Dogs get pneumonia primarily through infections that affect their respiratory tract. The main ways dogs can develop pneumonia include:
- Infectious pneumonia caused by viruses (such as canine influenza, parainfluenza, adenovirus-2), bacteria (like Bordetella, Streptococcus, Mycoplasma), and fungi (such as Blastomyces, Histoplasma from contaminated soil) invading the lungs.
- Aspiration pneumonia occurs when dogs inhale foreign materials like food, vomit, saliva, or liquids into their lungs. This can happen if they vomit and then breathe in the vomit, or when liquid medicine is given incorrectly. Aspiration physically clogs the lungs and often leads to a secondary bacterial infection.
- Pneumonia can also develop from parasitic lung infections or immune system compromise.
- Dogs with predisposing factors like immune disorders, chronic respiratory diseases, certain breeds (like brachycephalic breeds), or anatomical defects are at higher risk of developing pneumonia.
In summary, dogs get pneumonia through viral, bacterial, fungal infections, or aspiration of foreign substances into their lungs, often aggravated by weakened immunity or preexisting conditions.
