Asthma is a respiratory condition that affects many children and adults. There's a good chance that you know someone who suffers from asthma, and you may have even dealt with it at one point in your life. Something you might not know, however, is that some dogs can develop this condition. It's beneficial to understand the common warning signs of asthma in your dog, especially if you've read that this condition is fairly prevalent in your particular breed. If you see one of these signs, you can schedule a visit with your local veterinarian. Here are some clues that your dog could have asthma.
Wheezing
It's useful to pay attention to how a dog breathes, both when it's at rest and after it's had a period of exercise. While some panting is common in the latter situation, it's usually a concern if you can hear your pet wheezing. When a pet wheezes, you might hear a gentle, high-pitched sound coming from the animal's nose or mouth. If this wheezing is noticeable when the pet is at rest, it can especially be a concern. While there are a few different respiratory issues that could cause your dog to wheeze, this is a definite warning sign that the animal could have asthma.
Poor Endurance
Another sign that your dog could have asthma is that it has a poor level of endurance during various physical activities. For example, if you walk your dog and notice that it's struggling to keep up, asthma could be to blame. This can especially be a concern if you're not moving at a very quick pace, but your dog is unable to stay with you. If there's not an obvious reason for the pet's poor endurance — for example, being overweight or having a limp — asthma could be to blame.
Frequent Coughing
A dog can cough when it accidentally inhales water while drinking, is chewing on a toy, or at other times during the day. These coughing episodes are common, but you might notice that your dog is coughing frequently and for reasons that you can't easily explain. Frequent coughing for no apparent reason can be another symptom of asthma in your dog. It's a good idea to call your community vet hospital to explain what you've noticed and express your concern. You'll get an appointment to visit the vet hospital and have the veterinarian assess your dog to see if it's indeed asthmatic.
