What does Laboured breathing look like in a dog? Here’s What to Do Next

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Why Is My Pet Having Difficulty Breathing?

A problem with the airways, lungs, chest wall, or diaphragm can trigger breathing difficulties. There are several diseases that cause labored breathing in dogs and cats. These include:

  • Asthma
  • Infectious diseases, such as canine influenza
  • Bronchitis
  • Cancer
  • Heart failure
  • Metabolic issues
  • Pneumonia
  • Laryngeal paralysis
  • Trauma

    • Labored Breathing in Dogs and Cats

    One of the functions in life that we take for granted is breathing. Every living thing does it, and it is only when there is difficulty that we appreciate the exquisite function of the respiratory system. Dogs and cats can have trouble breathing too. Many problems manifest as breathing difficulties in pets, from being overweight to toxicity, or to a disease like heart disease.

    There are a few common conditions that cause breathing difficulties.

  • Tachypnea — This condition causes your pet to breathe rapidly for no apparent reason. Rapid breathing in dogs and cats occurs normally when your pet has been running or other forms of strenuous exercise. Panting in order to cool the body down is another reason for rapid breathing. But if neither of these are the case, rapid breathing can be a sign of serious conditions, such as infections, anemia, and possible blood clots.
  • Dyspnea — Dyspnea is also referred to as labored breathing. Pets with this condition struggle to catch their breath or inhale and exhale normally. Along with difficulty breathing, your pet may cough, lower their head, flare their nostrils, and breathe with their mouth open. Their breathing may be noisy as they struggle to breathe in and out. Labored breathing in dogs and cats can be due to an underlying disease, such as lung disease or diseases related to the throat or mouth. Other causes are injury, trauma, and blockages from a foreign body.
  • Excessive panting — Panting is a normal function that allows your pet to cool down their internal body temperature. There are times, though, when panting is abnormal. If your pet is panting excessively and shows other signs of abnormal breathing, they should visit your veterinarian. Excessive panting can be due to high blood pressure, a thyroid condition, fever, pain, and other illnesses or conditions.

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    A dog’s respiratory system is complex and contains several parts, including the lungs, windpipe (trachea), throat, nose and mouth. Diseases in any part of this system can cause breathing problems in dogs.

    Difficulty or laboured breathing is known as dyspnoea, and excessively fast breathing is called tachypnea.

    Breathing problems can occur in any breed or age, but they are particularly common in flat-faced breeds with narrowed nostrils and elongated soft palates, such as French bulldogs and pugs, and some toy breeds, including Yorkshire Terriers and Chihuahuas, as they are most likely to suffer from windpipe issues.

  • Infection (bacterial, viral, parasitic)
  • Trauma
  • Bleeding
  • Foreign objects
  • Structural abnormality (such as elongated soft palate)
  • Heart failure
  • Anaemia
  • Allergies
  • Pain
  • Fever
  • Diseases that make the belly enlarged or bloated
  • Medications
  • Tumours

    • It can be difficult to determine whether your dog is breathing normally or not. Healthy dogs typically breath at a rate of between 20 and 34 breaths a minute and their breathing should never be laboured or a struggle. If in doubt contact your vet or, out of hours, your nearest Vets Now clinic right away.

  • Infection (bacterial, viral, parasitic)
  • Trauma
  • Bleeding
  • Foreign objects
  • Structural abnormality (such as elongated soft palate)
  • Heart failure
  • Anaemia
  • Allergies
  • Pain
  • Fever
  • Diseases that make the belly enlarged or bloated
  • Medications
  • Tumours

    • 3 Types of Dog Breathing Problems and What to Do

    For many pet parents, it’s hard to imagine a life without our dogs. They are an integral part of our lives and they make our houses feel more like home. They add a certain warmth to our space, and our homes feel a little empty without them in it. Which is why, if our dogs suddenly feel ill, act lethargic, or refuse to eat or play, we know something is up.

    According to most veterinarians, although some cases may not always be as dire and can wait until your next vet appointment, other subtle signs may be more serious, which when ignored, can be life-threatening.