- 1). Take your dog to a vet immediately once you see signs of pneumonia. Don't wait or try to perform treatment on your dog before going to see a vet. The vet will perform a physical exam and listen to your dog's lungs. Also, the vet will need to take x-rays of your dog's lungs and inspect for a respiratory illness that is causing the pneumonia.
- 2). Treat your dog at home as advised by the vet. For example, you must give your dog the prescribed antibiotic for up to three weeks by adding the pills to food or a treat if necessary. Most importantly, you must watch your dog closely for signs of improvement and to monitor that the dog is eating and drinking normally.
- 3). Clear your dogs chest of mucus using the recommend fluid therapy from your vet, which may consist of using a humidifier near where your dog sleeps, decongestion medicine like theophylline and pressing against your dog's chest to help the dog cough when necessary.
- 4). Use over-the-counter cough medicines for canines sparingly and as instructed. If advised by the vet, you may need to purchase a nasal oxygen tube to help your dog receive the appropriate amount of oxygen that it's not getting.
- 5). Return your dog to the vet if problems persist; especially if your dog is not eating or drinking. Severe cases of pneumonia may require the dog to be hospitalized, where the dog may be hooked up to an IV to give it the nutrients it has been lacking. Continue with checkups at the vet until the respiratory infection is completely cured.
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