Can dogs get asthma?

Our pets can often develop some of the same diseases as humans. In fact, research shows that chronic illnesses that were originally confined to humans, such as cancer, diabetes and obesity, are increasingly seen across the animal kingdom. Dogs also show signs of depression and can even experience a canine form of seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

So, what about asthma? Most of us know the chronic lung disease well – if we don’t have it ourselves, we probably know someone who does. But can dogs get asthma, and can a dog have an asthma attack? Below, we break down the facts and clear up any confusion around dog asthma.

The short answer is technically no, because what we refer to as ‘asthma’ in humans is not quite the same in dogs. Dogs’ lungs respond differently to environmental allergens compared to those of humans, cats and horses.

However, while dogs don’t get asthma in the typical sense, they can contract allergic bronchitis – a condition that closely resembles asthma. ‘While human asthma and canine allergic bronchitis both involve inflammation of the airway due to environmental triggers, humans typically experience sudden, reversible spasms (or ‘attacks’), whereas dogs primarily demonstrate a more chronic and persistent inflammation characterised by excessive production of mucus,’ explains Petplan expert, Dr Brian Faulkner.

Since the symptoms of allergic bronchitis mimic those of asthma, terms such as ‘dog asthma’ and ‘allergic bronchitis in dogs’ are often used interchangeably.

Acute allergic bronchitis is the result of the immune system overreacting to allergens. When a dog is exposed to an allergen, their immune system mistakenly treats it as a threat. In response, the allergen triggers an immune reaction, causing certain immune cells to release histamine. Histamine then causes inflammation in the tissues it comes into contact with.

In the case of allergic bronchitis, the histamine causes inflammation of the bronchial tubes. As these airways become inflamed, they become more sensitive – leading to wheezing and coughing.

Long-term exposure to these allergens results in chronic sensitivity to the allergens that dogs inhale.

The good news is that allergic bronchitis in dogs is not all that common. But it’s important to know the symptoms – especially since they can become life-threatening.

Look out for:

• Gagging and coughing 
• Rapid or laboured breathing
• Persistent cough-gag-retch symptoms (hacking)
• Wheezing
• Low energy or lethargy

Watch for signs of stress, too, as this may indicate your dog’s breathing is worsening.

Allergic bronchitis in dogs is typically triggered by environmental irritants. It’s worth being aware that a dog can develop asthma-like symptoms with repeated exposure to these irritants.

Common causes of allergic bronchitis in dogs include:

• Cigarette and cigar smoke
• Wood smoke
• Pollen and grass
• Mould and mildew
• Dust and dust mites
• Aerosol sprays 
• Household cleaning chemicals
• Air pollutants
• Christmas trees, occasionally

For ongoing symptoms, your vet will assess your dog’s history and clinical signs to determine whether it’s allergic bronchitis or another condition.

Diagnosis usually involves:

• Chest X-rays
• Bronchoscopy or tracheobronchoscopy

During a bronchoscopy or tracheobronchoscopy, a camera on a thin, flexible tube (an endoscope) is inserted through the mouth, down the windpipe and into the lungs to examine the trachea and bronchi, and to take samples of the fluids inside the airways. It’s a minimally invasive procedure performed under general anaesthesia.

Once you have a diagnosis, vets often prescribe a course of steroids and/or a bronchodilator to reduce the sensitivity of the airway.

As with many allergies, it’s not always easy – or possible – to identify the specific trigger. Therefore, the best allergic bronchitis dog treatment is minimising exposure to common irritants such as smoke, air fresheners, floor and carpet cleaners, pollen and black mould.

The good news is that dogs with asthma-like symptoms needn’t minimise contact with one another or humans – allergic bronchitis isn’t contagious and cannot be passed between animals.

Though it can become chronic, allergic bronchitis in dogs is usually acute and temporary. However, certain breeds are more susceptible than others. These include:

• Toy breeds: Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, Pomeranian, Toy Poodle, Maltese and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
• Brachycephalics (flat-faced) breeds: Boston Terriers, French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, Boxers, Pugs, Lhasa Apso, Pekingese, Shar Pei and Shih Tsu
• Cocker Spaniels also have a genetic predisposition to allergic bronchitis, as they're sensitive to allergens, so are considered a high-risk breed for airway diseases 

While not more prone, lively or energetic dogs may show symptoms of allergic bronchitis more readily during play, as breathing difficulties can become more noticeable with exertion.

It’s worth noting that dogs continuously exposed to cigarette, cigar and wood smoke, as well as harsh cleaning products and air fresheners, are at an increased risk of developing allergic bronchitis symptoms.

If you have dog insurance with Petplan and are worried that your dog is showing signs of allergic bronchitis, you can use our Pet Expert Chat to ask any non-urgent health questions. Just log in to your My Petplan account to speak directly with a qualified veterinary professional.

While not always preventable, you can reduce your dog’s risk of contracting allergic bronchitis by improving their environment.

• Avoid smoking near your dog
• Don’t use aerosols around them
• Limit exposure to wood-burning stoves
• Use natural, pet-safe cleaning products
• Invest in air purifiers to reduce air pollution
• Clean dusty areas regularly
• Consider replacing carpets with natural, hard flooring