Symptoms of Asthma in Dogs

Coughing

The most common symptom of asthma in dogs is repeated and sustained coughing or wheezing. Dogs with serious cases of asthma may have coughing fits every day and may act like they cannot catch their breath on a regular basis. According to the "Dog Health Guide," dogs that are suffering from an asthma attack may pant heavily and act disoriented or confused, in addition to coughing and wheezing.

Loss of Appetite

Dogs that are suffering from asthma may lose their appetite and refuse to eat according to their normal schedule. Once their asthma attack subsides--usually after 30 minutes--they may regain their appetite, but it is very common for asthmatic dogs to lose weight and become lethargic if they have frequent asthma attacks.

Panicking

If your dog is having a serious asthma attack, it may start panicking and gasping for air very loudly. It may also repeatedly open and close its mouth very wide as if it is attempting to draw in more oxygen. If your dog has a blueish or purple tint to their tongue or gums, that is an indication that it is not getting enough oxygen and require immediate medical attention. If your dog is panicking or acting like it cannot breathe at all, you should take it to a veterinary clinic immediately.

Other Causes

PetWave recommends taking your dog to the vet if it displays persistent asthma-like symptoms. Many other common dog ailments can also cause coughing or loss of appetite, so it is important to visit your vet to get an official diagnosis. Illnesses such as kennel cough or heartworm infection can mimic the symptoms of asthma, and your vet may perform an x-ray and blood work to rule out these conditions.

Prognosis

Luckily, the symptoms of asthma in dogs are easily treatable and rarely cause additional complications, according to the American Animal Hospital Association. While there is no cure for asthma, the symptoms can be controlled with medicine and your furry friend can live an active and happy life.