Treatment Instructions for Bronchitis in Dogs

Why does my dog need an inhaler?

Bronchitis causes swelling of the airways and mucus buildup in the lungs. Most dogs with bronchitis have a harsh, dry cough that may reduce their ability to exercise.

For dogs with frequent and persistent symptoms, treatment often involves administering corticosteroids, which reduce inflammation that occurs with bronchitis. One way to give corticosteroids is by inhaler (or puffer), which delivers the steroids directly to the lungs.

Why is inhaled medication better for my dog than oral medications?

Long-term oral corticosteroid use in dogs often produces harmful side effects, including diabetes mellitus. By administering steroids with an inhaler, the risk of side effects is greatly reduced.

Is there a specific type of inhaler for dogs, and how do I use it?

The inhaled medication used to manage bronchitis in dogs is a human medication, but it must be delivered using a special aerosol chamber designed for dogs (AeroDawg). The inhaler canister attaches at one end of the chamber, and a soft face mask covers the dog’s mouth and nose at the other end of the chamber.

Fluticasone propionate (Flovent®) is the most commonly used inhaled corticosteroid. Your veterinarian will discuss treatment with you and prescribe the best medications for your dog’s condition. Most dogs readily accept the aerosol chamber and inhaler with little anxiety or nervousness, and administration of the medication takes only a few seconds.

To help your dog stay calm while receiving their inhaled medications, introduce the mask slowly, over about a week. You can try putting a few kibbles or treats in the mask for your dog to eat, then having your dog breathe room air through the mask without the inhaler, which will make it much easier to medicate your dog in the future. Dogs may need one to two weeks of oral medication to initially control their bronchitis, so you can use that time to help your dog accept the inhaler.

Your veterinarian will demonstrate the safe and correct use of the inhaled medications and the aerosol chamber.

Instructions for Administration of Medication

Your dog has been diagnosed with bronchitis and will require long-term medication for this condition, possibly for life. It is essential that you follow the appropriate instructions for this treatment. The instructions that are specific to your dog have been checked below.

_____ Your dog was given an injection of corticosteroids. Relief should be apparent within 12–24 hours. If water consumption or urination increases, inform your veterinary team. These side effects are common with steroid administration and will go away in a few days without treatment. Long-term use of corticosteroids in dogs may lead to serious side effects.

_____ Return for further evaluation when your dog’s coughing increases again. To monitor their heart and lungs, count how many breaths your dog takes while sleeping. If this number increases consistently, their condition could be worsening.

_____ Your dog has been prescribed an inhaled corticosteroid medication.

• Give _____ puffs of ____________________ every _____ hours/days.

_____ Your dog has been prescribed oral corticosteroids. The specific drug dispensed for your dog is labeled on the bottle. Give the medication as directed. Report any increase in water consumption to your veterinary team immediately.

• Give _____ tablet/capsule/mL(s) of ____________________ every _____ hours.

_____ The oral corticosteroids prescribed for your dog will require a dose adjustment to reach the minimum effective dose once symptoms are under control. If instructions for lowering the dose aren’t on the label, call your veterinary team for instructions.

_____ Your dog has been prescribed oral bronchodilators. The specific drug being dispensed for your dog is labeled on the bottle.

• Give _____ tablet/capsule/mL(s) of ____________________ every _______ hours.

_____ Return for a follow-up appointment and recheck examination in _______ days/weeks. If your dog experiences any worsening, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Inhaler Instructions

1. Verify that the inhaler you are using matches your veterinarian’s current prescription. Inhaled bronchitis medications come in several sizes and concentrations.
2. Remove the safety cap from the asthma medication inhaler.
3. Shake the inhaler well for 5 to 10 seconds, then insert it into the right end of the aerosol chamber.
4. Place your dog somewhere they are comfortable: on your lap, a soft surface, or kneel beside them on the floor, near a wall, where you can prevent them from moving away from you.
5. Place the aerosol chamber mask around your dog’s nose and mouth. Ensure that you have a good seal around your dog’s face. You may need to hold their mouth closed.
6. Deliver one puff of medication into the chamber. If your dog reacts to the noise, try delivering the puff while holding the chamber away from your dog, then placing the mask over their nose and mouth.
7. Hold the inhaler mask in place for five to six breaths. Watch the indicator tab on the chamber to know if your dog took a deep enough breath to inhale the medication.
8. Repeat the process if your pet requires more than one puff. Administer only one puff at a time.
9. Wipe your dog’s face with a damp cloth after administration to remove any residue.
10. Follow your veterinarian’s recommendations regarding the frequency of administration as prescribed above.
11. Reward your dog with praise and a treat after dosing.

Be sure you know when to replace your dog’s inhaler. Most inhaled medications are metered to show how many doses are left. Monitor the number of remaining doses, so you do not run out. If you are unsure, shake and test the puffer before administering it.