Many people refer to this issue as “asthma,” but as a dog, I have no idea what to think of it. When inflammation occurs throughout my airways, secretions will plug up the bronchioles, and that’s what prevents me from breathing as well as I should. Air is passed through the bronchioles through the alveoli. Airways branch out from my windpipe, and the branches are known as bronchi or bronchioles. Bronchitis is an illness that will affect my breathing. Bronchitis in Dogs and How A Bronchodilator May HelpĪt some point in my life, I might develop bronchitis. If you forget to give me a dose of theophylline, wait until the next interval period for the next dose instead of accidentally doubling up doses. Make sure that I swallow the entire tablet to ensure the best results. You can give me theophylline as an oral liquid or capsule, and you should take the vet’s advice when administering it to me. Theophylline should be stored at room temperature and not close to any light or heat. It’s best to make sure that I haven’t eaten around an hour before you give me the medication. Some of the common intervals that the medication is given in are every six, eight, 12, and 24 hours. You’ll usually want to give me the medication at certain intervals. Like many medications, the dosage of theophylline will depend on how big the dog is, what breed the dog is, and the prior health conditions the dog has had. What Dosage of Theophylline Should Be Given? If I’m still very young or are creeping up to the older years, I won’t be able to metabolize theophylline as good as other dogs. You’ll also want to exercise caution if I already have an abnormal heart rhythm or have had seizures in the past. If I have a history of liver, kidney, or heart disease, you might not want to give me it. You’ll want to exercise some caution when giving me theophylline. Ketamine Exercise Caution When Using Theophylline.Some drugs that can interact with theophylline are: If you’re currently giving me any medications for other things, you’ll have to be aware of the interactions between them and theophylline. What Other Drugs Interact with Theophylline? If I experience these symptoms, you’ll want to take me to the vet as soon as you can. Some of the rarer side effects of theophylline are seizures and an abnormal heart rhythm. If you still see that I’m vomiting, or having diarrhea after a while, then I might just be allergic to it, and you’ll have to take me to the vet. A lot of the time, the side effects will just disappear as time goes on. You might be able to help me through these symptoms if you adjust the dosage. If you give me this medication, you might notice: Like all medications, theophylline comes with a number of side effects. What Are the Side Effects of Theophylline? Sometimes vets also like to combine theophylline with corticosteroids. Many of my dog friends that have chronic bronchitis or asthma might use theophylline at some point in their lives. Theophylline is similar to caffeine in that it is a stimulant for the central nervous system. In addition, using theophylline can reduce the chances of breathing issues in the future.īefore we take our morning walks, I see you drinking coffee all of the time to wake you up. With a stronger diaphragm, I’m able to breathe easier. This makes the mucus easier to clear from the airway.Īnother way that theophylline can help me is to strengthen up my diaphragm. Theophylline relaxes the muscles of the airway. After it’s given through the mouth, the body absorbs it. Theophylline comes in an oral form and an injectable form. Theophylline is used for a number of different disorders that can affect a dog’s breathing: One such bronchodilator that can be used to help me breathe easier is called theophylline. If you ever see me dealing with respiratory issues, using a bronchodilator is an effective and efficient way to deal with my frustrating symptoms.

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