Symptoms of Canine Asthma

Canine asthma is a respiratory illness that causes an afflicted dog to incur breathing problems.  Dogs with asthma can often dogs be seen having coughing spasms and shortness of breath, due to irritation in the airway passages.  Canine asthma can affect a dog of any age, but is usually a disease associated with middle-age. 

Many factors can contribute to canine asthma including:

• Artificial Flavorings or Colorings
• Environmental Factors
• Dust
• Food
• Scents
• Second-hand Smoke
• Stress

The most common signs of asthma include coughing, difficulty breathing, lethargy, panting, wheezing, and general discomfort.  In cases of acute asthma attacks or breathing distress, a dog's gums can turn to shades of blue or purple.  Behavioral changes and changes in food consumption may also be exhibited by a dog with asthma.  Appetite loss or general disinterest in food will eventually lead to weight loss.