| Unfortunately Asthma is common in most all animals | | | | need to be conducted in order to rule out other |
| today and dogs are no exception. This illness is also | | | | possible health problems. After all the testing is |
| known as allergic bronchitis which is an inflammation of | | | | complete your Vet will determine the diagnosis and if it |
| the airway caused primarily by allergies. If left | | | | is canine asthma, rest assured that with the proper |
| untreated it could lead to respiratory distress and other | | | | medication this condition is not only treatable but |
| serious complications. When a canine experiences this | | | | possibly preventable. |
| condition their air passages in the lungs fill with mucus, | | | | Medications used to treat this condition are:o |
| constrict and then spasm. The result is shortness of | | | | Antihistamines - Reduces mucus in the airways.o |
| breath, coughing, wheezing and in rare untreated cases | | | | Steroids - Controls inflammation.o Bronchodilators - |
| even death. | | | | Helps to reduce the inflammation associated with |
| The good news about asthma and dogs is that with | | | | asthma.o Epinephrine - Reduces inflammation and is |
| proper treatment your dog can still live a long healthy | | | | only use in severe attacks. |
| life. Some of the most obvious signs to watch for are | | | | As with all dog health issues it is important to watch |
| shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing as | | | | for symptoms and any unusual behavior with your |
| mention earlier. Other possible symptoms could include | | | | canine. Certainly get advice from your Veterinarian |
| loss of appetite and becoming lethargic. | | | | when there are any questions concerning your dog's |
| It is very important to watch for symptoms of this | | | | health. Early detection, diagnosis and treatment are the |
| condition and take your dog to the vet for a proper | | | | key ingredients to a healthy canine companion. |
| diagnosis if they occur. There are several tests that | | | | |