Once a dog has been positively diagnosed for asthma, treatment can be initiated. The most common treatment options include:
If you are able to positively identify the airborne allergen that is causing asthma attacks in your dog, begin attempting to limit your dog's exposure to this allergen. If your dog shows adverse respiratory symptoms when exposed to cigarette smoke, try to promote smoking only outdoors. If a household cleaner is suspected to be the cause, try switching to a natural product. If your dog shows signs of being allergic to pollen, try to keep your dog indoors, and invest in a high-quality air filter.
It's been proven that the use of a humidifier in the home can help reduce asthma attacks (both in dogs and in humans) by a significant amount. Humidifiers are usually reasonable in cost, and can help increase the humidity level in your home to up to 40%.
This is a commonly used medication that may help treat asthma in dogs. Aminophylline acts to relax the chest and lung muscles, which then promotes easier breathing. Another effect of Aminophylline is that it may reduce the sensitivity of a dog's lungs to airborne irritants and allergens. The main ingredients of Aminophylline are theophylline and ethylenediamine, usually used in a 2:1 ration. Possible side effects include excitement, anxiety, excessive eating/drinking, diarrhea and vomiting.
This medication is relatively effective for treating asthma in dogs. It works primarily as a relaxant for the muscles in the airways, and is used to treat asthma in many different animals. Though Terbutaline Sulfate is not currently approved for use in animals by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), it is prescribed legally by some veterinarians, as an "extra label" drug. Possible side effects include increased heart rate, negative interaction with some other medications, and tremors.
Since the administration of nebulizers is no longer approved as an effective treatment for asthma in dogs, some veterinarians are turning to antihistamines or steroids as a treatment option. This may be used in combination of metered-dose inhalers that are specially designed to fit over a dog's muzzle.
The medications used in metered-dose inhalers are usually bronchial dilation medications, which act to relax the muscles surrounding a dog's airway. In combination with antihistamine or Steroid therapy, this treatment procedure has proven to be relatively effective.