Pneumonia in Dogs: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

A cough that does not go away, plus fever and labored breathing, can signal pneumonia, a condition that needs prompt veterinary care.

What it is

Pneumonia means inflammation and fluid or pus in the lungs, which interferes with oxygen exchange. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites or inhaled material.

Types and causes

• Infectious: bacteria and viruses, sometimes following kennel cough. See kennel cough in dogs
• Aspiration: inhaled food, liquid or vomit, common with megaesophagus, vomiting, sedation and swallowing problems. See megaesophagus in dogs
• Fungal: from environmental fungi in some regions
• Parasitic: lungworms and others
• Inhaled irritants or smoke

Signs

• Cough, often moist or soft
• Fever and lethargy
• Fast, shallow or labored breathing
• Reduced appetite
• Nasal discharge
• Blue or pale gums in severe cases
• Exercise intolerance

See dog coughing causes.

Emergency signs

Go to an emergency vet if your dog is struggling to breathe, has blue or gray gums, collapses or breathes with an open mouth while resting.

Who is at higher risk

• Puppies and seniors
• Dogs with megaesophagus, laryngeal paralysis or swallowing disorders
• Flat-faced breeds. See brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome
• Dogs recovering from surgery or anesthesia
• Dogs with weak immune systems

Diagnosis

Your vet will listen to the lungs and may recommend chest X-rays, bloodwork, oxygen measurement and sometimes a tracheal wash or culture to choose antibiotics.

Treatment

• Antibiotics selected for the likely or confirmed cause
• Oxygen therapy if needed
• Intravenous fluids to support hydration
• Nebulization and coupage to loosen secretions
• Anti-nausea and appetite support
• Hospital care for severe cases

Follow up with repeat X-rays as advised, since signs can fade before the lungs have healed.

Home care

1. Give all medication as directed.
2. Rest your dog and limit activity.
3. Keep the environment smoke-free and comfortable.
4. Encourage drinking and eating.
5. Monitor breathing rate and call if it rises.

Your vet can show you how to count breaths per minute while your dog is asleep. See dog normal vital signs.

Prevention

• Keep up vaccinations. See dog core vs non-core vaccines
• Treat vomiting and coughs promptly
• Manage swallowing disorders with your vet
• Avoid smoke and fumes
• Keep dogs with infections away from others

Common mistakes

• Waiting to see if a cough clears
• Stopping antibiotics early
• Skipping rechecks
• Giving human cough medicine

Troubleshooting

• My dog coughs after vomiting: call your vet, as aspiration is possible.
• Breathing is faster at rest: check the rate and call.
• My dog improves then worsens: book a recheck.

A simple plan

1. Note breathing and cough changes.
2. Seek veterinary care.
3. Follow treatment.
4. Recheck as advised.

Real-life examples

A puppy develops pneumonia after kennel cough and recovers with antibiotics and rest. A dog with megaesophagus has repeated aspiration episodes and needs stricter feeding routines. A retriever inhales smoke and receives oxygen. Early care helps.

Recovery takes time

Healing can take weeks. Keep following your vet's guidance even after your dog looks better.

Counting breaths at home

Count how many times your dog's chest rises in 30 seconds while he is sleeping or resting, then double the number. Healthy dogs usually take around 15 to 30 breaths per minute at rest, though some variation is normal. A rate that stays consistently higher, or that rises over a day, is a reason to call your vet.

Recovery and follow-up

Your vet may ask for repeat X-rays after treatment to confirm the lungs have cleared. Keep exercise gentle, avoid exposure to smoke and cold drafts and return for rechecks even if your dog seems well. Rushing back to normal activity is a common reason pneumonia returns.

The takeaway

Pneumonia is serious but treatable. See a vet promptly for cough with fever or fast breathing.

This article is general educational information, not veterinary advice. Every dog is different. If your dog is unwell, or you are unsure about a symptom, diet change or medication, contact your veterinarian.