Features

• Pneumonia in dogs can be caused by a viral or bacterial infection, or any substance (including water) that irritates the lungs. This can cause excess fluid in the lungs, which leads to pneumonia.
  
  

Main Symptoms

• Difficulty breathing is the number one symptom. You may notice the dog panting rapidly and coughing.
  
  

Other Symptoms

• Some symptoms are caused by a decrease in oxygen in the blood-stream. This causes paleness or a gray-blue color to the mucus membranes. If infection is the cause, the dog may have a fever.
  
  

Treatment

• Treatment for pneumonia in dogs depends on the cause. If bacterial infection caused the illness, for example, antibiotics will be given. Medications to relieve the lungs of excess fluid may also be given.
  
  

Warning

• Pneumonia in dogs is a serious illness that always requires veterinary care.