Smoke Inhalation in Dogs

There are different degrees of smoke inhalation in dogs, and how much smoke has been inhaled determines the various symptoms and required treatment options. When your pet inhales smoke, they are breathing in harmful chemicals, such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and cyanide. Inhalation of these chemicals affects delivery of oxygen to tissues, leading to many serious conditions—up to and including death.

The degree of smoke inhalation determines the severity of symptoms and likelihood of recovery. Some common symptoms to watch for include:

• Extreme coughing or wheezing
• Red, irritated eyes
• Lethargy and weakness
• Increased, difficulty breathing
• Inner mouth burns, swelling, or inflammation
• Foaming at the math
• Seizures
• Burns to the skin and eyes
• Singed or burnt hair
• Vomiting
• Abnormal behavior

Types

Smoke inhalation in dogs is largely classified by degree of smoke inhalation and chemical makeup of the smoke itself. What chemical components the smoke contains depend primarily on the type of burning material. The most fatal chemical component in a fire is carbon monoxide. There are three specific classes of inhalation injury:

• Inhalation injury focused in the upper airways
• Inhalation injury focused in the lower airways and pulmonary parenchyma
• System toxicity, caused by inhalation of toxic gases such as carbon monoxide and cyanide

It is possible to have multiple classes of injury, depending on the degree of inhalation and the composition of the fire.

Most cases of severe smoke inhalation come from house fires. The fire causes chemicals in smoke and soot to be inhaled by the pet, restricting oxygen delivery to the tissues of lungs. Depending on the materials being burned, additional dangerous toxins—such as acrolein or cyanide—may enter the body.

When you take your pet to the veterinarian, be sure to tell them of all symptoms you’ve noticed and if you are aware of any possible smoke inhalation. Give them specific details to aid in their diagnosis. The veterinarian will conduct a physical exam and likely run blood and/or urine tests to determine the causation of the exhibited symptoms.

In cases of smoke inhalation, these tests will likely reveal cells that are experiencing an oxygen deficiency as a result of the various toxic chemicals inhaled. The veterinarian will then be able to determine the best course of treatment to help your pet heal. Treatments will vary depending on the severity of the smoke inhalation and any accompanying injuries. Additional concerns with smoke inhalation are any other burns or injuries associated with the fire from which the smoke was inhaled.

The course of treatment will depend significantly on the severity of the inhalation and damage to the airways, as well as any accompanying injuries that require treatment. There are a few treatment options that may be considered, depending on your dog’s individual condition:

• Oxygen therapy: Much like it sounds, oxygen therapy provides your body with extra oxygen to accommodate the oxygen deficiency from smoke inhalation.
• Antibiotics: The use of antibiotics can aid in pain management and overall recovery from smoke inhalation and other injuries.
• Anti-inflammatory medications: Anti-inflammatory medications can assist in relieving damage to the airways caused by smoke inhalation.
• Rest: As with any injury, rest will aid in recuperation.

Post-treatment recovery and management will vary depending on the severity of the damage. Recovery time can range from a short period of time to a lengthy recovery period.

Through the recovery period there will be numerous check-ups with the veterinarian to monitor oxygen levels in the body, healing of airways, and overall recovery. One of the largest risks during recovery from smoke inhalation is the development of pneumonia as a result of the damage done to the lungs. Paying close attention to your pet and relaying any unusual activity or symptoms to your veterinarian can aid in your pet’s recovery.