Diagnosis of Canine Asthma

Canine asthma can be related many different sources, each capable of causing an asthma attack.  Factors triggering an asthma attack can range from allergens, dust, or food, to environmental factors; such as mold, pollen, and smoke.  An asthma attack causes a spasm in a dog’s breathing airways, thus causing them to become inflamed and narrow.  Mucous fills the passageways, making it hard for the dog to breathe.

When diagnosing canine asthma, a complete physical examination is the initial step; including a review of present, as well as previous medical history.  X-rays of the chest and a blood workup will rule out other conditions that exhibit similar clinical symptoms.

Pet owners will be asked to keep a daily log, recording such information as the time attacks occur, location where attacks happen, severity of the attack, and activity level when the attack occurred.