Treatment for Dog Asthma in Germantown, Maryland
Realizing your dog is wheezing or having trouble breathing can be a scary experience for any pet owner—leaving you to wonder what’s going on and what can you do to fix it? Just like humans, dogs can develop asthma, and it needs to be diagnosed and treated in order to maintain your pet’s quality of life.
Dog asthma (often referred to as “allergic bronchitis” in dogs) is a disorder that causes difficulty breathing, including wheezing and shortness of breath due to spasms and constructions in the large upper airways. Almost every case of dog asthma is caused by an allergic reaction to something in the environment, and it’s usually something your dog has inhaled.
If your dog is having difficulty breathing, it’s very important to contact Germantown Vet right away to schedule an appointment so we can accurately diagnose and treat your pet. Simply give us a call at 240-252-7467240-252-7467.
Dog Asthma Symptoms & Causes
There are a number of symptoms you should be on the lookout for if you believe your dog has asthma, including:
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Coughing
- Panting
- Open-mouth breathing
- Blue-ish gums
- Lethargy
- Exercise intolerance
- Lack of appetite
- Weight loss
These symptoms can present themselves ranging anywhere from mild to severe, so it’s important to keep an eye on your pup. But now that you know what to look for, what’s the cause of your dog’s respiratory distress? Many times, the exact asthmatic trigger is never identified, however there are environmental factors that can trigger your dog’s asthma, such as:
- Air borne allergens – dust, pollen, etc.
- Air pollution
- Second-hand smoke
- Preservatives or artificial food coloring
- Stress
No matter the cause, treating dog asthma is very important! Not only is asthma uncomfortable, even painful, for your pet, your dog could develop chronic allergic bronchitis, which is irreversible. Visit Germantown Vet today to have your dog professionally diagnosed so treatment can begin.
Treating Dog Asthma
Of course, the best way to treat dog asthma would be to remove the allergen that’s causing the reaction in the first place. However, it can be very difficult to determine which allergen is causing the asthmatic reaction, so there are other treatment options available. During your appointment, one of our highly trained and skilled vets can go over all the treatment options that are best suited for your dog to help improve his quality of life and wellbeing.
Schedule an Appointment Today!
When symptoms of dog asthma present themselves in your pet, don’t delay! Contact us to schedule an appointment for a diagnosis and treatment plan in the Germantown, MD area. We can help you and your pet breath easier.
Germantown Vet was the first veterinary clinic that opened its doors in Germantown back in 1983, and today, we’re proud to be the largest, best equipped, and most well-staffed animal hospital in Montgomery County. When you visit our state-of-the-art facility, your dog will receive exemplary care from our esteemed team of veterinarians and technicians.
Contact us online or by phone at 240-252-7467 to schedule your dog’s asthma appointment!