Why Is My Dog Breathing Fast?

If your dog is breathing fast but hasn't been running or playing hard, you might be wondering if you should be concerned. Today, our Mechanicsburg vets share some reasons why dogs breathe fast, and when you should call the vet.

Why Is My Dog Breathing Fast?

For you to be able to spot abnormal breathing you'll need to understand what a healthy respiratory (breathing) rate for your dog is. A typical healthy dog will take between 15 to 35 breaths per minute while at rest. (Naturally, while exercising, your pooch will breathe much more quickly). So, anything above 40 breaths per minute while your dog is at rest is considered abnormal and certainly worth investigating.

That said, it's important to understand that panting doesn't always mean that there's a problem. Panting is your pup's way of regulating their body temperature, cooling themselves down and allowing water and heat to evaporate from their upper respiratory tract, tongue, and mouth.

Dogs can't sweat to cool themselves down, instead they need to breathe fast to allow air to circulate through their body. Rapid breathing helps your pup's body to get back to a normal temperature.

How To Know If Your Dog Is Breathing Too Fast

To tell if your dog is breathing faster than you think is normal, 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 pet's 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.

Why Is My Dog Breathing Quickly?

Brachycephalic dog breeds (breeds with 'squished faces') 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 aren't the only ones that can run into difficulties breathing normally, so no matter what breed your dog is you should monitor them for breathing difficulties. Respiratory issues could stem from an illness or injury that requires urgent veterinary care. A few potential causes of fast or heavy breathing in dogs include:

When Should I Contact My Vet?

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

• Obvious effort to breathe (engaging stomach muscles to help breathe)
• Pale, blue-tinged or brick red gums
• Reluctance to drink, eat or move
• Open-mouthed breathing while at rest
• Out of character drooling
• Heavy, fast breathing (louder and different from normal panting)

How Is Fast Breathing In Dogs Diagnosed?

A complete physical examination will be performed by your vet to pinpoint whether your dog's breathing issue stems from a problem in the heart, circulatory system, lungs, airway, neck, head, or other areas. Your pet's overall general health condition may also be causing an issue.

Your vet should be made aware of any previous medical issues that your pooch has experienced and may recommend diagnostic tests such as X-rays to check the heart, lungs and abdomen for issues such as lung tumors or broken ribs.

The veterinarian will also watch your dog for any signs of anxiety, stress or other psychological factors that could be causing the fast breathing.

How Are Dogs Treated For Fast Breathing?

Ultimately the underlying reason for your dog's respiratory difficulties will determine the best treatment. Your vet could recommend medications for pain relief, intravenous fluids, or other medications to help your dog recuperate.

If your dog is breathing fast due to stress or anxiety, special training with a certified dog behaviorist may be recommended.

Rest and oxygen therapy will likely be needed to start your dog along the road to healing. While most dogs will be well enough to be treated at home, in some severe cases hospitalization may be required to monitor the dog's breathing, and to treat the underlying health condition.

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.

Is your dog's fast breathing worrying you? Get in touch with our Mechanicsburg veterinary team today for urgent vet care for your pup.