Smoke Inhalation View In Dogs

Condition Overview

Fire produces gas, which suspends carbon particles in the air, creating smoke. Five common components of smoke make pets (and people) sick when they are inhaled. The ash or soot irritates or clogs the lungs, but it is the invisible gases that often kill.

Symptoms

Pets who breathe smoke gasp or cough, and they often faint from lack of oxygen. Their gums can change color, turning pale or blue (cyanotic) from lack of oxygen.

All symptoms +

Causes

The inhalation of smoke will cause this condition. Pets left inside burning buildings, or in buildings with improperly ventilated fire places can also experience smoke inhalation.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis can be made by evaluating symptoms.

Treatment

Smoke inhalation is a medical emergency that needs veterinary attention immediately, even if your pet seems to recover. Smoke can be insidious and kill hours to days after it is inhaled. Pets who stop breathing need artificial respiration (and possibly CPR) to survive.

1. Get your pet out of the smoke - Most cases of smoke inhalation involve large, severe fires where the pet is unable to escape from the smoke. Do not go into a dangerous situation to rescue your pet unless you have professional training. Wait until a firefighter or someone with the proper equipment for entering a burning building brings her out. Once she is outside, if possible, move her away from the smoke and into fresh air. With mild cases of smoke inhalation, this may be all that is needed to revive your pet. However, even if your pet acts as if she feels well, restrict her activity until your veterinarian gives her an examination.
2. Transport her carefully - On the ride to the veterinary clinic, don't hold your pet in your arms - holding her may increase her stress levels. This could tip her over the edge into a heart attack or respiratory failure. Put a small pet in a dark box or carrier and a large dog on the back seat of the car. Turn on the air conditioner because cool air is easier to breathe.

Prevention

Quickly removing pets from a house or other fire is the best prevention for smoke inhalation.

Support

Breathing smoke irritates your pet's lungs and throat. She may continue to cough or sound hoarse for several days. A humidifier can help speed recovery. Moist, cool air soothes the respiratory passages and reduces coughing, which can make the irritation worse. Place the humidifier in the room where your pet sleeps and run it for 2 - 3 days after the event.

Make plenty of cool water available to your pet. Add a few ice cubes to her water dish because cold water will help soothe the irritation and rehydrate tissues that were damaged by the smoke.