My dog's pneumonia is worse. Can I use albuterol with a nebulizer?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I'm so sorry to hear Axel has pneumonia. Albuterol is not typically used to treat pneumonia, as albuterol treats spastic bronchoconstriction, which isn't comming with pneumonia. Antibiotics are the mainstay of treatment for pneumonia, as well as nebulization (steam therapy) and gentle coupage (tapping on the chest during steam therapy to help break up congestion). If he is on antibiotics, then making sure he is taking them appropriately and eating well will be the most important things. If he starts having difficulty breathing, I would have him re-evaluated right away, as pneumonia can lead to respiratory distress. Good luck!

If your pup is having a lot of trouble breathing and you are concerned he is in respiratory distress, then I would have him seen by a vet as soon as possible. It's always fine to have your dog checked out by a vet if you are very concerned. Otherwise, I'd wait the three days and see if he improves before taking him back into the vet. I hope he feels better soon!

I'm sorry Maggie has pneumonia! You can try using a humidifier or bringing her 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. As for the antibiotic, because you aren't sure if she ate it or not, I would wait for the next dose. Try hiding it in some peanut butter or boiled white meat chicken (no bones), and stay with her to make sure she swallows it and doesn't spit it up. You may have to put the pill in the back of her throat to ensure she swallows it. I will put a video below on how to do this. If she goes into respiratory distress, i.e. has trouble breathing, then I wouldn't wait until Monday to bring her back into the vet and I would rush her into an ER vet right away. Best of luck, I hope this helps! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3yHgItqGmo

Hello, and I'm sorry to hear that Layla has been unwell. Her dose of antibiotic does not seem inappropriate. It is possible that the antibiotic choice is incorrect. Since she is not improving, your vet may recommend a change of medication, or consider blood work and chest x-rays to rule out pneumonia, which may require other treatments such as IV fluid therapy and IV antibiotics. In the meantime, you can try a humidifier, or saline nasal sprays to help loosen secretions in her nasal cavity. Your vet may also suggest a cough suppressant to help improve her comfort. I hope this helps, and that Layla starts feeling better soon!

Poor Moca - he is having a tough time! A suspect pneumonia which has not responded to regular treatment should be x-rayed in order to determine any complicating factors and also be tested for parasites. A swab of fluid from the airways may also need to be cultured in order to determine the type of infection

I'm sorry to hear Furo is feeling so unwell. If he is so weak that he is unable to eat or walk it would be best to keep him at the vet so that he can be hospitalized and treated with IV fluids to help regain his strength while the antibiotics work. He may need more intensive care than you can provide at home, especially if his pneumonia is bad and he is unable to breathe well. If you cannot keep him hospitalized, talking with your vet to see if you can start giving subcutaneous fluids at home may help him some. Wet foods that are warmed up may also be easier to eat and can provide both nutrition and hydration for him as well.

Hi there and thank you for using pet coach to address your concern. If your puppy is not improving after being on medications for a week or is worsening, I would schedule a recheck with your vet. Sometimes switching to a different antibiotic may help. The particular antibiotic that your puppy is on may also cause growth defects, but this is rarely seen. I typically use Clavamox or doxycycline for Respiratory bugs in puppies. Another alternative treatment your vet might consider, is initiating nebulization therapy to help relieve some of the symptoms your puppy is experiencing. I hope this helps and I hope your puppy gets better soon! Please contact me if you have any other questions or concerns. I am also available via consultation if needed. Please remember to write this post as helpful or not. Thank you!