Aspiration Pneumonia in Dogs

Coughing and vomiting are common occurrences in dogs—but did you know that both can be signs of a much bigger and potentially life-threatening condition known as aspiration pneumonia?   

Fortunately, aspiration pneumonia in dogs is easily diagnosed and can be treated.  

Let’s look at how inhalation pneumonia in dogs occurs, how vets diagnose and treat it, and how you can prevent this extremely debilitating disease. 

What Is Aspiration Pneumonia in Dogs?

Aspiration pneumonia in dogs is characterized by lung inflammation caused by inhaled food, regurgitation, or vomit that makes its way into a pup’s airways and into the lungs. 

This typically occurs when there is an underlying issue with a dog’s normal reflexes (swallowing and pushing material down the esophagus).  

This condition can involve obstruction of the large airways and result in acute respiratory distress (ARDS) if large particles are inhaled. Aspiration pneumonia in dogs a life-threatening medical emergency and if you believe your dog is experiencing this, bring them to an emergency veterinary hospital immediately.   

Normal Anatomy vs. Abnormal Anatomy 

When a dog swallows, the tongue, soft palate, and epiglottis work together to close the space leading into the trachea (larynx) thereby allowing food to enter the esophagus and into the stomach and intestines. When swallowing, there’s a momentary stop in breathing to ensure that food travels down the correct path of the esophagus.  

With aspiration pneumonia, this process does not function properly, so food and liquid make their way into the larynx, down the trachea, and into the lungs.   

Food particles that are inhaled can block small airways leading to an inflammatory response, which produces mucus and constriction of the airways. As a result, coughing and wheezing and difficulty breathing ensues. 

Additionally, when aspiration involves stomach contents, including stomach acid, the stomach enzymes cause severe inflammation, constriction and even ARDS.    

Lastly, bacterial pneumonia may develop, which can cause progressive clinical symptoms and widespread disease.  

Symptoms of Aspiration Pneumonia in Dogs

Common symptoms of aspiration pneumonia in dogs may include: 

• Vomiting 

• Regurgitation 

• Difficulty swallowing  

• Coughing 

• Exercise intolerance 

• Fever 

• Nasal discharge 

• Difficulty breathing or respiratory distress 

• Increased respiratory rate and effort, often with an abdominal component 

• Cyanotic or blue gums and tongue 

Causes of Aspiration Pneumonia in Dogs

Causes of aspiration pneumonia in puppies include: 

• Bottle-feeding puppies too quickly 

• Providing food when a pup is unable to swallow properly 

•  Cleft palate in puppies, which causes milk to enter the nasal cavity and to the lungs. 

The most common cause of aspiration pneumonia in adult dogs is regurgitation due to a dilated esophagus. 

Regurgitation may occur as a result of stress or anesthesia especially in brachycephalic breeds such as:  

• Boston Terriers 

• Pugs 

• Bullmastiff 

• Cane Corso 

• Boxer 

• English Bulldogs 

• American Bulldogs 

• French Bulldogs 

• Dogue de Bordeaux  

Other causes of aspiration pneumonia in dogs include:  

• Pharyngeal abnormalities (local paralysis, focal myasthenia gravis, and traumatic nerve damage)  

• Esophageal abnormalities 

• Congenital defects and abnormalities  

• Generalized neuromuscular disease 

• Forebrain disease 

• Seizure 

• Trauma 

• Laryngeal paralysis  

• Altered consciousness, sedation, anesthesia (during or in recovery) 

• Severe metabolic disorders 

• Force-feeding 

• Improper feeding tube placement  

• Trauma  

How Veterinarians Diagnose Aspiration Pneumonia in Dogs

Aspiration pneumonia in dogs can cause shock. Affected dogs may require intensive care to stabilize them. 

If your dog does not have any signs of respiratory distress, your vet may order blood work to look for an infection. Your veterinarian may also request X-rays as aspiration pneumonia can be detected by distinct patterns.  

If your dog is in respiratory distress, a vet will ensure there is no visible obstruction by performing an oral exam to look in the mouth and the back of the throat. If a large obstruction is suspected, a bronchoscopy (where a camera is passed down into the lungs) can be performed. Your vet may also recommend an arterial blood gas test to measure your dog’s oxygen levels. 

To diagnose aspiration pneumonia in dogs, your vet will perform a tracheal or a bronchoalveolar wash (an anesthetic procedure where sterile saline is flushed into the airways and then suctioned back) to collect a sample of cells in the trachea or lungs.  

Because aspiration pneumonia in dogs can be caused by an underlying condition, your vet may order additional testing. 

Treatment of Aspiration Pneumonia in Dogs

In severe cases of aspiration pneumonia, your dog may need to be hospitalized at a 24-hour facility.

This facility can provide an oxygen cage, bronchodilators to open airways, intravenous (IV) fluid therapy and antibiotics, and anti-nausea and gastrointestinal motility medications—such as Cerenia, ondansetron, and metoclopramide.

In mild cases, outpatient therapy may be possible. 

The key to treating pneumonia is to not stop therapy before its completion. Treatment can last between two and eight weeks, depending on the severity and underlying cause of the aspiration pneumonia.   

Recovery and Management of Aspiration Pneumonia in Dogs

The typical recovery time for a pup with aspiration pneumonia is at least 10 days after symptoms end.  

Make sure to follow your veterinarian’s recommendations in terms of exercise, diet, and medication administration.   

Cough medication may be required if your dog’s cough is incessant or affecting your pet’s ability to sleep. 

Your pup’s physical activity will probably be restricted during this recovery time. To keep your pup from getting bored, try food puzzles or timers. 

While your pet is recuperating, keep him comfortable with a warm dog bed. 

Ensuring your pup receives proper nutrition is important for recovery. Your vet may recommend a veterinary diet that’s easier to digest.  

Feeding small amounts of canned food may ease your dog’s ability to swallow.  

Prevention of Aspiration Pneumonia in Dogs

Prevention and prognosis of aspiration pneumonia in dogs greatly depend on the underlying cause.

If the underlying cause is serious, and there is a high likelihood for more infections, then the prognosis is poor. 

However, there are several things you can do to help prevent some of the more common causes of aspiration pneumonia. This includes:

• Using a slow feeder, such as the PATPET 2.4G WiFi Slow Feeding with Desiccant Bag Timed Automatic Dog & Cat Feeder. 

• If your dog is undergoing an anesthetic procedure, be sure to follow your vet’s fasting recommendations.  

• Have your dog examined as soon as possible after several bouts of vomiting.

• Manage your dog’s seizures as best as possible.

• If you’re giving your pet medication, make sure they swallow fully after each medication and give time in between them.

• Prior to feeding, ensure that your pup is conscious and able to swallow.

• If bottle or tube feeding, be sure you’re giving the milk or food in the correct manner.