Pneumonia in Dogs: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Pneumonia in dogs is relatively common and generally occurs secondary to various types of infection.  

Symptoms of pneumonia in dogs vary widely, but can include difficulty breathing, coughing, and lethargy.  

Without treatment, pneumonia can progressively worsen. 

If you think your dog may have pneumonia, call your vet immediately to get an accurate diagnosis and to start treatment to ensure the best outcome. 

What Is Pneumonia in Dogs?

Pneumonia in dogs is the irritation and inflammation within a pup’s lungs that results in the buildup of fluid within its air sacs.  

This compromises the normal exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide within the lungs, resulting in difficulty breathing.  

Pneumonia ranges from mild symptoms that affect small parts of the lungs to complete respiratory distress and an inability to breathe normally.  

Many cases of pneumonia in dogs require veterinary intervention immediately and should be treated as an emergency.  

Types of Pneumonia in Dogs 

The most common types of pneumonia in dogs include the following: 

• Bacterial pneumonia. This type of pneumonia is caused by bacteria, such as Bordetella bronchiseptica. It’s common among dogs who are often in frequent, close contact with other dogs (such as in boarding facilities).  

• Viral pneumonia. Caused by viruses, this type of pneumonia is common among unvaccinated dogs because they lack vital protection among the many viruses that can contribute to this infection, such as canine distemper.  

• Fungal pneumonia. This infection results when dogs inhale fungal spores and they cause inflammation in the dog’s respiratory tract. Blastomycosis is a type of fungal pneumonia. 

• Parasitic pneumonia. Parasites, such as lungworms, can migrate to the lungs and create inflammation and infection.  

• Aspiration pneumonia. If a dog accidentally inhales vomit or food, it can cause inflammation within their lungs. This type of pneumonia is common in dogs undergoing anesthesia since their normal reflexes are inhibited. 

Symptoms of Pneumonia in Dogs

Pneumonia in dogs causes many symptoms, ranging from mild to severe.   

The most common symptoms of pneumonia in dogs include: 

• Coughing 

• Labored breathing 

• Nasal discharge 

• Wheezing 

• Fever 

• Lethargy 

• Respiratory distress 

• Blue gums (cyanosis) 

How Do Dogs Get Pneumonia?

Pneumonia in dogs has several causes, and often a dog can have multiple types of pneumonia at once.   

Pneumonia can result from any of the following: 

• Inhaling foreign materials, such as food or vomit 

• Contracting a bacterial or viral infection through close contact with another dog 

• Inhaling fungal spores from the soil or the environment 

• Ingesting or inhaling parasite larvae or eggs from feces, soil, rodents, or contaminated water 

How Veterinarians Diagnose Dog Pneumonia

Vets perform several diagnostics to diagnose pneumonia in dogs, 

Typically, a vet will start with a physical exam and listen to a dog’s lungs with a stethoscope.  

Fluid in the chest may sound like crackles, wheezes and pops. Occasionally, the lungs are only quieter than normal. This symptom, combined with coughing or difficulty breathing, may lead a veterinarian to recommend additional diagnostic tests. 

Additional tests to help diagnose pneumonia in dogs include: 

• X-rays. By using X-rays, a dog’s lungs can be viewed to identify abnormalities, such as fluid or inflammation. 

• PCR testing. A sample of fluid is collected from your dog’s respiratory tract through a transtracheal wash or bronchoalveolar lavage. This fluid is sent to a laboratory to identify the presence of bacteria or viruses causing the infection. 

• Blood work. A small sample of blood is collected from a dog’s vein to identify signs of infection. It can also be used to check how well the dog is oxygenating his blood. 

• Pulse oximetry. A small device is placed onto your dog’s skin, generally on their ear or paw pad, to check the oxygen saturation of the blood. This tells your veterinarian whether your dog’s body is getting enough oxygen. 

• Bronchoscopy. Your dog is put under general anesthesia, and a small, thin tube is placed inside the mouth and gently guided down through the dog’s respiratory tract. This allows a veterinarian to check for areas of inflammation and collect fluid samples that can be tested to determine the underlying cause for the pneumonia. 

Dog Pneumonia Treatment

Treatment for pneumonia in dogs is determined based on the underlying cause.  

Many dogs with pneumonia also require hospitalization and supportive care to improve their condition.  

Potential treatments that may be given to a dog with pneumonia include:  

• Oxygen therapy 

• Fluid therapy (through the vein) 

• Breathing treatments, like Albuterol 0.083% (Generic) Nebulizer Inhalation Solution 

• Antibiotics, such as doxycycline 

• Antifungals, such as itraconazole 

• Bronchodilators, such as terbutaline 

Recovery and Management of Dog Pneumonia

Most veterinarians recommend the continuation of treatment for at least a week after resolution of clinical signs of pneumonia in dogs—using both patient symptoms and X-ray evidence. 

Veterinarians do not typically recommend cough suppressants for dogs recovering from pneumonia. Coughing is the body’s natural way to remove the infection and fluid within the airways. 

Dogs recovering from pneumonia benefit from a warm, dry environment. Always provide fresh, clean water (like from a bowl and/or water fountain) to encourage your dog to drink water and stay hydrated.  

Bring your dog to all veterinary follow-ups to monitor the dog’s condition and ensure treatment is working.  

Additionally, give your dog any at-home medications exactly as prescribed by the veterinarian to promote a quicker recovery.