Why Is My Dog Breathing Fast?
Fast breathing in dogs can happen for various reasons, from normal situations like panting after exercise to serious conditions requiring a vet. Below, we discuss the possible causes of fast breathing in dogs and what signs to watch for.
Causes of Fast Breathing in Dogs
- Exercise and Cooling: Dogs don’t sweat like humans, Instead, they rely on panting to release heat when their body temperature rises after vigorous activity like a play session or strenuous exercise. Fast breathing helps them cool down.
- Heat Sensitivity and Overheating: During hot weather, overheating or heatstroke can make breathing rapid and life-threatening. Signs include red gums, a dry nose, vomiting, and difficulty breathing. Keep dogs out of excessive heat and monitor their behavior during outdoor play.
- Heart Problems: Conditions like congestive heart failure may prevent the heart from sufficiently pumping blood, leading to fluid in the lungs, coughing, and exercise intolerance. Dogs may show trouble breathing, a faster heart rate, or even sudden collapse.
- Brachycephalic Breeds: Breeds like Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, and Pugs have shortened muzzles, making them prone to brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS). Symptoms include snoring, snorting, gagging, and loud breathing, especially during heat or strenuous activity.
- Respiratory Infections: Issues like pneumonia or bronchitis cause coughing, fever, and weight loss. Look for signs like nasal discharge, sneezing, and tiring easily during daily activity.
- Laryngeal Paralysis and Airway Problems: In middle-aged or older dogs, especially large breeds like Great Danes and Labrador Retrievers, laryngeal paralysis restricts airflow. Symptoms include stridor (a high-pitched wheezing sound), trouble breathing, and blue discoloration of the tongue.
- Stress and Excitement: Stress, aggression, or excitement can temporarily increase a dog’s respiratory rate. Look for signs like restlessness, trembling, or a reluctance to move.
- Tumors and Medical Conditions: Primary lung tumors or metastatic cancers may lead to labored breathing, appetite loss, and weight loss. A vet may recommend X-rays or tests to diagnose these issues.
Symptoms of Fast or Heavy Breathing in Dogs
Fast or heavy breathing in dogs may signal serious problems beyond normal panting. A healthy pattern involves deep, long breaths, about 15-30 times per minute during rest. If your dog breathes fast, with short, shallow breaths, or uses stomach muscles to breathe, it may be in respiratory distress. Look for open-mouthed panting, a hot body, or a belly and chest moving abnormally. Pale, blue-tinged, or brick-red gums, drooling, and louder breathing are signs of trouble. Dogs may also show reluctance to eat, drink, or move, extending their head and neck to assist with breathing. If these symptoms persist even after being cooled and rested, consult a vet immediately.
When to Seek Veterinary Care
Fast breathing in a dog during rest or sleeping may indicate serious respiratory distress requiring a vet’s attention. Look for labored breathing involving the stomach muscles, pale, blue-tinged, or brick-red gums, and open-mouthed panting. Signs like reluctance to eat, drink, or move, drooling, or heavy, louder breathing that seems different from normal panting are concerning. If your dog shows persistent symptoms like coughing, rapid breathing, or changes in activity level, especially in a hot environment or when not physically active, it could be an underlying condition. Watch for discoloration (e.g., pink, purple, or gray gums), swollen belly, or fluid from the mouth or nose. Consistent pacing, being lethargic, or collapsing with an outstretched neck also require a veterinarian visit immediately to avoid a life-threatening situation.
Diagnosis of Fast or Heavy Breathing in Dogs
Fast or heavy breathing in a dog may signal underlying health concerns. A vet will perform a thorough check-up to identify the problem, focusing on the lungs, heart, airway, and overall health. During the physical examination, the neck and head areas will be checked for abnormalities. The vet may ask about your dog’s history, including any medical issues, emotional changes like anxiety or stress, and whether your puppy has experienced similar symptoms before.
Diagnostic Tests and Procedures
To uncover the cause, diagnostic tests such as X-rays of the abdomen and lungs may detect tumors, broken ribs, or fluid buildup. Pulse oximetry checks the level of oxygen in the bloodstream, while advanced procedures like echocardiography or ultrasound can reveal pulmonary hypertension, heartworm, or circulatory problems. If needed, the vet might use a bronchoscopy or endoscopy to examine the airways for inflammation, growths, or foreign objects, even taking tissue samples if abnormalities are suspected. For rare cases like lungworms, a Biermann fecal test might be used.
Treatment for Fast or Heavy Breathing in Dogs
Fast or heavy breathing in a dog often requires a vet to determine the underlying cause and provide appropriate treatment. Breathing difficulties can be linked to conditions like pneumonia, congestive heart failure, or bronchitis, all of which demand specific care. The vet may begin with oxygen therapy and intravenous fluids to stabilize your dog, especially in severe cases requiring hospital monitoring.
Treatment Options for Breathing Issues
- Medications: For pain relief, options like non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) such as carprofen or Galliprant like prednisone might be prescribed. Antibiotics or anti-virals are used to treat bacterial or viral infections, while bronchodilators like Gabapentin can help open airways in conditions like bronchitis.
- Congestive Heart Failure: In cases of left-sided congestive heart failure, diuretics help drain fluid from the lungs, and a procedure like thoracentesis may be needed to drain the chest. Long-term support involves oral medications to stabilize the heart and manage symptoms like coughing or elevated respiratory rates.
- Other Interventions: For lungworms, anti-parasitic deformers like fenbendazole are effective. If pulmonary hypertension is present, medications like sildenafil reduce blood pressure in the arteries. In life-threatening conditions such as acute bleeding or lung bullae rupture, surgery may be necessary, along with mechanical ventilation for breathing support.
Monitoring and Immediate Actions
To keep your dog safe, it’s important to monitor breathing closely. Count the number of breaths per minute while your dog is resting or sleeping using a stopwatch. A typical respiratory rate is 15-30 breaths per minute, but anything above 35 could indicate an issue. Watch for signs like extra effort to inhale or exhale, the rise and fall of the chest, or if breathing seems abnormally fast. If your pooch is acting normal, continue watching to see if breathing returns to a healthy rhythm. However, if the problem persists or worsens, contact a vet immediately to rule out a medical emergency.
Immediate Actions to Help
If you notice panting or rapid breathing during hot weather, your dog may struggle to regulate temperature. Offer cool water and ensure they rest in a shaded area. Dogs rely on panting to evaporate heat through their tongue and upper respiratory tract, as they cannot sweat like humans. Gently assist cooling by creating airflow to help circulate air over their body. If your pet continues to breathe rapidly despite cooling efforts, or shows additional signs like unusual behavior, seek a veterinary examination promptly to address the underlying problem.
Kindly note: The content shared in this blog is gathered from online sources, some of which may not be verified. For accurate guidance on caring for your dog, it is recommended to seek advice from a qualified veterinarian.
