Canine Pneumonia Natural Remedies for Dog Pneumonia
Canine pneumonia can be life-threatening. It usually affects young puppies and older dogs. Pneumonia in dogs can be brought on by bacteria,
virus, fungus and other parasites. Learn more about the symptoms and causes of dog pneumonia, and how natural remedies such as herbs can help manage pneumonia in dogs.
Pneumonia is a general term that many people use to refer to the inflammation of the lungs. It is different from bronchitis, which is inflammation of the bronchi
(which are the air passages sending air to and within the lungs). However, bronchitis and pneumonia quite often occur together to create what is called "bronchopneumonia".
Both dogs and cats can get pneumonia, but canine pneumonia is more common. It generally affects young puppies under one year of age, although older dogs can get
pneumonia as well. Sporting dogs, hounds, working dogs and mixed breed dogs over 25 pounds may be predisposed.
Pneumonia in dogs can be life-threatening. Therefore, identifying the symptoms and causes at an early stage is important.
Causes of Canine Pneumonia
Dog pneumonia can be caused by an infection brought on by:
Bacteria: Bacterial pneumonia is often secondary to kennel
cough (especially in young puppies), or malfunction of the esophagus (Megaesophagus).
Virus: Viral pneumonia in dogs is usually caused by canine distemper,
or upper respiratory infection (URI).
Fugus: Fungal pneumonia is usually caused by fungi such as Coccidioidomycosis immitis, or Cryptococcus neoformans.
Parasite: Parasitic pneumonia in dogs is often caused by lungworms directly or from the migration of other worms (e.g.
heartworms) through the lung.
In addition, canine pneumonia can be the result of:
Allergy: Sometimes, an allergic reaction to an irritant
(such as cigarette smoke) causes excessive inflammatory cells to infiltrate the lungs which can result in pneumonia.
System Failure: System failure, such as and especially the
heart, can also lead to canine pneumonia.
Aspiration of Liquid: Aspiration of liquid into the lung can also result in pneumonia in dogs. This can quite frequently happen to puppies with
cleft palates - the milk flows into the trachea rather than the esophagus. Sometimes medications such as liquid wormers, laxatives, or vitamins are administered
incorrectly causing the liquids to pass into the lungs and accumulate there, resulting in pneumonia.
The hallmark symptom of dog pneumonia is coughing (although of course not all coughing dogs
have pneumonia). In addition, watch out for the following symptoms of pneumonia in dogs:
If a dog with pneumonia is in stable condition (eats well and active), he will usually be allowed to stay home with medication treatment such as antibiotics.
Dogs that are in unstable or critical conditions will be hospitalized and receive treatments such as oxygen therapy and IV fluid therapy in addition to antibiotic treatment.
Natural Remedies for Canine Pneumonia
Pneumonia is a serious condition. If your dog unfortunately has got pneumonia, he should be under the care of a veterinarian.
However, there are natural remedies such as herbs and essential oils that you can use to alleviate some symptoms such as coughing and breathing difficulty, so that your
dog can feel more comfortable and less stressed.
As mentioned above, most cases of pneumonia are caused by an infection. If your dog has pneumonia, therefore, it is a good idea to boost your dog's immune
system so that his body can fight the infection more effectively. Herbs such as echinacea, astragalus, and garlic can be used to strengthen the dog's immune system.
Here is an excellent immune-boosting herbal formula that you may want to consider:
PetAlive Immunity and Liver Support
This formula contains echinacea and Ashwagandha, both herbs are known for their immune-stimulating properties. In addition, dandelion and milk thistle are added for their
liver support functions. This formula is excellent in helping the body to fight infections.
Also, use essential oils to help your dog relax and breathe
easier. Essential oils that have antibacterial and antiviral properties (e.g. tea tree, lavender, eucalyptus) are especially beneficial. To calm your dog, use
also chamomile essential oil. Use any combination of these oils in a vaporizer or diffuser in the room where you dog rests.
To ease coughing caused by pneumonia, there are numerous natural remedies and products that can be used. Visit our page on
Natural Dog Coughing Remedies for more information.
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Percussion Therapy for Dogs with Pneumonia
You may also want to give percussion therapy (coupage) to your dog if he has got pneumonia. The purpose is to loosen up and help move secretions deep in the dog's lungs
into the airways so that the secretions can be coughed up easily.
Here's how to do coupage on your dog: With cupped hands, gently but rapidly tap your dog's chest wall repeatedly. Percussion therapy can be given to your dog about
four times daily.
This video clip demonstrates how to perform coupage on a dog:
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