Why is my dog breathing heavy at night? Surprising Answer

Why is my dog breathing fast?

Brachycephalic dog breeds, (breeds with squished faces or shortened snouts), such as Boston terriers, boxers, and pugs face a higher risk of developing breathing issues and should always be closely monitored by pet owners for signs of increased respiratory effort.

Short nosed breeds arent the only ones that can run into difficulties breathing normally. No matter which breed your dog is, fast breathing could be a sign that your pooch is suffering from an illness or injury that requires urgent veterinary care. A few potential causes of fast or heavy breathing in dogs include:

  • Asthma
  • Lung Diseases such as cancer
  • Exercise
  • Kennel Cough
  • Laryngeal Paralysis
  • Windpipe Issues
  • Bacterial Respiratory Infection
  • Fungal Respiratory Infection
  • Pressure on the Windpipe
  • Stiffening of Airways
  • Smoke Inhalation
  • Breed Characteristics
  • Pain
  • Parasites
  • Pneumonia
  • Compressed Lungs
  • Hernia
  • Heat Stroke
  • Anemia
  • Nausea
  • Collapsing Windpipe
  • Medication
  • How can I tell if my dog is breathing too fast?

    To tell if your dog is breathing abnormally fast, count your dog’s breaths for a minute while they are resting or sleeping. (You may even want to do this when you are not concerned, in order to have a clear understanding of your pets normal respiratory rate). Anything under 30 breaths per minute is considered normal, anything above 35 may be a cause for concern and is worth contacting your vet over. Your vet will have a good understanding of your dogs normal respiratory rate from previous examinations.

    What Causes Heavy Breathing In Dogs?

    Since dogs can’t sweat, panting helps keep them cool after exercise or when they are in a hot environment. Certain dog breeds like french bulldogs and pugs may breathe heavier due to their shorter snouts.

    However, there are certain conditions and illnesses that can cause heavy breathing in dogs, such as:

  • Respiratory conditions, including chronic bronchitis
  • Fluid in lungs or lung cavity
  • Heart failure
  • Cushing’s syndrome
  • Heatstroke
  • Poisoning from consuming a toxic substance1
  • Side effects of medications
  • Injury2
  • Why is my dog breathing heavy at night?