Canine Pneumonia Natural Remedies for Dog Pneumonia
This page focuses on canine pneumonia - 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 conveying air to and within the lungs). However, bronchitis and pneumonia quite often occur together to create what is called "bronchopneumonia".
Pneumonia can occur in both dogs and cats, 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 the result of 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 resulting in pneumonia.
System Failure: Pneumonia can also be secondary to another system failure, especially the
heart.
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 symptoms 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.
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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.
Visit our page on Natural Dog Coughing Remedies for recommendation on some effective
natural products to ease coughing in dogs.
In addition, 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 are some immune-boosting herbal formulas that are effective:
Only Natural Pet Echinacea Herbal Formula
This formula contains echinacea, which is known for its immune-stimulating properties. In addition, red clover is added so that it may act as an alterative and liver
cleanser. This formula is excellent in helping the body to fight infections.
Only Natural Pet Rosehip C Herbal Formula
This herbal formula provides a good source of Vitamin C in a liquid form for easy
administration. It contains Vitamin C and bioflavanoid content, which studies show can help stimulate the immune system.
Finally, use essential oils to help your dog relax and breathe
easier. Essential oils of lavender, eucalytus, and tea tree are antibacterial and antiviral. Chamomile essential oil has a calming effect. Use them in a vaporizer or
diffuser in the room where you dog rests.
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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 break up and mobilize secretions deep in the dog's lungs.
To do this, cup your hands and gently but rapidly tap your dog's chest wall repeatedly. This loosens the secretions deep in the lungs and helps them move into the airways.
The secretions can then be eliminated through coughing. You should give percussion therapy to your dog about four times daily.
This video clip demonstrates how to perform coupage on a dog:
References
R. Kidd, Dr. Kidd's Guide to Herbal Dog Care (Storey Publishing, 2000).
M.L. Wulff-Tilford and G.L. Tilford, Herbs for Pets (Bowtie Press, 1999).
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