Pneumonia in dogs is a condition that is commonly encountered in general practice, particularly in very young, elderly, or immunocompromised patients. It’s always a concern, but the good news is that with early detection and appropriate treatment, most dogs go on to make a full recovery.
I have been a veterinary surgeon for nearly 14 years. During this time, I’ve treated many dogs with respiratory issues, and pneumonia is one of the more serious conditions dogs can suffer. That said, it can be one of the most rewarding to treat, as dogs often respond quickly to care once the underlying cause is addressed.
In this article, I’ll take you through what pneumonia is, how to spot the signs early, and what treatment and recovery look like, so you’ll know exactly what to do if your dog is affected.
What is pneumonia in dogs?
Pneumonia in dogs is an inflammatory condition affecting the lungs, where the tiny air sacs (alveoli) become filled with fluid, pus, or other debris. This impairs your dog’s ability to breathe and get enough oxygen into their bloodstream.
There are several different types of pneumonia, but one of the most common is bacterial pneumonia, often caused by a respiratory infection or something being inhaled into the lungs (known as aspiration pneumonia). Other causes include viral pneumonia, fungal pneumonia, and parasitic infections, although these are far less common in the UK.
The inflammation and fluid build-up in the lungs make breathing difficult and can lead to significant respiratory distress if not addressed promptly.
What are the four stages of pneumonia in dogs?
The progression of pneumonia can vary between individuals, but it typically follows four general stages:
- Congestion stage: This is the early stage, where blood vessels in the lungs become congested and fluid starts to accumulate. Dogs may start showing mild symptoms such as lethargy, reduced appetite, and a soft cough.
- Red hepatization stage: In this phase, the lungs take on a firmer texture as red blood cells leak into the alveoli. Owners usually see more obvious respiratory symptoms like a deeper cough, increased breathing effort, and a fever.
- Grey hepatization stage: This is the peak of the illness. White blood cells, particularly neutrophils, flood the lungs, and oxygen exchange is severely impaired. Dogs are often very unwell at this stage and may require hospitalization.
- Resolution stage: If treatment is effective, inflammation begins to subside, and the body gradually clears the infection and debris from the lungs. Recovery begins here, although a cough may persist for a little while afterwards.
How would I know if my dog has pneumonia?
Signs of pneumonia can vary from subtle to severe, but some of the most common symptoms include:
- Coughing: This can range from a soft, moist cough to a harsh, hacking one. It’s often persistent and may worsen with exercise or excitement.
- Lethargy: Dogs with pneumonia are often quieter than usual and may seem reluctant to move or exercise.
- Fever: A high temperature is common, especially in bacterial pneumonia. You might notice your dog feeling warmer than usual, particularly around the ears or belly.
- Increased respiratory rate or effort: You may see your dog panting or breathing more rapidly, or using their abdominal muscles to help breathe (called “abdominal effort”). Their nostrils may flare, and they may stretch their neck out to make breathing easier.
- Nasal discharge: A thick, cloudy discharge from one or both nostrils may be present, especially in bacterial or viral infections.
- Loss of appetite and weight loss: Many dogs with pneumonia lose interest in food and may start to lose weight, particularly if the condition has been going on for a while.
- Bluish gums (cyanosis): In severe cases, low oxygen levels may cause the gums and tongue to turn blue – this is an emergency and needs immediate veterinary care.
If your dog is showing any of these signs, especially in combination, it’s important to seek veterinary attention straight away.
Can dogs recover from pneumonia?
Yes – most dogs can recover from pneumonia, especially if it’s caught early and treated appropriately. The prognosis depends on several factors, including the cause of the pneumonia, the overall health of the dog, and how quickly treatment is started.
With prompt treatment, the survival rate for bacterial pneumonia in dogs is estimated to be around 70–90%, especially in otherwise healthy individuals. However, dogs with underlying conditions or delayed diagnosis may have a poorer prognosis.
Mild cases often recover within one to two weeks, but more severe infections may take several weeks or even longer, especially if lung damage has occurred.
Treatment options
Treatment usually includes:
- Antibiotics (for bacterial infections)
- Nebulization and coupage (to loosen and expel mucus)
- Oxygen therapy (for dogs in respiratory distress)
- Anti-inflammatories (if needed, and under veterinary guidance)
- Fluid therapy (to maintain hydration)
- Hospitalization (in severe cases)
During recovery, rest is essential. Avoid strenuous exercise and monitor your dog closely for any worsening signs. Your vet may recommend follow-up chest X-rays to confirm the pneumonia has fully resolved.
How do dogs get pneumonia?
There are several potential causes of pneumonia in dogs. Understanding these can help reduce the risk:
- Aspiration pneumonia: This occurs when food, liquid, vomit or medication is accidentally inhaled into the lungs. It’s more common in dogs with conditions like laryngeal paralysis, megaesophagus, or during sedation/anesthesia.
- Infectious pneumonia: Caused by viruses (e.g. canine influenza, distemper), bacteria (e.g. Bordetella bronchiseptica), or fungi (e.g. Aspergillus). These are usually spread via airborne droplets or contact with infected dogs.
- Foreign bodies: Inhaled grass seeds or other objects can trigger inflammation and secondary infection in the lungs.
- Immune suppression: Dogs with weakened immune systems (e.g. due to chemotherapy, chronic disease, or very old/young age) are more prone to respiratory infections.
- Poor ventilation and overcrowding: Dogs housed in poorly ventilated areas, such as kennels or shelters, are at greater risk of developing respiratory infections that may progress to pneumonia.
Pneumonia in dogs can be scary, but it doesn’t have to be a worst-case scenario. With early recognition and proper veterinary care, most dogs go on to recover well. It is important that owners trust their instincts.
If something seems “off” with your dog’s breathing or behavior, it’s always better to get them checked sooner rather than later. Remember, fast action can make all the difference.
Read next: Arthritis in dogs
Emma graduated from the Royal Vet College in London in 2011. She has a keen interest in surgery and went on to do a postgraduate certificate in small animal surgery and was then awarded advanced practitioner status in the same discipline.
Edited by Megan Milstead.
This page was last updated in July 2025 by Emma Chandley.
