Why is my dog breathing fast? Top 7 Reasons You Need to Know Now
Why is my dog breathing fast? A dog that breathes fast often has trouble breathing and might be facing a serious health concern. Dogs often breathe quickly after exercise, when they’re hot, in pain, or have heart issues.
Watch your dog’s breathing rate at home by counting the number of breaths they take in a minute. Calm dogs generally breathe 15 to 30 times a minute.
Why is my dog breathing fast?
It’s important to start by knowing what a normal respiratory rate for a dog is. At rest, a dog’s normal breathing rate is 10 to 35 breaths per minute.
During exercise, your dog’s breathing rate can increase by up to 10 times, reaching 100 to 350 breaths each minute.
Panting isn’t always a problem. It helps your dog cool off by allowing heat and water to leave through their tongue, mouth, and upper breathing system.
Since dogs can’t sweat like humans, they breathe quickly to help cool their bodies. When a dog breathes fast, it helps their body return to a normal temperature.
How can I tell if my dog is breathing too fast?
Count your dog’s breaths for a minute when they are resting or asleep to find out if they are breathing unusually fast. You may want to monitor your dog’s breathing rate when there’s no issue to understand their normal rate.
If your dog breathes less than 30 times per minute, it’s considered normal. When your dog breathes more than 35 times per minute, you should get in touch with your vet. Your vet will know your dog’s usual breathing rate from past check-ups.
Causes of Fast Breathing in Dogs
Rapid breathing in dogs may be a sign of various issues or injuries, so seeing a vet as soon as possible is important. Some possible causes are:
- Asthma condition
- Collapsed trachea
- Breed traits (flat-faced breeds might face more breathing issues)
- Lung conditions like cancer, parasites, or pneumonia
- Kennel cough
- Squeezed lungs
- Paralysis of the larynx
- Abdominal hernia
- Issues with the trachea (windpipe)
- Overheating or heatstroke
- Rhinitis (infection in the nasal passages)
- Low red blood cells (anemia)
- Compression of the windpipe
- Feeling nauseous
- Hardened airways
- Pain or discomfort
- Inhaling smoke
- Side effects from medication
- Physical activity
Symptoms of Fast Breathing in Dogs
Panting is normal for dogs after they exercise, but if you notice these signs, it could mean your dog is struggling to breathe or having breathing problems:
- Engaging abdominal muscles to assist with breathing
- Hesitation to drink, eat, or engage in activity
- Gums that are pale, bluish, or deep red
- Excessive salivation
- Breathing with the mouth open
- Rapid, intense breathing that is noticeably louder and different from normal panting.
When should you worry about your dog’s heavy breathing?
Fast breathing and excessive panting may result from activity or hot conditions, but they could also indicate your dog is having breathing issues.
Difficulty with breathing is a major concern and should be checked by your vet as soon as possible.
1. Listen for noisy breathing
One clear indicator of breathing problems is noisy breathing. If your dog starts to make breathing noises, they might be having problems getting enough oxygen.
Frequent dog breathing sounds include stertor and stridor. Stertor sounds like a low, snoring noise, similar to a snort or a reverse sneeze. Stridor is a higher-pitched, wheezing sound.
2. Watch for excessive panting
Excessive panting might signal that you should be worried. Be alert for any of these signs that your dog’s panting might be a sign of breathing problems:
- Observing your dog’s abdominal muscles working harder than normal during breathing
- Breathing rapidly or superficially
- Breathing with unusual sounds
- Breathing with the mouth open
- Excessive salivation
- Reluctance to eat or drink
- Extending their head and neck
- Gums appearing pale, dark red, or bluish
3. Track your dog’s breathing rate
You can observe your dog’s breathing rate. A healthy dog normally breathes 10 to 35 times per minute while resting or sleeping. If you notice a breathing rate over 35 breaths per minute in your resting dog, consult your vet immediately.
When should I contact my vet about my dog’s breathing?
If your dog is breathing quickly while resting or sleeping, they might be having trouble with their breathing.
If you notice any of these signs in your pet, contact your vet:
- Noticeably difficult breathing, using stomach muscles to assist
- Gums that appear pale, bluish, or deep red
- Unwillingness to drink, eat, or move
- Breathing with an open mouth while resting
- Unusual drooling
- Rapid, heavy breathing that sounds different from regular panting
What to Do If Your Dog is Breathing Fast?
If your dog starts breathing rapidly, keep calm and look into the situation. First, see if there are any clear signs of discomfort or fatigue. These signs mean your pet needs to see a vet right away because it’s a medical emergency.
Keep your dog comfortable by giving them a cool space and fresh water. Notice their breathing rate and look for other issues like coughing pale gums, or lack of energy.
If your dog’s rapid breathing doesn’t stop within a few minutes, or if they display other concerning symptoms, call your vet without delay. They can provide phone support and determine if you should come in for an emergency.
How will the vet diagnose the cause of my dog’s fast breathing?
Your vet will do a full check-up on your dog to see if the breathing issue is caused by problems with the heart, lungs, airway, neck, head, or other parts. This problem could be linked to your pet’s overall health.
Your vet will inquire about any past health issues your puppy has had and may advise getting X-rays to check the heart, lungs, and stomach for conditions such as lung tumors or broken ribs.
The vet examines your dog for anxiety, stress, or other feelings that might cause quick breathing.
Diagnosis & Treatment of Rapid Breathing in Dogs
The vet will inspect your dog thoroughly to determine if the problem lies in the heart, circulatory system, lungs, airway, neck, head, or elsewhere.
An overall health condition might be causing the issue. You will be questioned about your dog’s previous health issues. The vet may take X-rays to inspect the heart, lungs, and abdomen for things like broken ribs or lung tumors.
The organs will be inspected as well. You and your vet can notice signs of anxiety, stress, or other mental issues.
Treatment will be based on the root cause. Your vet might recommend painkillers, calcium fluids via IV, or other types of medicine. Special training from a certified dog behaviorist might be needed for stress or anxiety problems.
No matter what’s causing the issue, your dog will require rest and oxygen therapy. While many dogs can stay at home for treatment, a few might need continuous monitoring.
For dogs dealing with serious conditions, staying in the hospital might be the safest solution.
How is rapid breathing in dogs treated?
Addressing rapid breathing in dogs involves determining the underlying condition, as the appropriate treatment depends on the root cause. Here are a few frequently adopted strategies:
Here’s a table summarizing the different conditions and their treatments:
| Condition | Treatment |
|---|---|
| Heatstroke | Relocate to a cooler area, offer cool (not cold) water, use cool towels or fans, seek immediate veterinary care. |
| Respiratory Infections | Antibiotics or antifungal medications as prescribed by the vet. |
| Heart Disease | Medications such as diuretics, ACE inhibitors, or beta-blockers may be necessary. |
| Pain or Anxiety | Pain relievers or anti-anxiety medications can be beneficial. |
| Obstruction | Surgical removal or other veterinary interventions may be required. |
| Allergic Reactions | Antihistamines or corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and improve breathing. |
| Pneumonia | Antibiotics, oxygen therapy, and supportive care. |
| Asthma or Bronchitis | Relocate to a cooler area, offer cool (not cold) water, use cool towels or fans, and seek immediate veterinary care. |
Consult a vet without delay if your dog shows signs of rapid breathing.
A thorough examination by the vet, possibly including diagnostic tests such as X-rays, blood tests, or echocardiograms, will help determine the cause and the most suitable treatment.
What can you do to monitor your dog’s breathing?
You can keep an eye on your dog’s respiratory health by tracking their breathing rate and the effort involved. Measuring a dog’s breathing rate involves counting how many breaths are taken in one minute.
Breathing effort refers to the amount of force your dog needs to inhale and exhale, which can be observed by the rise and fall of their chest.
Check your dog’s breathing effort by noting the movement of their chest. A stopwatch is useful for monitoring your dog’s breathing rate. Monitor your dog’s breathing rate when they are at rest.
The normal breathing rate for a dog at rest ranges from 15 to 30 breaths per minute.
Why is my dog breathing fast while sleeping?
There are various reasons why dogs breathe fast while sleeping. Some common reasons are mentioned below:
| 1. Dreaming | 2. Heat |
| 3. Overexertion | 4. Stress or anxiety |
| 5. Health issues | 6. Allergies or respiratory problem |
| 7. Obstruction |
If your dog breathes rapidly while sleeping and it doesn’t stop, or if there are additional symptoms, consulting a veterinarian is a good idea.
FAQs related to “why is my dog breathing fast”?
When should I be concerned about my dog breathing?
Be alert to your dog’s breathing if it becomes rapid (over 30 breaths per minute at rest), labored with noticeable effort or abdominal involvement, or noisy, characterized by wheezing, coughing, or other unusual sounds.
Do dogs breathe fast when hot?
Yes, Panting and quick breathing are common ways for dogs to cool themselves when they become too warm.
What does normal dog breathing look like?
Normal dog breathing involves gentle chest movements, no visible effort, and a closed mouth when not panting. Breaths are even and consistent, without wheezing, coughing, or other unusual sounds. During sleep, the breathing rate may slow down, and occasional deep breaths or sighs are normal.
How do I check my dog’s breathing?
Monitor your dog’s breathing by watching their chest movements for one minute while they are at rest. Count the number of breaths, with one breath being a single rise and fall of the chest. Typically, dogs breathe between 10 and 35 times per minute.Ensure that your dog’s gums and tongue are a vibrant pink, as any bluish or pale tint could point to respiratory difficulties
How fast is a too fast breathing dog?
40 breaths/minute
When a dog breathes faster than 35 times per minute while at rest, it might be breathing excessively. If the rate is much higher or accompanied by other signs of discomfort, it’s crucial to consult a vet
