroids

These work like human asthma inhalers and minimize systemic side effects. Using a spacer and mask (like the AeroDawg), your pup gets the benefits without the drawbacks of oral meds. 🫁

3. 🤐 Cough Suppressants

Medications like hydrocodone or butorphanol can reduce the irritation cycle, but need to be used cautiously—if mucus needs clearing, suppressing the cough too much can backfire. Never use human cough meds without vet approval! ❌

4. 🌬️ Bronchodilators

Even though airways don’t usually spasm in dogs, meds like albuterol or theophylline may help keep airways open and make breathing easier. These are often paired with steroids for best results.

5. 💧 Mucolytics

N-acetylcysteine is an over-the-counter option that may help thin out mucus, though studies in dogs are limited. Thinner mucus = easier to clear. Always consult your vet first. 🧪

6. 💊 Antibiotics?

Chronic bronchitis isn’t caused by infection—but the inflammation can reduce immune defenses. Your vet may prescribe antibiotics early in treatment to rule out infection before starting steroids. 🧫

🌫️ Nebulization & Coupage

Moistening the airways can help thin mucus. You can:

• 💨 Use a vaporizer or nebulizer twice a day
• 👏 Learn coupage (gentle chest tapping) to help your dog expel mucus

Not all coughing is bad—some of it helps clear the airways. Your vet will guide you on what’s beneficial vs excessive. 🩺

⚖️ Weight Loss = Big Wins

Extra body fat puts pressure on the chest, making it harder to breathe. Many dogs improve dramatically—sometimes needing fewer meds—after losing weight. 🐕‍🦺💪

🚫 Avoiding Irritants

Airborne pollutants make symptoms worse. Here's how to reduce your dog’s exposure:

• 🚭 No smoking indoors
• 🖌️ Keep pets away from painting or renovation fumes
• 🍃 Use HEPA filters to reduce dust, dander, and allergens

📆 What to Expect Long-Term

Chronic bronchitis is lifelong, but many dogs live comfortably with proper care. Most treatment plans require some trial and error, so patience is key. 🧘‍♂️

With medication, weight management, and environmental changes, you can help your pup breathe easier and live a happy, healthy life. 🐶❤️

📱 Ask A Vet: Personalized Help When You Need It

Worried your dog’s cough might be more than just kennel cough? Not sure if steroids or inhalers are the right step? Use the Ask A Vet app to connect with licensed veterinarians anytime, anywhere. 🐾💬

Visit AskAVet.com to download and get peace of mind from professionals who know pets—because your dog’s lungs deserve expert care. 💨🐕

💬 Final Thoughts from Dr Duncan Houston

Chronic bronchitis may sound scary, but with knowledge and proactive care, it’s a very manageable condition. Whether it’s through medication, lifestyle changes, or just cleaning the air, you have options to help your dog breathe easy and stay active. 🩺💛

Stay observant, work closely with your vet, and never hesitate to ask questions. Your furry friend is counting on you—and you’ve got this! 🐕👏