Dog Asthma Medicine

Dogs, like humans, can suffer from asthma, also known as allergic bronchitis or allergic airway disease. During these attacks, a dog’s airway becomes inflamed and narrows, making breathing difficult. Asthma can cause your dog’s throat to spasm and contract. It can be a very traumatic situation for your dog and should be treated with care. 

Asthma in dogs is a chronic condition and attacks can be triggered by environmental circumstances. Just like in humans, canine asthma can be triggered by allergens, smoke, or excessively dry or humid air. 

Signs that your dog may be suffering from chronic asthma attacks, include difficult or rapid breathing (often sudden), wheezing, loss of energy or appetite, and bluish gums.

If you suspect your dog may be suffering from asthma, contact your vet. They can properly assess your dog’s condition and prescribe a canine asthma treatment to improve their symptoms. 

Diagnosing asthma should only be done by a veterinarian. It typically involves ruling out all other possible causes of your dog’s symptoms, including infections, heart diseases, and heartworm. They may also want to examine further with an x-ray. 

Has your vet prescribed a prescription dog asthma medicine? Dutch makes it easy to fill with our online pet pharmacy. Plus, Dutch members get free shipping on pharmacy orders.

It is possible that your vet may prescribe an over-the-counter dog asthma medicine. These are typically the same medications we commonly see in asthma treatment in humans. Common antihistamines like Benadryl, Zyrtec, and Claritin may be used as a dog asthma treatment, but you should only use these if instructed to do so by a veterinarian.

There are some albuterol inhalers that are used as a dog asthma treatment. Albuterol causes airways to relax and can help open up your dog’s airways in the event of an asthma attack. It’s unwise to use an albuterol inhaler for humans; only use a dog asthma inhaler as prescribed by your vet. 

Other common dog asthma treatments come in the forms of pills and liquid medication. Your vet may prescribe Albon Suspension (Rx), a liquid given orally, as an asthma treatment for your dog, or pills like prednisone or Temaril-P (Rx).

If your dog’s asthma is triggered by allergies, Benadryl may be an effective dog asthma medicine. When a dog’s allergies are triggered, its body produces a substance known as histamine, which can cause allergy symptoms, including asthma attacks. Benadryl works by preventing the production of histamine, eliminating allergy symptoms. 

Before giving your dog Benadryl, consult your vet. They can advise on dosage and more.