Is it normal for pitbulls to breathe loud? Here’s What to Do Next

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Symptoms of Noisy Breathing in Dogs

Noisy breathing can be displayed in many ways; the causes for why your dog is breathing with a raspy sound can range from mild to serious. Always see your veterinarian for any changes in your pet’s breathing patterns.

  • Open mouth breathing
  • Exercise intolerance
  • Restlessness
  • Noise upon inhalation, exhalation or both
  • Coughing
  • Snorting
  • Gagging
  • Labored, difficult breathing (dyspnea)
  • You may see movement of the chest
  • The sounds may be heard even at a distance
  • Snoring
  • He may be asymptomatic at rest, and only breathe noisily during exertion, or he may make the noises all of the time
  • Change or loss of bark
  • There may be a nasal discharge
  • He may have blue mucus membranes (cyanosis)

    • Types

    Abnormal breathing will result when air passes through areas that may be affected with disease or malformation.

    Nares and nasal cavity

  • The nose openings, the nasal cavity, and internal nares open to the pharynx

    • Nasopharynx

  • Connects the windpipe with pharynx above the soft palate

    • Pharynx

  • Connects the mouth and the nasal passages with the esophagus

    • Larynx

  • Connects the pharynx to the trachea, and is also known as the voice box

    • Trachea

  • Connects the larynx to the lungs, and is commonly called the windpipe

    • Diagnosis of Noisy Breathing in Dogs

    Sometimes our family pets become very excited when they walk through the veterinary clinic doors. Whether it is the elation about the outing or the stress of the clinical visit, the excitement will perhaps exacerbate the noisy breathing that is already present. While waiting in the reception area of the clinic, try to calm your pet if he is so enthusiastic that the veterinarian will have a difficult time assessing the problem.

    Give your veterinarian as much information as possible. Let her know the changes that you have seen in your furry family member, such as a difference in his bark or exercise tolerance. Tell the veterinarian if your pet has had any accidents or trauma of late. As she listens with the stethoscope, your veterinary caregiver might hear sounds that will provide clues as to if there is an obstruction or abnormality.

    Radiographs of the head, neck, lungs, and chest may give some insight. Sometimes an elongated palate or a polyp on the windpipe could be evident. Further diagnostic tools, like ultrasound or computed tomography (CT) scan could be invaluable in assessing noisy breathing.

    In addition, a complete blood count, biochemical profile, and urinalysis may be needed to add information to the health evaluation of your dog.

    If absolutely necessary, a pharyngoscopy or laryngoscopy will be considered. This will clearly show anatomical changes, but will only be done if the risk of complication (such as airway collapse) is low. Rest assured, if the veterinary team feels this must be done in order to fully diagnose the reason for the stertor and stridor, your pet will be carefully monitored, and the team will be prepared for intervention measures if required.

    When should I worry about dog panting?

    Remember, panting is normal for a dog after exercise, excitement, or when it’s hot. Call your vet immediately if any of the following applies: Your dog’s panting starts suddenly. You think your dog may be in pain.

    3 Types of Dog Breathing Problems and What to Do

    If your dog is breathing fast, youll understandably be concerned. Our Raritan, Somerset county vets explain whats considered fast breathing in dogs, describe symptoms and potential causes, and share tips on when to call a vet.