Dogs don’t often have asthma problems; asthma is more commonly seen in cats. Siamese are especially susceptible to asthma attacks! You may not notice the first few attacks.
Signs of an asthma attack:
- Coughing
- Crouching low and extending head and elbows — this is the animal trying to make more space for the lungs to expand
- Straining to breathe
- Gasping
- A lack of oxygen will cause the gums to turn purple
If your pet is having an asthma attack, she needs the veterinarian as soon as possible. Call your vet and get moving.
Before you reach the vet’s, there are a few things you can do to help keep your pet comfortable. Get her into a cool and quiet place. The cooler temperature reduces the body’s need for oxygen; the peace and quiet will help slow the metabolism. Try to provide fresh air — open a window or bring her out of the place where the attack started. Many asthma attacks are triggered by something in the environment, like dust, fumes, or smoke. Try not to hold your pet — physical contact during an asthma attack can be an extra source of stress and anxiety.
If your pet loses consciousness, you will need to give artificial respiration.
There are lots of things you can do to help prevent future attacks.
- Figure out what triggers the attacks — is it a certain air freshener? Is it your hair spray? Is it the cigarettes you smoke? Keeping your pet away from the triggers will help reduce the number of attacks.
- Switch to an unscented and dust-free litter.
- Avoid feather toys and feather pillows that can trap dust.
- Switch to an uncovered litter box — the cover can trap dust and other asthma triggers.
- Run a humidifier during dry months. Cool, humidified air can help make breathing easier.
- Run an air purifier/air filter to clean dust, pollen, and other airborne particles out of the air in your home.
Most pets with asthma need to take medication regularly. Make sure your pet gets the dose she needs at the right interval, and keep emergency medication on hand if necessary.