Dogs and Pneumonia

Been researching on pneumonia in dogs ever since two of ours got diagnosed with it recently. I found this site where you can ask questions about dogs and other experienced dog owners can help you out with the answers--

Expert: Patti

Date: 7/11/2004

Subject: dogs-pneumonia

QuestionA friend recently got a puppy who came down with double pnumonia. She is currently being treated, but how long will it take before she is 100%? Now her other dog has begun to cough, will he recover quicker if it is treated sooner? how long should I keep my dogs away for?

Answer

Hi Meredith, The outcome of dogs with pneumonia is largely dependent on the cause of the pneumonia and the severity of the infection. It can take at least 2-3 days before the antibiotics to begin working. Tell your friend to follow the directions which the vet has given, and be sure to dispense all of the medication, and the puppy should have a total recovery. Antibiotics are usually given for at least three weeks, but that can go longer depending on the dog's clinical results. Regarding your second question, yes, a quick diagnosis will lead to a quick recovery, with less possibilities for complications. If the other dog is coughing, it should be taken to see the vet as soon as possible. It may have been exposed, and pneumonia is very contagious. Ask the vet how long to keep the dogs separated. Keep the puppy warm and dry and see that he gets plenty of water to drink while he's healing from pneumonia. If your friend has a moist air humidifier, place it near where the puppy spends a lot of time, as the moist air will help him breathe easier. (Make sure the humidifier is kept clean). Tell
your friend not to over-exercise the puppy; allow only what your puppy can tolerate. Do not allow the puppy to get short of breath during exercise/activity. Use a harness instead of a collar; this is less restricting to the neck, and will allow the puppy to breathe easier. The puppy should not be around people who smoke. I hope I've been a help.

Best of luck,

Patti

http://experts.about.com/q/Dogs-701/dogs-pneumonia.htm