Activities For Dogs With Pneumonia

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Introduction

It’s scary and worrying, but sometimes dogs do get sick. Even after our best efforts to keep our beloved pets safe, happy, and healthy, but bacteria and viruses do not care about that. And that’s how your lovely pup got pneumonia. What now? There are a number of things you can do, but before you take matters into your own hands make sure that you understand the illness, that you consider this a high priority, and that you do not try to play doctor and diagnose your dog yourself. While your pup is ill, you will need to slow down physical activities altogether, yet still give them the mental stimulation that they need.

Understanding Pneumonia

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0 Votes
Any Day
Cheap
Normal
1 hr
Items needed
Computer
Activity description

When you notice that your dog is feeling under the weather, all you want to do is make them feel better. However, sometimes it is good to let them show you exactly what is going on. Now, that does not mean that you should leave them alone and passively observe, but instead be an active observer and figure out how to help them. This is where you need to be informed about what you are dealing with so you know what to tell to your vet when you take your dog to them. Look for the warning signs and symptoms, try to write down everything that you notice, and make sure that you completely understand that your dog is not pretending, but that they are actually feeling unwell. Have your pup snuggle beside you as you become informed.

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1
Symptoms
Pneumonia comes with its own set of symptoms that you might notice when you take a closer look. Coughing, lack of appetite, lethargy, and heavy breathing are usual warning signs. You may also notice nasal discharge, rapid breathing, and changes in your doggo’s behavior.
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2
Two Types
You should know that there are two types of pneumonia: bacterial and aspiration. Bacterial pneumonia is caused by bacteria, usually E. coli, staphylococcus, or streptococcus. Aspiration pneumonia, on the other hand, is caused by inhaling something, usually vomit, gastric acid, or food, and is not contagious.

Treating Pneumonia

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Any Day
Moderate
Normal
24 - 72 hrs
Items needed
Medicine
Activity description

Once you have acknowledged the symptoms of pneumonia in your dog, it is time to react quickly. First of all, never attempt to diagnose and treat your dog yourself, always seek professional help. Your vet will be able to properly diagnose the illness he sees in your dog and prescribe appropriate treatment for them. When you take your dog to a vet, they will perform a physical examination, listen to their lungs to check for wheezing sounds, and maybe order an x-ray to understand if the illness has spread. They also may ask for blood and fecal matter test to understand the full scope of illness.

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1
Antibiotics
Once your vet diagnoses pneumonia in your doggo, they will most probably prescribe an antibiotic to them. Antibiotics are medicines that fight bacterial infections, so being diligent and not skipping even one single dose is of vital importance.
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2
Additional meds
Your vet may also prescribe bronchodilators to your pup to help dilate their alveoli and help them breathe. In some, more critical cases, your dog may need oxygen therapy and even hospitalization, so it is important for you to stay calm to prevent your dog from having a panic attack in this case.
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3
Fight dehydration
As with any illness, when your dog lacks appetite they can very easily get severely dehydrated, so it is important to replenish the water and electrolytes. Sometimes they may need intravenous fluid, but if the situation is not as severe, you can give them water and watery snacks to replenish the water.

Preventing Pneumonia

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Any Day
Cheap
Normal
30 min
Items needed
healthy food
cleaning supplies
Activity description

The best way to cure an illness is to prevent it. An apple a day keeps the doctor away, the old proverb says. So, how to prevent this disease from striking your dog? Before anything, you need to be aware of it. Educating yourself and being as informed as possible will give you a good overview of what you have to do to prevent your doggo from getting sick. Regular vaccinations, regular vet checkups, clean surroundings, and awareness are 80% of the job already, so pay close attention to your doggo and other canines they are playing with. Allow your dog regular exercise, another important component of good health.

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1
Cleanliness
Cleanliness is next to godliness, they say. And in this case, it is absolutely true. Regularly clean your pup’s toys, their bed, and bowls that they are using, especially if an infected dog was around them, to stop the spread of bacteria. Replace toys as often as needed too, giving your dog mental stimulation as they explore the new toy.
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2
Vaccination
Be diligent when it comes to your dog’s health. Regular vaccination is of utmost importance, especially if your doggo spends a lot of time in the kennels and around other dogs. Take your dog to the vet regularly and let them advise you on the best ways of prevention.
Step
3
Awareness
Finally, be careful in everyday situations. Limit your dog’s interactions with stray dogs and dogs that you do not know to prevent contagion. Also, let your pet sitter or dog walker know that they should also be careful when they are taking care of your lovely puppo.

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Follow Up Visit

Recovery time can take a few days or even a few weeks, but when your dog gets better, follow up with your veterinarian to make sure that everything is okay. An additional x-ray may be needed, and all antibiotics should be gone. Your dog will appreciate the outing, especially after being home on recovery mode.

Healthy Habits

Most of all, be aware of your pet’s daily activities and diet. Make sure that they eat well, they eat healthy, and that they lead a healthy lifestyle so their immune system can be strong and protect them from diseases. 

Conclusion

As you can see, pneumonia is a serious illness that needs to be treated properly and promptly. Educate yourself on the signs and symptoms, know how to notice that your dog is unwell, and be prepared to go to the vet as soon as you realize that something is wrong. Be responsible with their meds and make sure that they actually take them, but most importantly, try to prevent your dog from getting sick in the first place!