Is your dog wheezing, snorting, or having trouble catching his breath? While it might seem totally harmless when your dog’s huffing about and making funny noises, it could actually be a sign that there’s something more serious going on. So, the next time your dog is breathing heavy, wheezing, or snorting take note. Here’s what you need to know about your pet and respiratory health.
Why Respiratory Health Is So Important For Your Dog
You know you need to breathe to live. It’s no secret! And so does your dog. But, Fido? His respiratory system works a bit differently than yours does. It’s responsible for breathing, delivering oxygen throughout his body, sure. But, it’s also responsible for regulating his temperature. That’s right, your dog’s lungs help keep him cool and prevent him from overheating. And that’s exactly why it can be beneficial to provide your dog with a little extra support where his lungs are concerned.
What Can Cause Respiratory Illness In Dogs
There are a host of health issues that could be to blame if your dog is having trouble breathing. Some respiratory issues are the result of genetics since certain breeds are more prone to breathing trouble than others. But, there are some things that are known to cause respiratory issues for dogs of all breeds.
- Sudden changes to your dog’s diet can affect his breathing. If you’ve recently switched diets and notice your dog is wheezing, that could be the culprit.
- The weather can also affect your dog—if he’s constantly cold or the air is humid or damp, it can cause your dog to have breathing trouble.
- Stress can cause breathing problems for your dog. Your dog can have a very physical reaction to stress and in many cases, if he’s tense and anxious your dog could have a hard time catching his breath.
- Poor air quality can make it hard for your dog to breathe. Whether there are lots of allergens floating around in the air, you live in a smoggy city or your pet is exposed to smoke, there are numerous air-borne particles that can affect your pet and his lung health.
- As your dog ages, it may become harder to breathe. Senior dogs may experience difficulty breathing as they get older, and it’s a natural part of the aging process.
- Seasonal allergies may cause your dog to have trouble breathing. While many people assume all dog allergies involve itchy skin and lots of scratching, they can also affect your pet and his respiratory health.
How To Help Your Wheezing Or Coughing Dog
There are plenty of things you can do at home to support Fido and his respiratory health. Here are some things that may help respiratory issues from affecting your pet:
- Make sure your pet gets plenty of exercise: You know how important aerobic activity is to keep you and your lungs healthy, right? The same is true for your dog. He needs to get out there and move on a daily basis to help keep his lungs strong, and sometimes a leisurely walk isn’t going to cut it. Make an effort to get your dog to the park where he can run freely and safely. Or, try an agility course that will get his heart rate up and test his lungs!
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Keep your home clean: Make sure your dog is able to breathe freely in your home by sweeping and vacuuming your home regularly. Take time to clean any fabric surface that allergens and other lung irritants can cling to, and include any of your pet’s belongings on your to-clean list.
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Avoid heavily scented products: Another great way to make your home a safer space for your dog is to avoid using particularly odorous products, aerosols, and other substances that can irritate your dog and his lungs. He has a sensitive nose, and strong smells or fine mists can cause your dog to wheeze, cough, or have trouble breathing.
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Support your dog’s immune system with a supplement: The best way to help his respiratory system to stay strong is to make sure he has a robust immune system that’s able to protect his body. Support your dog’s immune system by adding a supplement to his diet that’s full of antioxidants that can help to fight free radicals that can cause oxidative stress.
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Keep a close eye on your dog after he’s been socializing: Kennel cough is incredibly contagious as are other respiratory illnesses. If your dog has been to daycare, the dog park, or stayed at a pet sitter’s place where there are other animals, make sure your dog hasn’t caught anything once he’s back at home.
- Regulate the temperature: Your dog needs to pant to keep himself cool. If he’s constantly warm and forced to pant and pant and pant, it can seriously stress out his respiratory system. Help your pet keep cool by regulating the temperature, and providing him with a place he can go to chill out and recover his breath.
Pet Honesty Products That Promote Respiratory Wellness
If you want to support your dog’s respiratory health with supplements, Pet Honesty has some products that can help. Make sure your dog is eating a balanced diet filled with nutritious foods first and then add Allergy Support Chews to his dog dish. They are formulated with Colostrum to help promote a healthy histamine response.
Sources:
https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/health/understanding-the-canine-respiratory-system/
