What is pneumonia?
Pneumonia is a condition within your dog’s lower respiratory tract characterized by the accumulation of fluid containing mucous, inflammatory cells and microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses or fungi. Depending upon the severity of the pneumonia and speed of treatment, pneumonia can be life-threatening.

What will pneumonia look like in my dog?
The symptoms of pneumonia include a wet cough, wheezing, difficulty breathing, purple or grey tongue, purple or grey gums, fever, dehydration, loss of weight, nasal discharge, and sometimes increased salivation.

How does my dog get pneumonia?
Pneumonia can result from bacterial, viral or fungal infections. However, of these three types of infection, bacterial (such as kennel cough) is the most common. Pneumonia may also be triggered by irritants. These irritants include fluid in the lungs as the result of another medical condition – most commonly heart disease – or by toxins such as smoke and chemical vapors. Finally, if food, saliva or other foreign bodies make their way into your dog's lower respiratory tract this can cause a type of pneumonia called aspiration pneumonia.

How is pneumonia diagnosed?
A physical examination will confirm respiratory disease. Diagnostic tests such as blood analysis, chest radiographs and MRI are used to confirm and assess the cause and severity of the pneumonia. Your vet may also take a sample of your dog’s respiration secretions to help determine the underlying cause of the pneumonia.   

How is pneumonia treated?
Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Most often, your dog will be given oral antibiotics for several weeks. If your dog is suffering from a severe case of pneumonia, he may have to be hospitalized for supportive care including intravenous fluids, bronchodilators and supplemental oxygen via a nasal tube or oxygen cage.

How is pneumonia prevented?
The prompt treatment of any respiratory condition may prevent the onset of pneumonia.

Can I get pneumonia from my dog?
No, you cannot contract pneumonia from affected dogs.