What is Smoke Inhalation?
There are different degrees of smoke inhalation in dogs, and how much smoke has been inhaled determines the various symptoms and required treatment options. When your pet inhales smoke, they are breathing in harmful chemicals, such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and cyanide. Inhalation of these chemicals affects delivery of oxygen to tissues, leading to many serious conditions—up to and including death.
Smoke inhalation is caused by the inhalation of dangerous chemicals found in smoke and soot caused by fire. The severity of the smoke inhalation largely influences the symptoms, treatment and recovery. When smoke inhalation occurs, the delivery of oxygen to tissues, especially in the lungs, is affected. Symptoms typically result from this lack of oxygen, including trouble breathing, irritated eyes, and extreme coughing or wheezing. Possible treatments include oxygen therapy, medications and rest.Smoke Inhalation Average Cost
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Average Cost
$1,500
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Symptoms of Smoke Inhalation in Dogs
The degree of smoke inhalation determines the severity of symptoms and likelihood of recovery. Some common symptoms to watch for include:
- Extreme coughing or wheezing
- Red, irritated eyes
- Lethargy and weakness
- Increased, difficulty breathing
- Inner mouth burns, swelling, or inflammation
- Foaming at the math
- Seizures
- Burns to the skin and eyes
- Singed or burnt hair
- Vomiting
- Abnormal behavior
Types
Smoke inhalation in dogs is largely classified by degree of smoke inhalation and chemical makeup of the smoke itself. What chemical components the smoke contains depend primarily on the type of burning material. The most fatal chemical component in a fire is carbon monoxide. There are three specific classes of inhalation injury:
- Inhalation injury focused in the upper airways
- Inhalation injury focused in the lower airways and pulmonary parenchyma
- System toxicity, caused by inhalation of toxic gases such as carbon monoxide and cyanide
It is possible to have multiple classes of injury, depending on the degree of inhalation and the composition of the fire.
Causes of Smoke Inhalation in Dogs
Most cases of severe smoke inhalation come from house fires. The fire causes chemicals in smoke and soot to be inhaled by the pet, restricting oxygen delivery to the tissues of lungs. Depending on the materials being burned, additional dangerous toxins—such as acrolein or cyanide—may enter the body.
Diagnosis of Smoke Inhalation in Dogs
When you take your pet to the veterinarian, be sure to tell them of all symptoms you’ve noticed and if you are aware of any possible smoke inhalation. Give them specific details to aid in their diagnosis. The veterinarian will conduct a physical exam and likely run blood and/or urine tests to determine the causation of the exhibited symptoms.
In cases of smoke inhalation, these tests will likely reveal cells that are experiencing an oxygen deficiency as a result of the various toxic chemicals inhaled. The veterinarian will then be able to determine the best course of treatment to help your pet heal. Treatments will vary depending on the severity of the smoke inhalation and any accompanying injuries. Additional concerns with smoke inhalation are any other burns or injuries associated with the fire from which the smoke was inhaled.
Treatment of Smoke Inhalation in Dogs
The course of treatment will depend significantly on the severity of the inhalation and damage to the airways, as well as any accompanying injuries that require treatment. There are a few treatment options that may be considered, depending on your dog’s individual condition:
- Oxygen therapy: Much like it sounds, oxygen therapy provides your body with extra oxygen to accommodate the oxygen deficiency from smoke inhalation.
- Antibiotics: The use of antibiotics can aid in pain management and overall recovery from smoke inhalation and other injuries.
- Anti-inflammatory medications: Anti-inflammatory medications can assist in relieving damage to the airways caused by smoke inhalation.
- Rest: As with any injury, rest will aid in recuperation.
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Recovery of Smoke Inhalation in Dogs
Post-treatment recovery and management will vary depending on the severity of the damage. Recovery time can range from a short period of time to a lengthy recovery period.
Through the recovery period there will be numerous check-ups with the veterinarian to monitor oxygen levels in the body, healing of airways, and overall recovery. One of the largest risks during recovery from smoke inhalation is the development of pneumonia as a result of the damage done to the lungs. Paying close attention to your pet and relaying any unusual activity or symptoms to your veterinarian can aid in your pet’s recovery.
Smoke Inhalation Average Cost
From 367 quotes ranging from $300 - $6,000
Average Cost
$1,500
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Smoke Inhalation Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Golden Retreiver
Roderick
3 Years
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0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Sneezing And Clear Mucus
We have a 3 year old golden retriever who was trapped in our burning house for about 15 whilst it was full of smoke. He came out looking absolutely fine and has been given anti inflammatory injection by survey, but has started to sneeze lot and seems lethargic and sad. Is this normal or should we be insisting on a follow up from the vet, he is full of beans when taken for a walk but goes downhill when satdoing nothing
Nov. 28, 2017
0 Recommendations
Good to hear that Roderick made it out of your home, many pets (and unfortunately people) are not so lucky. The problem with house fires is the smoke, but more specifically the type of smoke; there are many different types of building materials and furniture materials which may have been manufactured decades ago before certain building codes and regulations were put in place. Some types of smoke or vapours from different materials may cause a variety of different symptoms; I would recommend you visit your Veterinarian for a general examination, x-ray and blood tests to be on the safe side. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Nov. 29, 2017
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Walker coonhound
Toby
1 Year
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Runny Nose
Not Eating
Heavy Breathing
Excessive Drool
My dog was in a house fire, and he is breathing heavily, and just standing around. Sometimes he looks okay but sometimes he looks super bad. We are giving him antibiotics and oxygen and water and stuff to stop the swelling but he is not eating. Do you have any suggestions about what to do? Or how bad you think his condition may be? Please help. Also, he is a pretty big dog
Sept. 3, 2017
0 Recommendations
Smoke inhalation in dogs is thankfully uncommon but is very severe when it does occur; the mainstay of treatment is supportive and symptomatic care which may include oxygen supplementation, hydroxocobalamin (in case cyanide compounds were inhaled), albuterol (for bronchodilation) along with other care as needed (fluids etc…). Recovery can be slow, but I am unable to give you any specifics as I haven’t examined Toby and do not know how long he was exposed to the smoke for. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
www.msdvetmanual.com/toxicology/smoke-inhalation/overview-of-smoke-inhalation
Sept. 3, 2017
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Yorkie poo
Kloey
5yrs
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0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Runny Nose
Warm To Touch
Coughing And Gagging
I have a Yorkie poo, small 7lbs, she's 6yrs old. This evening she has started coughing and gagging like she's trying to clear her throat. To my knowledge there isn't anything stuck in there. She's warm to the touch, not really lethargic more than usual because she sleeps most of the time, her gums are warm and dark pink almost red. We have a wood burning fireplace and I'm concerned if maybe she inhaled smoke or if it's something else. Activity doesn't make it worse that I've noticed, but it just started this evening so I've not got much observation to go on. She's not on heartworm medicine either and hasn't had anyour preventative medicine for it at all. Any ideas other than just to monitor her and see if it worsens? Thanks.
July 26, 2017
0 Recommendations
Whilst the symptoms don’t match carbon monoxide poisoning; I will mention that if you have a wood burning stove, ensure that it is serviced annually to ensure you aren’t putting your life at risk, a small dog can be like a canary in a coal mine as they are more adversely affected by small amount of carbon monoxide than humans. Installation of carbon monoxide detectors can be life savers. Please read the Green Bay Press Gazette link below. Smoke, like anything from your wood burning stove shouldn’t leak and should go up the flue. Other causes of coughing and gagging maybe due to infection, fluid on the lungs, chemical irritants (did you change cleaning products recently?) or tumours. Whether you choose to monitor or visit your Veterinarian, I still recommend having your wood burning stove serviced and having carbon monoxide detectors in your home for precaution. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVMhttps://www.vetary.com/dog/condition/carbon-monoxide-poisoninghttp://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/story/news/2016/11/30/carbon-monoxide-poisons-three/94655972/
July 26, 2017
Unfortunately me and my dog are stuck living in an rv with a smoker. Now I'm worried about my little chihuahua, he has started to get a cough. It sounds like he has mucus. How can I help him? I have two air purifiers, try keeping the window open, and keep him away from the smoke. We are trying to get our own place. Any ideas to help him would greatly help.
July 26, 2017
Kimberly R.
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Smoke Inhalation Average Cost
From 367 quotes ranging from $300 - $6,000
Average Cost
$1,500
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