Pneumonia in Dogs: Symptoms, Treatment and At-Home Care

Reviewed by Dr. Fiona Lee

Dogs with labored breathing and a deep cough could have canine influenza or kennel cough, but pneumonia is also possible. These symptoms, along with fever, runny nose, lack of appetite and lethargy, are all possible signs that your dog has pneumonia.¹

Parasites, viral infections and inhaled irritants can cause pneumonia. Regardless of the cause, pneumonia in dogs requires immediate treatment to prevent it from causing serious complications.²

What Is Pneumonia in Dogs?

Pneumonia in dogs is caused by inflammation of the lungs and airways, leading to trouble breathing and lack of oxygen in the blood.² Watch for these symptoms of pneumonia in dogs:³

• Increased respiration rate and effort
• Coughing
• Fever
• Runny nose
• Trouble exercising
• Lethargy
• Dehydration
• Weight loss
• Lack of appetite
• Nasal whistling or wheezing

How Do Dogs Get Pneumonia?

The most common cause of pneumonia in dogs is an infection in the respiratory tract. The infection can be from bacteria, viruses or fungi. It's also possible for dogs to get pneumonia from breathing fluid (or another irritant) into their lungs, which clogs the lungs.¹

Types of Pneumonia in Dogs

There are several different types of pneumonia in dogs:

• Viral pneumonia: Influenza, parainfluenza and canine adenovirus type 2 are among the viruses that can cause viral pneumonia. Viral pneumonia can be caused by a single virus or multiple viruses.¹
• Bacterial pneumonia: Bacteria like Bordetella and Streptococcus are the most common bacteria that cause bacterial pneumonia. Bacterial pneumonia is more common when a dog also has a virus or other illness that makes them more vulnerable to bacteria. Dogs that take immunosuppressive drugs or have immune diseases are at increased risk of bacterial pneumonia.¹
• Fungal pneumonia: This type of pneumonia in dogs, also called mycotic pneumonia, occurs when there is a fungal infection in the lungs. Fungal pneumonia is often spread through inhaled spores, not passed between animals.²
• Aspiration pneumonia: Dogs that inhale bacteria or other foreign material (like liquid medicines or vomit) and dogs with cleft palate or disorders like megaesophagus are at increased risk. Inhaling these foreign materials causes inflammation in the lungs and airways.²

Is dog pneumonia contagious?

Infectious pneumonia is contagious and dogs can spread it to their canine friends. Other forms of pneumonia in dogs, including aspiration pneumonia and fungal pneumonia, are not contagious.¹

Dogs with infectious pneumonia should not go to dog parks, groomers or kennels. In multi-dog households, the dog with infectious pneumonia should be separated from the other dogs, and all bedding, bowls, collars, leashes, toys and other pet items must be disinfected to prevent infectious pneumonia from spreading.¹

Diagnosing Pneumonia in Dogs

Your veterinarian will do an exam to look for signs like trouble breathing, runny nose and fever and use a stethoscope to listen for wheezing and crackling sounds in the lungs to diagnose pneumonia in dogs. X-rays might be needed to check for inflammation in the lungs and airways.²

When veterinarians suspect bacterial pneumonia, they often perform a nasal or throat swab or a tracheal lavage. In a tracheal lavage, they flush the respiratory tract with sterile fluid and then collect it back to obtain a sample for bacterial culture. Some vets will also perform a bronchoscopy, which involves sedating the dog and passing a small camera through their airways to collect cells from the respiratory tract.¹

If your dog has symptoms of pneumonia, take them to the vet right away. An early diagnosis can ensure your dog gets proper treatment to alleviate their symptoms and prevent more serious issues from developing.³

Dog Pneumonia Treatment Options

The treatment for pneumonia in dogs depends on the cause.

Antibiotics are the recommended treatment for bacterial pneumonia;⁴ antifungal medications are used to treat fungal pneumonia.² Your veterinarian may also recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories to control fever and pain.¹

In severe cases, dogs with pneumonia might need to be hospitalized and receive oxygen and intravenous fluids to ease their symptoms.⁴

Even if dogs are receiving treatment for pneumonia and their symptoms seem to be improving, don't skip follow-up appointments. Regular monitoring, including repeated chest X-rays, is essential for monitoring the progression.⁵

At-Home Treatments and Care

Pneumonia in dogs requires professional veterinary care, but there are a few things you can do at home:¹

• Provide a warm, dry environment.²
• Use a humidifier to deliver a warm mist to the lungs. No humidifier? Close the bathroom door, run a hot shower and let steam fill the room for 15 minutes to help break up mucus in the lungs.
• Make sure your dog gets plenty of rest.
• Offer regular meals and cool water to promote good nutrition and hydration.
• Follow your vet's instructions.

Tips for Preventing Pneumonia in Dogs

There is no surefire way to prevent your dog from getting pneumonia, but there are steps you can take to reduce their risk:

• Vaccinate dogs against diseases like parainfluenza, canine adenovirus type 2, Bordetella and other diseases that can cause pneumonia.¹
• Provide a healthy diet and regular exercise to help your dog maintain a healthy immune system.
• Give oral medications slowly to prevent aspiration pneumonia.²

When To Seek Emergency Care

Dogs with pneumonia can struggle to breathe. Seek emergency veterinary care if your dog is having difficulty breathing, puffs out their cheeks, can only take shallow breaths or pants incessantly. Check your dog's gums and tongue—a bluish tint means there's a lack of oxygen, which is an emergency.⁶

It's important to get immediate attention if you suspect your dog has pneumonia. Left untreated, pneumonia in dogs can lead to serious complications.²

The sooner your dog gets an accurate diagnosis and treatment for pneumonia, the sooner they can feel better.

Pets Best Is Here To Help

Recognizing the symptoms of pneumonia in dogs and seeking immediate veterinary care can help your pup feel better. In addition, making appointments for regular checkups and preventive care to keep your dog healthy and vaccinated helps reduce their risk of pneumonia.¹

Pets Best offers dog insurance plans that can be customized for your pet's unique needs, and policyholders can speak to a veterinary expert anytime through a 24/7 Pet Helpline. This can be a big help when you have questions about the symptoms or treatment options for pneumonia in dogs.

Sources/ Citations

1. “Dog Pneumonia: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments," Stephanie Gibeault (1/2024), American Kennel Club, https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/dog-pneumonia/
2. “Pneumonia in Dogs," Ned F. Kuehn (6/2018), Merck Veterinary Manual, https://www.merckvetmanual.com/dog-owners/lung-and-airway-disorders-of-dogs/pneumonia-in-dogs
3. “Symptoms of Pneumonia in Dogs & How It Is Treated," (5/2021), Carolina Veterinary Specialists, https://www.matthews.carolinavet.com/site/pet-health-blog/2021/05/14/pneumonia-in-dogs-causes-symptoms-treatments
4. “Treating Bacterial Pneumonia in Dogs and Cats," Curtis G. Rheingold and Lori S. Waddell (8/2024), Today's Veterinary Practice, https://todaysveterinarypractice.com/respiratory-medicine/treating-bacterial-pneumonia-in-dogs-and-cats/
5. “Pneumonia in Dogs and Cats," Caroline C. Tonozzi (2/2022), Merck Veterinary Manual, https://www.merckvetmanual.com/respiratory-system/respiratory-diseases-of-small-animals/pneumonia-in-dogs-and-cats
6. “How to Recognize and Treat Pneumonia in Dogs," Fleur Jones (9/2023), Veterinary Emergency Group, https://www.veterinaryemergencygroup.com/post/pneumonia-in-dogs