Chronic Bronchitis in Dogs and Cats

Chronic bronchitis in dogs

In chronic bronchitis, the smaller airways in the lungs are inflamed over an extended period of time. Often, no clear cause can be identified. The most common symptom is coughing, which tends to worsen over the years. The earlier the condition is diagnosed, the better the chances of successful treatment.

Symptoms of bronchitis in dogs

Most dogs with bronchitis will cough. The condition is more commonly seen in smaller breeds and in middle-aged to older dogs. Being overweight also plays a role. The coughing may occur intermittently but has usually been present for more than two months. It typically starts as a dry cough, similar to a smoker’s cough. Over time, as mucus builds up, the cough may become more productive and rattling. In many cases, coughing is the only symptom.

How is the diagnosis made?

To diagnose bronchitis, a chest X-ray (covering the heart and lungs) is required. Other conditions can also cause coughing, such as heart disease or a collapsed trachea, so further testing may be necessary to determine the underlying cause.

How is bronchitis in dogs treated?

• Suppressing the cough is often important, as persistent coughing can further damage the airways. Avoid irritants such as aerosols or cigarette smoke, reduce excitement or barking, use a harness rather than a collar, and consider cough suppressants or codeine (though these are not always effective).
• Ensure your dog maintains a healthy weight or loses excess weight if needed.
• If coughing is severe, medication may be prescribed — usually anti-inflammatory drugs like prednisone. These can be administered as tablets, or via inhalation using a special inhaler system for dogs. Inhaled medication may include bronchodilators such as theophylline or salbutamol. If inhalation isn’t possible, theophylline is also available in tablet form.
• If a secondary infection such as pneumonia develops, it should be treated with antibiotics.

Life expectancy of a dog with bronchitis

Dogs with chronic bronchitis often require lifelong treatment to relieve symptoms and prevent further lung damage. If treatment is started too late, permanent damage to the lungs may occur. In that case, the prognosis is more guarded or even poor. Managing a dog with bronchitis can require long-term commitment from the owner.

Bronchitis and asthma in cats

Bronchitis and asthma are two conditions that can affect cats and are often used interchangeably due to their similar symptoms and treatments. Bronchitis involves inflammation of the small airways, often in response to irritants such as smoke or air fresheners. Asthma, on the other hand, is an allergic reaction in the airways that can trigger acute respiratory distress.

Symptoms of asthma or bronchitis in cats

Any cat can develop asthma or bronchitis, though Oriental breeds seem to be more susceptible. Common symptoms include bouts of coughing, laboured breathing, and asthma-like attacks.

How is the diagnosis made?

Just like in dogs, a chest X-ray is needed to confirm the diagnosis. Other issues, such as pneumonia, lungworms, or a foreign object (like a grass seed), can also cause coughing, so additional testing may be needed.

Treatment for cats with asthma or bronchitis

General advice includes avoiding environmental triggers and helping overweight cats lose weight. Supporting the immune system can also help — for instance, with Puur Resistentia.

Cats can also be treated with inhaled medication. A special feline inhalation system is available for this purpose. Treatment often combines a bronchodilator with an anti-inflammatory, allowing deeper penetration into the lungs. If inhalation therapy isn’t possible, injections or tablets may be used instead.

Prognosis for cats with asthma or bronchitis

If diagnosed and treated early, most cats can live well with asthma or bronchitis. However, if the lungs are already damaged (e.g. with emphysema), the prognosis is poor. A severe asthma attack can also be life-threatening. Managing these conditions can require considerable effort from the cat’s owner.

Do you have any questions about chronic bronchitis in your pet? Feel free to contact us at [email protected].