A surprising number of dogs suffer from asthma, which is a disease that is frequently treated by both emergency and specialized veterinarians. Below are some of the most common symptoms and treatment costs of asthma in dogs.
Medications and therapy for asthma allow your dog to get control of the condition and reduce its influence on his or her daily activities. Usually, the cost of asthma treatment in dogs can range between $300 to $600 (including inhalers and medication costs).
The medication your veterinarian recommends for your dog’s asthma will depend on the severity and recurrence of the episodes that he or she encounters. Your veterinarian may recommend anti-inflammatory drugs to help reduce your pup’s symptoms and avoid any permanent harm to his or her lungs.
Factors affecting the cost of asthma in dogs
Dog asthma treatment depends on the following factors:
- Dog’s age: The dog’s age determines the overall asthma treatment cost. Treatment of older dogs is way more than for younger dogs.
- Vet experience: Experienced pulmonary vet specialists costs you more than the average vet.
- Location: The location also matters; some states are more costly than others.
- Type of treatment: Usually, asthma treatment includes the cost of an inhaler, and medications both have different price ranges:
- Inhaler: $50 to $300
- Medications: $100 to $500
Does pet insurance cover the cost of asthma treatment in dogs?
Keep in mind that whether or not dog asthma treatment is covered by pet insurance depends depend on the coverage/plan. Since the majority of pet insurance policies do not cover pre-existing diseases, if your dog has previously been diagnosed with asthma, there is a large gamble that it will not be covered even if you buy extra riders for your policy.
More about Asthma treatment Medication Administered to Dogs
Fluticasone propionate (Flovent), and albuterol sulfate (Ventolin), are common drugs administered to your pup via inhalation in case of asthma. If an asthma attack occurs, these drugs can be administered as fast-acting rescue inhalers. Alternatively, one of these medications, albuterol, can be taken as a daily preventive inhaler.
Do not give your pet the inhaler you use for yourself since the amount and drug within might be fatal for them.
Teaching your dog how to use an inhaler properly may be challenging. Your veterinarian may also prescribe anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs to lessen inflammation in the lungs in order to assist your dog in breathing easier and decrease the risk of irreversible damage to the lungs.
Tip: Always check with your pet’s veterinarian before beginning a new prescription for your animal companion.
Dog Asthma: Recognizable Signs and Symptoms
Here are various indicators of an asthma attack in dogs:
- Bluish tongue
- Short, shallow breaths
- Abrupt, labored attempts to breathe
- Persistent hacking cough
- Wheezing
- Tiredness
- Fatigue
Make an appointment with your vet as soon as possible if you see any of these symptoms in your dog. If they cannot assist you, you may be required to phone or go to the office of an emergency veterinarian.
When you take your dog to the veterinarian’s office, the veterinarian and vet techs will evaluate it and do specific tests to check its respiratory system. Additionally, an X-ray of your dog’s chest will most likely be performed to identify the location of any illness present there.
Inhalers for asthma—are they safe to use on dogs?
Yes. They are safe to use on dogs. For example, Albuterol sulfate can assist in relaxing the muscles in the dog’s airways, which in turn improves the dog’s ability to breathe. To make it easier to give your dog’s asthma medication, your vet could recommend inhalers with masks made especially for canines.
Never provide medicine to your pet without first discussing it with your dog’s veterinarian. Several human drugs are harmful to dogs, and the doses delivered by an inhaler can vary substantially from one use to the next.
What can I do to prevent an asthma attack in my dog?
Tobacco smoke, some cleaning agents, pollen, and mold are four of the most frequent allergens that might trigger an asthma attack in a dog. If you are aware of the allergen that triggers asthma attacks in your dog, the most effective step you can take to assist in preventing attacks is to steer clear of the allergen. The fewer times your dog is exposed to the allergen, the lower the probability that your canine companion will experience an allergic reaction.
Conclusion
Dogs with asthma may incur expenses of $300 to $600 for treatment (including inhalers and medication costs). Asthma medications and treatment help your dog feel better and live a more normal life. Try to consult your vet before giving any medications to your pup on your own (in case of asthma).
