How long does pneumonia last in a dog?

Answer 1

Here is what I have done...I hope it helps. I take the dog and put her in a small sized bathroom with a humidifier on. I come in and lay with them so they don't feel abandoned...wear shorts because it's going to get warm. I lay her head first towards me and chat to her as I pat firmly on her sides...this helps to loosen any fluid in the lung or surrounding areas - just like they do people in the hospital. (cup your hands & do it hard enough to loosen but not hard enough to make uncomfortable) I also make sure that they get enough water. If they will not drink themselves I use a syringe (you can get a larger one from the vet probably at no cost if you tell them what you are going to use it for. (they won't give you a needle with it - it's just plastic inserted into the mouth). I go half way back the mouth and tip the head back some to let gravity help me. Sometimes they will get mad and bat their heads to make you stop...but just continue chatting slow and easy not showing any anxiety or frustration. I also use warm water...I just find they cough it up less..don't ask me why. For food I wet down their normal dry food with some water. When it is moist if they still will not eat it on their own I take 3 or 4 pieces at a time and push it to the back of the throat - it's force feeding them. But sometimes/most times for me - it actually brings them to the knowledge that they really are hungry. I leave soft music going when I am out of the room. I have done this for 3 days for my worst case...allowing them out of the bathroom for potty brakes as well as a little small walk now and again through the house. Pneumonia will settle if your dog just lays around...she will need some exercise, but again since she is weak make sure not to over do it.

Answer 2

Your veterinarian can tell you, AFTER x-rays of the lungs show whether there is a pneumonic infiltrate or not.