Heavy Breathing in Dogs

Dogs sometimes breathe heavily for reasons beyond simple activity or excitement. While panting is often normal after exercise or in warmer weather, it can also indicate serious health issues. Owners should watch for symptoms like coughing, unusual gum color, or lethargy, as these may require immediate veterinary attention.

Persistent heavy breathing may be linked to conditions that are life-threatening if not addressed. It’s crucial to recognize these signs early, as they often signal illness or injury that needs prompt care. Being aware of changes in a dog’s breathing can help ensure their well-being and safety.

Understanding Canine Respiratory System

Dogs rely heavily on their respiratory system to get oxygen and release carbon dioxide. The system includes nose, trachea, lungs, and diaphragm. Together, these parts work to help dogs breathe efficiently.

When air enters through the nose, it gets filtered and warmed. The nostrils are designed to detect smells, which is important for how dogs explore their world. This step is vital for catching scents that alert them to their environment.

Lungs are the main organs that process oxygen and expel carbon dioxide. They are large and spongy, filled with tiny air sacs called alveoli. Oxygen transfers into the blood through these sacs while carbon dioxide is expelled during exhalation.

Reasons for Your Dog Breathing Heavily

Dogs can breathe heavily for many medical reasons. Knowing the cause is important to get your pet the right help. Here are some common reasons why a dog might have this problem.

Heart Problems

Left-sided Congestive Heart Failure

The heart’s left side must work harder when blood vessels narrow. This makes blood leak backward, leading to fluid in the lungs. This causes heavy breathing because of increased pressure.

Heartworm Disease

These parasites can block blood flow, causing damage. Even after treatment, scarring in the pulmonary arteries and lung tissues can remain and make breathing difficult. Dogs can be observed coughing and experience shortness of breath usually after exercise.

Breathing Problems

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is inflammation of the lungs and can be caused by a variety of things. Infections from bacteria or viruses inflame the lungs. Symptoms include coughing and a struggle to breathe deeply. Viral infections are the usual cause of pneumonia such as canine distemper virus and adenovirus.

Bronchitis

Chronic inflammation affects lung flexibility, resulting in wheezing and heavy breathing. There are various causes of chronic bronchitis, including recurrent inflammation and continuous inhalation of irritants.

Pulmonary Hypertension

Signs that your dog might be experiencing pulmonary hypertension include difficulty breathing, coughing, and wheezing. Old, small breed dogs are more frequently affected by this condition, which is more often a secondary condition caused by an underlying disease.

Infections and Parasites

Lungworm infections are usually caused by Oslerus Osleri also known as tracheal worms. These parasites cause infection and heavy breathing. They create lung inflammation, needing medical attention.

Physical Injuries

Pulmonary Contusions

Trauma like a car accident can cause lung bruises. This is usually caused by blunt trauma hitting your dog’s thoracic cavity or chest area. This can cause internal bleeding affecting your dog’s lungs. Watch your dog closely for a week after any injury.

Noncardiogenic Pulmonary Edema

This means fluid buildup in the lungs not caused by heart disease. This can happen due to choking or drowning and makes breathing hard. Fluid buildup can affect how your dog’s lungs work causing them to have difficulty breathing.

Other Causes

Cushing’s Disease

In this condition, glands produce too much cortisol. This is caused by a tumor on the adrenal or pituitary gland or due to the use of steroids. This results in increased panting and other symptoms like frequent thirst.

Cancer

Cancerous growths in the airway or lungs disrupt breathing. Even if primary lung cancer is uncommon, cancer from other areas that spreads to the lungs is more frequent. Other symptoms that may be observed from cancerous growth in the lungs include lethargy and decreased appetite. Other dogs experiencing cancer that has spread to the lungs may now exhibit any symptoms.

Severe Conditions

Internal bleeding means fewer red blood cells, resulting in a lack of oxygen. Breathing becomes strained as a result. These issues range from infections and heart conditions to trauma and lung problems. They require careful assessment by a vet. Getting the right diagnosis and treatment is important for helping the dog breathe and feel better.

Types of Intense Breathing in Dogs

Dogs may experience different forms of intense breathing due to various reasons. It’s essential to distinguish between these to ensure your pet’s well-being.

Difficulty Breathing

Difficult breathing is a severe condition requiring immediate attention. Dogs in this state might stand with their front legs wide apart to help their chest expand. They might also stretch their necks. Other signs include coughing and unusual gum colors like pale, blue, or gray. If seen, emergency vet care is necessary.

Quick Breathing

Quick breathing can occur when a dog is active, excited, or stressed. If this continues when resting, it might be a serious concern. If their breaths per minute exceed 30 when calm, it could be a sign of an issue with the lungs, heart, or air passages.

Heavy Breathing Through the Nose

Nasal flaring often occurs during playful activities or excitement. Yet, if it occurs while resting, it indicates a problem. Under such circumstances, quick veterinary attention is crucial.

Stomach-Based Breathing

Normal breathing involves a coordinated movement of the chest and stomach. If the abdomen pushes out while exhaling, this indicates that the dog is struggling to expel air from the lungs. This is typically urgent and often linked with conditions like heart failure or bronchitis.

Short, Quick Breaths

Short breaths, not associated with activity, can signal hidden health issues. In such cases, a veterinarian should be consulted to assess the deeper cause.

Intense Breathing When Resting

Heavy breathing while resting can indicate potential lung or airway issues. Monitoring of the resting respiratory rate is crucial for dogs with heart conditions, as it often serves as an early warning of fluid buildup in the lungs.

Nighttime Breathing

Breathing heavily at night might signal problems related to the lungs or airways. Symptoms like pacing, coughing, or changes in gum color signify congestive heart failure, necessitating prompt vet evaluation.

Older Dogs and Breathing Challenges

In older dogs, breathing issues can often imply heart problems, lung cancer, or bronchitis. Such dogs should be closely monitored due to an increased risk of developing these conditions.

Heavy Breathing in Puppies

For puppies, heavy breathing might just signify excitement. If they are active, eating well, and alert, concern is minimal. Yet, symptoms like lethargy, vomiting, or changes in behavior are causes for concern and require a vet’s attention. Puppies are also susceptible to conditions like pneumonia or heartworm.

Congested Breathing

A stuffy nose may force a dog to breathe more through its mouth. Symptoms like lethargy, discharge, or facial changes can indicate something beyond ordinary congestion. A veterinarian should guide further action.

Heavy Breathing Compared to Regular Breathing in Dogs

Dogs typically breathe 15 to 30 deep and long breaths per minute, which is considered their normal breathing pattern. Panting is a short and shallow type of breathing. Dogs often pant with their mouths open after exercise or when they are warm. Panting usually stops once they are cooled down or have rested.

In contrast, heavy breathing is quicker and may require extra effort. It can often be noticed by observing the dog’s chest and belly moving as they breathe in and out, even when resting. They might hold their head and neck stretched out, indicating difficulty in breathing.

These differences are key in assessing a dog’s breathing health. Understanding these signs can help in ensuring a dog’s well-being.

When To Visit the Vet

Heavy breathing in a dog is a serious concern that must not be ignored, as it can be life-threatening if not addressed. Immediate vet attention is needed if a dog shows any of the symptoms, such as difficulty lying down or getting comfortable, constant pacing, extreme tiredness, weakness or episodes of collapsing, standing with their neck stretched out, and gums changing color from pink to blue, purple, gray, or white.

Additional signs include a swollen belly, discharge from the nose or mouth, yellow or green mucus from eyes or nose, refusing food, vomiting, or diarrhea. Sadly, there are no do-it-yourself solutions effective enough for dogs experiencing heavy breathing. A quick visit to the vet is essential for assessment and possible treatment.

Diagnosis of Underlying Conditions

Identifying the cause of heavy breathing in dogs involves several steps. These include a physical check-up, various tests, and imaging methods. Each provides valuable insight into possible health issues that might be affecting the dog.

Physical Examination

The first step is a detailed physical exam by a veterinarian. The vet will check the dog’s overall health, listening to the heart and lungs with a stethoscope for unusual sounds, and observing the dog’s breathing pattern for irregularities.

Checking the gums and tongue can help in identifying oxygenation issues. They might also palpate the abdomen and lymph nodes. All these actions can guide the vet towards the next diagnostic steps.

Laboratory Tests

Blood tests play a crucial role in diagnosing underlying conditions. Complete blood counts (CBC) and biochemistry profiles can reveal signs of infection, anemia, or organ dysfunction. Urinalysis may be performed to assess kidney health. In some cases, tests for heartworm or other specific illnesses might be necessary.

Thyroid function tests are also possible if metabolic issues are suspected. Lab results offer deeper insights into any internal problems, guiding treatment.

Imaging Techniques

Imaging helps visualize internal organs and structures. X-rays are common for examining the chest and abdomen. They can show heart size, lung conditions, or any abnormal masses. Ultrasounds offer a closer look at specific organs, like the heart and liver.

In some cases, a CT scan or MRI might be used for more detailed images. These techniques can help pinpoint the exact issue causing excessive breathing.

Home Care and Management

For dogs experiencing heavy breathing, making changes to their environment and diet can help improve their overall well-being. Adjusting their living space and nutrition can reduce stress and address health needs effectively.

Environmental Changes

Adjusting the home environment for a dog with heavy breathing is crucial. Temperature control is important; keep the room cool with fans or air conditioning. This helps prevent overheating, which can worsen breathing issues. Limit outdoor activities during hot weather to avoid heat stress.

Air quality also matters. Keep the space free from dust and smoke, as these can irritate a dog’s airway. A good air purifier can help. Quiet spaces allow the dog to rest peacefully, especially if stress is a factor. Regular cleaning of bedding and toys prevents allergens.

Dietary Considerations

Diet plays a role in managing a dog’s breathing. Weight management is crucial, as extra pounds can strain breathing. Consult with a vet about switching to a balanced diet that’s low in calories but high in nutrients, helping your dog maintain a healthy weight.

Hydration is essential, so fresh water should always be available. Sometimes, wet food can be beneficial if a dog has issues with dry food textures. Avoid common allergens like certain grains if suspected food allergies worsen the problem. Regular vet check-ups assist in tailoring the ideal diet.

Breeds Prone to Respiratory Issues

Some dog breeds are more likely to have breathing problems due to physical traits or age-related changes. Knowing the risks for these breeds can help owners prepare for and manage potential breathing difficulties.

Brachycephalic Breeds

Brachycephalic breeds are dogs with flat faces and short noses. These breeds include Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boston Terriers. Their facial structure makes breathing more difficult because of a shortened airway and smaller nostrils.

Many of these dogs have Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS), which can lead to snoring, wheezing, and heavy breathing. In serious cases, their breathing issues might require surgical intervention to improve airflow.

Owners can help by maintaining a healthy weight for their dogs. Keeping dogs cool in hot weather and avoiding overexertion is also essential. Stress and anxiety can worsen issues, so a calm environment is beneficial.

Age-Related Breathing Issues

As dogs age, they might develop breathing problems due to changing body conditions. Older dogs frequently face issues like collapsing trachea, which is when the windpipe becomes weak. This is common in toy breeds and can lead to honking coughs.

Coughing and wheezing in older dogs may also be signs of heart disease or lung problems. Regular check-ups with a veterinarian are important to catch these conditions early. Early diagnosis can help manage symptoms and maintain a better quality of life.

Using a humidifier at home can ease breathing for older dogs. Ensuring they have clean air and avoiding irritants greatly helps. Adjusting exercise routines can prevent overexertion and assist in managing their comfort level.