Canine Pneumonia in 2025: Vet-Backed Guide  🐶🩺

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

📌 What Is Pneumonia?

Pneumonia is inflammation of the lungs, often with fluid or pus filling the air sacs, leading to coughing and breathing difficulties.

🧬 Types of Pneumonia

• Infectious (viral/bacterial): Often from Bordetella, Streptococcus, or viruses like distemper, influenza—highly contagious.
• Aspiration: Caused by inhaling food, vomit, or fluids—classic cause is regurgitation.
• Fungal: From soil-borne spores like Blastomyces or Histoplasma—less contagious.
• Irritant: Triggered by inhaling smoke, chemicals, or allergens, leading to inflammation.

👀 Signs & Symptoms

• Persistent deep or moist cough
• Labored or rapid breathing, wheezing
• Fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, exercise intolerance
• Nasal discharge and bluish gums in severe cases.

🔍 Diagnosis by Your Vet

• History and physical exam, including auscultation for abnormal lung sounds.
• Chest X-rays and sometimes an ultrasound to assess lung changes.
• Tracheal wash or bronchoalveolar lavage for culture & sensitivity.
• Blood tests to evaluate severity and guide treatment.

🛠️ Treatment & Hospital Care

• Targeted antibiotics for bacteria, antifungals for fungal pneumonia.
• Supportive care: NSAIDs, bronchodilators, expectorants.
• IV fluids, oxygen therapy, and hospitalization in severe cases.
• Nebulization and coupage to clear airways.

🏠 Home Care & Recovery

• Warm, dry environment and low stress.
• Humidified air or steam sessions to help loosen mucus.
• Ensure hydration and offer easy-to-eat, palatable foods.
• Rest and gradual reintroduction of exercise based on vet guidance.
• Complete the antibiotic course and follow-up x-rays to confirm resolution.

🛡️ Preventive Tips

• Vaccinate against Bordetella, influenza, parainfluenza, and adenovirus.
• Minimize exposure to sick dogs and avoid high-risk environments.
• Feed medications slowly and treat reflux to prevent aspiration.
• Avoid smoke, chemicals, and pollutants.

📈 Prognosis

Many dogs recover fully with timely, appropriate care. Untreated or severe cases risking pneumonia complications like abscesses or chronic disease—early treatment is crucial.

📞 When to Call the Vet Immediately

• Difficulty breathing, blue gums, chest expansion issues
• High fever, repeated coughing, refusal to eat or drink
• Persistent lethargy or collapse

If your dog shows any of these symptoms, seek veterinary help right away. Use the Ask A Vet app for fast guidance and peace of mind. 🐾📲