Can fungal pneumonia spread to other pets or people?

Some fungal infections can be contagious, but most pulmonary fungal infections in dogs and cats require specific conditions to spread. If there are immunocompromised individuals or multiple pets in the household, consult your vet and follow their advice on isolation and hygiene measures.

What tests are typically needed to diagnose fungal pneumonia?

Common tests include chest X-rays, blood and biochemistry panels, culture and cytology of respiratory secretions, and — when necessary — CT imaging or tissue biopsy to determine the extent of fungal invasion. The specific tests required depend on each individual case; please follow your vet's recommendations.

How long does treatment for fungal pneumonia take before improvement is seen?

Antifungal treatment typically takes several weeks to months, and the time to clinical improvement varies depending on the causative organism, severity of infection, and individual patient. Regular follow-up appointments for imaging and bloodwork are required during this period, and the treatment course will be adjusted according to your vet's guidance.

How much do the tests and treatment usually cost?

Costs vary by clinic and region — ask your vet for an estimate before proceeding.

Disease Guide

Fungal Pneumonia in Dogs & Cats: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment Guide [2025]

Fungal lung infection requiring months of antifungal treatment

Take 1 minute to check the symptoms first

Last updated: 2026/01/06

Pethealthmap Editorial Team

Sources: ACVIM, ISFM, National Taiwan University Veterinary Hospital

When to See a Vet

Seek Emergency Care Immediately

•Persistent open-mouth breathing with severe respiratory distress
•Persistent high fever with obvious lethargy and unresponsiveness
•Unable to eat or rapid weight loss over a short period

Schedule a Clinic Visit Soon (within 24–72 hours)

•Persistent intermittent coughing lasting more than a few days
•Noticeably faster breathing or obvious wheezing after exercise
•Significantly reduced appetite or decreased energy and activity

01What symptoms indicate something is wrong?

Fungal pneumonia in dogs and cats typically presents with respiratory signs and may also involve systemic or gastrointestinal symptoms. The following are common clinical signs and emergency red flags to watch for.

Persistent or intermittent cough, which may be productive or dry
Rapid or labored breathing, more noticeable after exercise
Respiratory distress, open-mouth breathing, or obvious abdominal effort when breathing
Fever or persistently elevated body temperature, with decreased energy
Weight loss or noticeably reduced appetite
Concurrent diarrhea or other gastrointestinal signs

Seek emergency care immediately if you notice the following symptoms:

⚠️ Continuous open-mouth breathing with severe respiratory effort
⚠️ Persistent high fever with marked lethargy and unresponsiveness
⚠️ Inability to eat or rapid weight loss over a short period

02How can you assess the situation at home? Key home observation points and emergency criteria

Recording key observations at home can help your vet quickly understand the condition and how it has progressed.

Track the frequency and timing of coughing, and whether it is productive or blood-tinged
Weigh your pet daily and note the trend and timing of any changes
Measure body temperature with a pet thermometer and record the reading and time
Use your phone to record coughing and breathing (one clip from the front, one from the side)
Observe changes in exercise tolerance, activity level, and alertness
Note stool consistency and frequency, as well as any vomiting or diarrhea

03How will the vet make a diagnosis? Common diagnostic tests

At the clinic, the vet will combine physical examination findings with imaging and laboratory results to confirm the source and extent of infection, and assess whether hospitalization or further treatment is needed.

Complete physical examination

auscultation of lung sounds, assessment of breathing effort and body condition

Chest X-ray

evaluation for pulmonary infiltrates, opacities, or pleural effusion

Blood and biochemistry panel

assessment of overall health and organ function

Culture of sputum or respiratory secretions

attempted isolation of pathogenic bacteria or fungi

Cytology or tissue biopsy

to determine whether fungal invasion is present

Advanced imaging (CT scan)

used when a focal lesion is suspected or surgical evaluation is needed

04How should treatment and care proceed after diagnosis? Medications, dietary adjustments, and care guide

Treatment duration depends on the causative organism and severity, and typically includes antifungal medications, supportive care, and regular follow-up with imaging and clinical monitoring.

Use appropriate antifungal medications as directed by your vet; the course of treatment may be prolonged
Oxygen therapy or hospitalization may be required to monitor breathing and vital signs
Maintain adequate nutrition and hydration to support recovery and rebuild strength
Attend scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor clinical progress and imaging improvement
Continue monitoring breathing, temperature, and appetite at home and record any changes
Return to the clinic immediately or seek specialist evaluation if symptoms worsen or new signs appear

05What should you prepare before seeing the vet? Key information to help your vet assess the problem quickly

Record and save video of coughing and breathing (one clip from the front and one from the side)

Note when symptoms began, the order in which they appeared, and how they have changed

Observe and document breathing difficulty and exercise tolerance after physical activity

Describe specific changes in appetite and stool, including when they occurred

Bring recent weight and temperature measurement records for the vet's reference

Bring any previous test reports, imaging results, or medication records (if available)

This content is for reference only and cannot replace a professional veterinary diagnosis. If your pet shows signs of illness, please seek veterinary care promptly.