Pet Asthma
due to inflammation and swelling. Excess mucous is produced also inhibiting the normal passage of air. Pets can suffer from allergies that result in asthma from the same allergens that cause asthma in humans. Pollen, cigarette smoke, chemical cleansers, dust and pesticides can contribute to asthma symptoms and chronic respiratory disease. Cold air can also cause asthma attacks. Cats suffer from asthma more often than dogs and cat litter can be a trigger. Symptoms of cat allergies can be persistent coughing—often mistaken for hairballs. Cats are also subject to exercise-induced attacks. Dogs too will suffer from a persistent cough along with wheezing, sneezing and lethargy. Poor appetite and weight loss are also symptoms of asthma. In extreme cases, the dog’s gums and tongue may turn blue. Young and middle age dogs are more likely to suffer from asthma. Veterinarians will usually order pulmonary x-rays and blood tests. It is important to rule out worms, infections, cancer or heart disease as causes or contributors to your pet’s symptoms. Other diagnostic procedures include the tracheal wash and the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) in order to extract lung fluid for examination. Both procedures must be done under general anesthesia. The lung fluid may show signs of abnormal cells, fungi or bacteria. Removal of possible irritants can be the first step in reducing asthma symptoms. If you smoke, do it outside away from your pet. Fireplace smoke, scented candles and air fresheners may also need to be avoided. Mold and mildew that collects around showers should be eliminated and ”think green” when using household cleaning supplies. Dust and pollen levels can be reduced by Hepa vacuum and air filters. Hard flooring instead of carpet is also recommended. Litter dust allergies can be reduced by changing litter brands. Yesterday’s News, Feline Pine or crystal type litters may help. Just remember that cats can be particular, so introduce new litter slowly by mixing it with the existing litter at first. Pets that are allergic to pollen should stay inside during high pollen periods. Traditional medical treatment for your pet may include bronchodialators, steroids and antihistamines. Albuterol is one of the most commonly prescribed bronchodilators and is not FDA approved for pets. Albuterol should not be used routinely, only when your pet is suffering from an allergy attack. Bronchodilators can be given in pill form, injected and compounded in chews and gels. Bronchdialators like Proventil®, Ventolin®, and Salbutamolcan be administered through inhalers like AeroKat® and AeroDawg®. Corticosteroids such as prednisone (prednisolone) may be prescribed in pill form. Because of the medication’s bitter taste oral administration can be difficult. Some compounding pharmacies will prepare the medication in a transdermal gel formula. The gel must be rubbed into the earflap by gloved hands. Compounded steroid VetChews® which come in a variety of flavors may be also be given in lieu of pills. Steroids like Flovent®, Flixotide® are administered through inhalers and may avoid many of the side effects associated with steroid pills like increased appetite, water intake and urine output. Unfortunately, these steroids may take up to a week to take effect. Corticosteroid injections may be given for pets who suffer only occasional asthma. While steroids can be administered safely for short-term treatment, long-term steroid use should be avoided. Long-term steroid use can lead to heart problems like hypertension and water retention; hair loss, bruising, acne and thinning of the skin; infertility, birth defects and growth stunting; ulcers and pancreatitis; immune suppression making your pet more susceptible to infection; liver disease, obesity, osteoporosis, muscle weakness, hyperactivity, lethargy, glaucoma, cataracts and thromboembolism Antihistamines can also be used to clear excess mucous and fluid from the lungs. Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is one of the most common antihistamines recommended for dogs and cats. The ASPCA recommends using antihistamines as a preventative measure before exposure to allergens. Be careful when giving your pet over the counter medications, cats cannot tolerate the ingredient pseudophedrine. Consult your veterinarian for dosage and guidelines.
Dogs with asthma may benefit from a cold mist humidifier. Aromatherapy may also help. Peppermint and eucalyptus oils can be administered via an aromatic diffuser. Remember, keeping your pet optimally healthy is your best defense against asthma. In dogs especially, obesity is a factor in the frequency of asthma attacks. Additional natural therapies that may alleviate the symptoms of asthma include: • Herbal medicines (naturopathy) • Homeopathy • Acupuncture A combination of herbal and homeopathic ingredients such as Inula helenium, Althea officinalis, Mag phos, Kali mur, Arsen alb and Phosphorous can be used to promote respiratory health and relieve pet asthma symptoms without the harsh side effects associated with many conventional pet asthma treatments.
researcher Sheli Ellsworth Helpful Supplements for Pet Asthma |
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