Can Dogs Get Pneumonia?
This deep lung infection causes a wet cough, fever and fast breathing. Do not wait to seek help.
Yes, dogs can get pneumonia, an infection or inflammation deep in the lungs that makes breathing hard. It can follow a respiratory infection like kennel cough or canine flu, or result from inhaling food or liquid. Signs include a wet cough, fast breathing, fever and lethargy. Pneumonia is serious and needs urgent veterinary treatment.
Symptoms to Watch For
| Sign | What you might notice |
|---|---|
| Wet cough | A deep, moist or productive cough |
| Fast, hard breathing | Rapid or labored breaths, even at rest |
| Fever | A raised temperature and feeling off |
| Lethargy and appetite loss | Weakness and refusing food |
| Bluish gums | A sign of low oxygen, an emergency |
Common Causes
How it develops
- A bacterial or viral infection, often after another respiratory illness
- Aspiration, from inhaling food, vomit or liquid
- A fungal infection in some regions
- Higher risk in puppies, seniors and dogs with other conditions
It often takes hold when a milder infection such as a cold or kennel cough settles into the lungs, especially in a vulnerable dog.
What to Do
- See your vet urgently. Pneumonia needs prompt diagnosis and treatment.
- Follow the plan. Give antibiotics or other medicines exactly as prescribed.
- Support recovery. Provide rest, water and easy-to-eat food.
- Add humidity. Steamy air can help loosen secretions, if your vet agrees.
- Finish treatment. Complete the full course even once your dog seems better.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes pneumonia in dogs?
Pneumonia can be bacterial or viral, often developing after a respiratory infection like kennel cough or canine flu. It can also be aspiration pneumonia, caused by inhaling food, vomit or liquid into the lungs, and less commonly a fungal infection. Puppies, seniors and dogs with other illnesses are most at risk.
What are the signs of pneumonia in a dog?
Watch for a deep, wet or productive cough, fast or labored breathing, fever, lethargy, loss of appetite and a bluish tint to the gums in severe cases. A dog may stand with elbows out and neck extended to breathe more easily. These signs need prompt veterinary attention.
Is pneumonia in dogs serious?
Yes, it can be. Pneumonia interferes with a dog's ability to get oxygen and can become life-threatening, so it is treated as urgent. With prompt diagnosis and treatment, usually antibiotics, fluids and supportive care, many dogs recover well, but delay makes it far more dangerous.
How is pneumonia treated?
Treatment depends on the cause but often includes antibiotics for a bacterial infection, fluids, rest and sometimes oxygen or hospitalization for severe cases. Vets may also recommend gentle coupage and humidified air to help loosen and clear secretions. Always finish the full course of medication.
⚠️ Emergency? If your dog may have swallowed something toxic or is seriously unwell, contact your vet or a pet poison helpline immediately (in the US, the Pet Poison Helpline is 855-764-7661).
Sources: American Kennel Club (akc.org), VCA Animal Hospitals (vcahospitals.com) and the American Veterinary Medical Association (avma.org). This guide is for general information and is not a substitute for advice from your own veterinarian. See our editorial & review policy.
