Most people are familiar with asthma in humans, but many are unaware that pets can suffer from this condition as well. Asthma in pets can cause severe symptoms and should be treated as soon as possible. Bring your pet to see a vet at Suburban Veterinary Clinic in Maple Heights, OH, if it has shown symptoms of asthma.
How Animals Get Asthma
The way that asthma impacts pets is similar to the way it impacts humans. While cats are the most likely to experience asthma symptoms, dogs and many other types of animals can suffer from asthma as well. When pets experience an asthma attack, it is usually due to an allergic reaction. When a pet inhales allergens, it can trigger an immune response that causes airways to become inflamed. This can cause the airways to swell and constrict, making it difficult for your pet to breathe.
How Pet Asthma Is Diagnosed
Symptoms of pet asthma include wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. Heavy panting can also be an indicator of asthma, especially if your pet pants for long periods. Our veterinarian will conduct a range of tests, including X-rays, blood work, and mucus samples to determine if your pet's symptoms are being caused by asthma or another health condition. Several health conditions can cause respiratory distress in pets, such as respiratory infections like colds and flu, and heartworm disease. We'll get to the bottom of what's causing your pet's symptoms so that we can provide suitable treatment.
How a Vet Can Help
There's no cure for asthma, but there are plenty of things we can do that will make your pet's condition easier to manage. Since asthma attacks are usually triggered by some sort of allergen, we'll work with you to identify the allergens that are causing your pet’s respiratory distress. We can also provide you with medication that you can use to relieve your pet's symptoms during an asthma attack
Schedule an Appointment with Our Veterinarian in Maple Heights, OH
With preventative measures and treatment, you can minimize the impact that asthma has on your pet. If you're worried that your pet has asthma, bring them to see a vet at Suburban Veterinary Clinic in Maple Heights, OH. Call us today at (216) 662-6117 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
