My dog has bronchitis, on meds, still breathing hard. What can I do?

If the bronchitis is secondary to infection, then the antibiotics should resolve the infection. Once the infection is resolved, the inflammation should resolve as well. The "other medicines" may be anti inflammatory meds and possibly cough meds which will help relieve symptoms.

If the respiratory signs got worse despite the treatment given, I would recommend another check up today (am) to make sure the condition has been diagnosed correctly and no other treatment need to be added. It is very important to rule out any possibility of heart disease as well.

The duration will depend on the underlying cause. Infectious bronchitis may last 2-3 weeks with a cough persisting for longer. If the bronchi has an inflammatory cause, it can last much longer. Ideally, Tucker should be physically examined by your veterinarian to diagnose the cause. Antibiotics, anti-tissues and anti-inflammatory medications can be dispensed or administered as indicated.

If nothing else has helped for the bronchitis, I have to wonder is it bronchitis for sure? Could it be anything else? X-rays, heartworm Test, CBC, parasite check are all important. If your vet has ruled out everything else, then yes, you could try an antihistamine to see if there is an allergy component. If not, a lot of people have luck with trying an inhaler with their dog. You are lucky to be in Canada and not here in the States as inhalers are a lot less expensive there! They are used with a mask and spacing system.

A blood test may be able to indicate any infections present but the vast majority of cases do have a low grade infection due to the trauma and injury associated with prolonged coughing and do benefit from a course of antibiotics if unwell. I would also recommend a course of prednisone to settle the condition and allow the inflammation and irritation to reduce and natural antiinflammatories may be considered to try to maintain the condition thereafter. The side effects of steroids are generally dose and time related and short courses are of limited risk of side effects compared to the benefits produced

This difficulty breathing could be related to his bronchitis, but the conformation of his nostrils and soft palate could be contributing to it as well. Because of his flat face, Jax will have an undersized throat and breathing passages, and when there is inflammation in the airways, it will be even harder for him to breathe. If he's congested, he may need bronchodilator, and you'd have to speak to your vet for a prescription for that. At home, you you can also try using a humidifier or bringing him into the bathroom with the door closed while you take a hot shower - the steam and humidity help to break up congestion and temporarily relieve symptoms associated with respiratory infections. When he's better from the bronchitis, it would be worth a discussion with your vet about his facial conformation. If he has stenotic nares, an elongated soft palate, and everted laryngeal saccules, having surgery done to correct this things will help with his breathing in the future.

Please have Lola seen by a vet immediately. Pugs as a breed can be predisposed to respiratory issues, and difficulty breathing in a pet dealing with bronchitis could be extremely dangerous. Please have her seen right away. If your regular vet isn’t open please go to a 24 hour clinic. Call them to let them know you are on your way if possible so they can prepare. Best of luck! Hope Lola feels better soon!