Dog Breathing Fast

There are many reasons why your dog's breathing could seem heavy or fast. Today, our Lithia Springs vets explain why your dog may be breathing fast, what you should do, and when to seek veterinary care.

Fast Breathing in Dogs

In order to be able to spot abnormal breathing, we need to understand what a healthy respiratory (breathing) rate for a dog is. An average healthy pet should take between 15 to 35 breaths per minute when resting. Of course, while your pet is exercising this rate is bound to increase. 

It's important to keep in mind that not all panting is bad. Panting helps your pup to regulate their body temperature, cooling them down and allowing water and heat to evaporate from the tongue, the mouth, and the upper respiratory tract. Rapid breathing allows a dog’s body to get back to a normal temperature.

However, if your dog is breathing above 40 breaths per minute while at rest in a cool and calm environment, or they appear to be struggling to breathe you should seek emergency veterinary care. 

How to Tell if Your Dog Is Breathing Too Fast

To determine whether your dog is breathing abnormally fast, simply count your dog’s respiratory rate while they are sleeping or resting.  It can be a good idea to do this when you are not concerned, in order to have a clear understanding of your pet's normal respiratory rate. Anything under 30 breaths per minute is considered normal, anything above 35 may be a cause for concern.

Causes for Fast Breathing in Dogs

Your pet's heavy and rapid breathing may be an indication that your pup is suffering from an illness or injury that should be evaluated by your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Dog breeds with 'squished faces' or shortened snouts such as  Boston terriers, boxers, and pugs are more prone to breathing issues and should always be closely monitored by pet parents for any signs of breathing difficulties.

Some potential causes of fast or heavy breathing in dogs include:

When to Worry About Your Dog Breathing Fast 

If your dog is breathing heavily or fast at rest or while sleeping, they could be experiencing respiratory distress. Contact your vet if you notice any of the following signs:

• Engaging stomach muscles to help to breathe
• Reluctance to drink, eat or move
• Pale, blue-tinged, or brick-red gums
• Uncharacteristic drooling
• Open-mouthed breathing
• Heavy, fast breathing that’s louder or different sounding than normal panting

Fast Breathing & Heatstroke in Dogs

During the hot summer days, one of the most common causes of fast breathing in dogs is heatstroke. Heatstroke can happen to dogs very quickly. Along with heavy and fast breathing, signs of heatstroke in dogs include sticky, pale gums, lethargy, vomiting, and uncoordinated movement.

You should always ensure your pup has access to shade and cool water and try to avoid allowing your dog to spend too much time outside on very hot days. Never leave your dog alone in a hot car. The internal temperature of a car can spike quickly and cause heatstroke in a matter of minutes.

If you do suspect your dog has heatstroke remove them from the hot environment immediately, place cool (not cold), wet towels on their stomach and back and bring them to the nearest emergency veterinarian immediately.

Diagnosing Fast & Heavy Breathing in Dogs

Your dog's vet will perform a full physical examination to determine whether the problem is located in the heart, circulatory system, lungs, airway, neck, head, or another area. Your pet's overall general health condition may also be causing an issue.

Your vet will ask you about your dog's medical history and any relevant information about what your dog was doing when the heavy breathing started. They may recommend diagnostic tests such as bloodwork or X-rays to get a better look into your pet's internal condition. 

Your pup's vet will also look for any signs of anxiety, stress, or other psychological factors that could be causing heavy breathing.

Treating Fast & Heavy Breathing in Dogs

Treatment for heavy breathing will be determined by the underlying cause. Your vet may prescribe pain relief, intravenous fluids with calcium, or other medications.

If your pet's rapid breathing is caused by stress or anxiety, special training with a certified dog behaviorist may be required.

Regardless of the cause of your pet's breathing difficulties, rest and oxygen therapy will likely be needed.

While most dogs will be well enough to be treated at home, in some serious cases hospitalization may be required to monitor the dog's breathing and ensure secondary conditions do not develop. 

Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.