How Can Your Pet Catch Pneumonia?

Pneumonia is a condition characterized by inflammation of the lung. While there are several ways your pets can contract this condition, it’s important to get them treatment as soon as possible. But in order to know that your pet needs treatment, you need to be able to identify the symptoms. The sooner the veterinary specialists at VCA-VRA can get your pet tested for pneumonia, the sooner we can begin treatment and get your pet breathing correctly again!


If you’re concerned that your pet has contracted pneumonia, contact our Maryland veterinary hospital today!

What Is Pneumonia and How Can Your Pet Contract It?

Traditionally, pneumonia is more common in dogs than cats. Pneumonia is an inflammation of your pet’s lungs, which leads to an inability to oxygenate blood, lethargy, shortness of breath, excessive mucus, coughing, and heavy breathing.

The leading causes of pneumonia among pets are infectious organisms, like:

• Bacteria
• Fungal organisms
• Viruses
• Parasites
• Protozoa

If your pet has contracted pneumonia, they will usually exhibit the following symptoms:

• Moist or productive cough
• Rapid breathing rate
• Discolored nasal discharge
• Loud breathing sounds
• Depression
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss

If your pet has any combination of these symptoms, contact us immediately so we can conduct a pneumonia test and begin treatment.

Pneumonia Treatment in Cats and Dogs

The veterinary experts at VCA-VRA search for pneumonia with a multi-pronged approach. The first thing we will need to know is if you have traveled with your pet recently. Since certain parasites and fungi that can cause pneumonia vary based on region, this will help us narrow down potential causes.

The first test is a complete blood count. This is used to evaluate the body’s response to infection by assessing the numbers and types of white blood cells present. This will help us determine what is infecting your pet. Next we will take x-rays of your pet’s chest. We can determine the most likely cause of pneumonia by looking at the radiographic pattern found on the x-ray.

Once we’ve located the cause of the condition, we’ll begin treatment. Some animals with pneumonia require treatment in the hospital, particularly those patients that are dehydrated and/or require oxygen therapy. In addition to these treatments, animals often receive chest physiotherapy to help remove excess secretions from the lung and improve breathing.

The final steps are antibiotics. Each pneumonia-causing organism requires a specific pharmaceutical treatment. Our highly-trained internal medicine specialists will accurately prescribe the correct treatment.

Maryland Veterinary Hospital

If you suspect your pet has contracted pneumonia, contact us today! Our veterinary experts will get your furry friend back to their healthy self in no time.

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