Do dogs and cats get bronchitis? The short answer to this is yes, but if you’re probably looking for a bit more information than that! Bronchitis means inflammation of the bronchial tubes in the lungs. There are several reasons why this might occur, with a few differences between cats and dogs. 

We’re going to explore bronchitis in more detail, including its causes, signs to look out for, and some possible treatment options. Read on to find out more… 

What is bronchitis? 

Bronchitis in both cats and dogs is caused by inflammation of the bronchial tubes in the lungs. These tubes are the major passageways that allow air to flow down from the trachea (windpipe) into the lungs. They are made from cartilage, smooth muscle, and mucous membranes, which helps give them shape while remaining flexible. They are lined with cilia and mucous, which help to trap dust, debris, and potential pathogens. Air passing through the bronchi is filtered, warmed, and moistened. 

If these passageways become inflamed, they struggle to perform normally. Bronchitis can be acute (sudden onset and short-lasting) or chronic (an ongoing condition lasting more than 2 months) in nature. Acute bronchitis may resolve with appropriate treatment, whereas chronic bronchitis is likely to require ongoing therapy and management. 

What causes bronchitis… 

…in dogs? 

Acute bronchitis in dogs is usually caused by an infectious disease. Bacteria like Bordetella bronchiseptica (a common cause of ‘kennel cough’) and Mycoplasma species can cause inflammation of the bronchi. Viral causes include canine parainfluenza and distemper. Lungworm, a type of parasite, can cause inflammation in the respiratory tract. We can also see acute bronchitis because of environmental irritants like cigarette smoke, dust, or chemical fumes. 

Chronic bronchitis is caused by long-term inflammation of the airways. Common causes for this include allergies, continuous exposure to environmental irritants, immune system disorders, or structural airway abnormalities such as tracheal collapse. Chronic bronchitis is more common in middle-aged to elderly dogs, especially small breeds. 

…. in cats? 

Acute bronchitis can be caused by infectious agents like feline herpesvirus (FHV) and feline calicivirus (FCV). As with dogs, acute bronchitis can also be triggered due to environmental irritants like smoke, dust, and chemicals. Parasitic infections like lungworm can also cause inflamed airways in cats, which can lead to chronic bronchitis over time. 

Chronic bronchitis occurs due to long-term inflammation of the airways, which is usually due to allergies (feline asthma) or continued exposure to environmental irritants. Young to middle-aged cats are most commonly affected. 

What are the symptoms of bronchitis? 

Classic symptoms of bronchitis include – 

  • Coughing – the intensity of the cough and frequency can vary. The cough may be dry and hacking, or moist and productive. A persistent cough is one of the most classic signs of chronic bronchitis in dogs. However, in cats, coughing is only seen infrequently, and there may be long periods between any coughing episodes. 
  • Wheezing and breathing difficulties – some pets may have issues breathing due to the inflammation in their airways. Your pet may have more laboured breathing than normal, using their abdomen to help move air. You may also notice more rapid or shallow breaths than normal. 
  • Difficulty exercising – Exercise intolerance may be seen, with affected pets tiring more easily than normal or struggling to keep up. Your pet may seem generally more lethargic than usual. 
  • Pale mucous membranes (cyanosis) – severely affected pets may have pale mucous membranes due to lack of oxygen delivery. This is known as cyanosis. 
  • Open-mouth breathing – This can be a sign of severe respiratory distress, especially in cats. 
  • Changes in appetite – Affected pets may eat less food than usual. 
  • Fever – If there is an infectious cause of the disease, a fever may be seen. Your pet may feel warmer than usual, be lethargic, or have changes in thirst and appetite. 
  • Vomiting – some pets may vomit, especially after a prolonged coughing fit 

How is bronchitis diagnosed? 

Physical examination 

A physical exam is the first thing that your vet will need to do. They will listen to your pet’s chest to check for abnormal noises, laboured breathing, or an increase in respiratory rate. They will also assess the colour of your pet’s gums and check their temperature. Depending on their findings and your pet’s symptoms at home, they may suggest some more tests. Some milder or acute cases may only require monitoring or supportive treatment. 

Blood tests 

Blood tests can often be helpful. This can help to rule out other health conditions but may also give clues, such as changes in inflammatory markers. Blood can also be checked for lungworm antigen. 

Diagnostic imaging 

There are various diagnostic imaging tools that can be used to build a picture of your pet’s airways. 

X-rays give an overall impression of the quality of your pet’s lung fields and may help to rule out other concerns like tumours or heart disease. Ultrasound scans provide ‘real-time’ images of your pet’s chest, which can help to look for issues like fluid, areas of infection, or heart abnormalities. 

Bronchoscopy can be very useful in these cases. This involves passing a small camera down your pet’s airways to visualise them for inflammation or other changes. Samples from the airways can also be taken during bronchoscopy. 

Sometimes advanced diagnostic imaging, like CT scans, may be required. A CT scan uses X-rays to produce a 3D image, providing more detail than a traditional 2D X-ray. 

Except for ultrasound, a general anaesthetic is often required for diagnostic imaging to get good-quality images. The exact tests your pet will need may depend on your vet’s findings, your vet practice facilities, and your budget. Your vet will be able to advise you further. 

Other laboratory tests 

Samples may be taken from your pet’s airways to send off to the laboratory for analysis. Microorganisms may be cultured, and the sample can also be checked for inflammatory cells. This can be collected via a bronchoalveolar lavage (flushing a small amount of sterile fluid into your pet’s airways and suctioning it back out again). Sometimes swabs taken from your pet’s upper airways can be helpful too, particularly if infectious diseases are suspected. 

Faecal samples may be recommended if lungworm is suspected. 

What are the treatment options for bronchitis in cats and dogs? 

The exact treatment needed will depend on whether your pet is suffering from acute, self-limiting bronchitis or whether they have chronic bronchitis, which needs long-term management. Treatment may include – 

  • Corticosteroids – Used to help control inflammation. 
  • Bronchodilators – To help open airways, making breathing easier 
  • Antibiotics – Occasionally, antibiotics are required, especially if your pet as acquired a secondary infection or is showing signs of pneumonia 
  • Cough suppressants – Occasionally, cough suppressants are needed to help reduce coughing episodes and make your pet feel more comfortable 
  • Mucolytics/expectorants – these help to thin the mucous in your pet’s airways, making it easier for them to cough up and swallow 

These medications are usually administered as follows – 

Inhaled treatment  

In cases of chronic bronchitis, your vet may recommend an inhaler for your pet. This allows medication to target the inflamed airways directly, minimising side effects that are commonly associated with some long-term systemic medications (like tablets or injections).  

Corticosteroid therapy is commonly prescribed in an inhaler to help control inflammation and ease symptoms. Sometimes bronchodilator medication is also required to help relax and open airways. With positive association training, most pets will quickly learn to accept their inhaler, which is administered through a spacer and soft face mask. 

Oral or injectable medication  

If your pet is suffering from acute bronchitis, then a short course of oral medication may be prescribed. This can help make pets feel more comfortable during their recovery. 

A small percentage of cats and dogs with chronic bronchitis may never accept an inhaler, so they may need oral medication instead. Your vet will discuss dosing and any potential side effects with you. In a small number of cases, injectable medication may be recommended if your pet doesn’t accept tablets. 

What things can I do to support my pet with bronchitis? 

As well as making sure your pet receives any medication they have been prescribed, you can further support them through – 

Environmental changes  

You may need to improve your pet’s environment. This includes not smoking around them, dusting and cleaning regularly, and avoiding using irritants like spray deodorants or scented candles. 

Considering steam therapy  

Creating a steam room by running a hot shower in a closed bathroom can help to loosen the mucus in your pet’s airways. Some vets may suggest using a nebuliser as an alternative. 

Keeping your pet at a healthy bodyweight  

A lean, healthy bodyweight will stop excess pressure on your pet’s airways. Being overweight can make respiratory problems worse. 

Summary 

Both cats and dogs can suffer from bronchitis to varying degrees of severity. Different underlying causes can trigger this, including infectious disease, allergies, and structural airway issues. Your vet will be able to give you more detailed advice and a treatment plan, based on their assessment of your pet. 

If you have concerns about your pet’s breathing, then make sure to contact your vet. It is important you ring them straight away if your pet is struggling to breathe, they are very lethargic, or they have pale gums. Respiratory distress is a true emergency, so if in doubt, ring a professional for help.