FIRST AID:
dyspnoea
breathing difficulties Joanne Bibby – Fursafe®
This is called Dyspnoea – essentially it is the inability to get sufficient air into your lungs. Every cell in your body needs oxygen in order to live. The brain depends on oxygen to perform even the most basic functions. Without it, the brain quickly ceases to function. Therefore, no air, no life. Now; imagine the exact same circumstance for your dog. You see your dog having difficulty breathing, gasping for air and close to stopping altogether. Were their signs? Perhaps infectious diseases such as kennel cough, pneumonia, canine influenza, upper respiratory infections or symptoms of tick paralysis? As a ‘Pawrent’ it is important to be vigilant where your dog’s breathing is concerned. If you know how your dog looks and behaves when they are fit and healthy, you will be able to recognise when their health is deteriorating or failing.
CAUSES There are a multitude of conditions which can cause laboured breathing – from medical to environmental. It may be chronic and already diagnosed or it may appear to have come out of nowhere! As dog owners we have a responsibility to monitor our dog’s health. Fursafe® advocates a weekly health surveillance protocol – undertaking regular health assessment examinations in the home will reduce the risk of an environmental consequence taking hold e.g. tick paralysis, bites and stings, chemical absorption or inhalation.
Pixabay
Have you ever struggled to breath? If you have, you will know how terrifying it can be. Your eyes become wide in panic, you lean forward gasping for air, aware you may pass out at any time. The fact is it can be life threatening.
concerned with your dog’s ability to breath, it is imperative you seek the advice of your Veterinarian without delay. Medical conditions rising out of chronic or acute disfunction can include:
• • • • • • • •
Tumours Cancer Heart Failure Blood clots Bronchitis, Pneumonia Kennel cough, Influenza Kidney failure Narrowing of the airway from toxic chemical inhalation • Medical Shock Trauma from vehicle impact or a fall from heights can include injury to the dog’s:
• • • • •
Lungs Brain Spine Heart Electric shock
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS Your dog may show some or all of the following:
It is also recommended to maintain consistent 6 and/ or 12 monthly Veterinary health checks to help your pet maintain good health.
While at rest
The following list is not exhaustive so if you are
• There could be foaming / frothing at the mouth
20
DOG WORLD June 2022
• Your dog is struggling to breathe, may pant
abnormally or displays noisy rapid breathing
