How fast should a dog breathe?
A healthy dog typically takes 15 to 35 breaths per minute while resting, and likely slightly faster if they are exercising. Puppies may also breathe slightly faster.
Anything above 40 breaths per minute while your dog is resting is considered abnormal and is worth consulting your vet about.
To check your dog's breathing rate, count the number of breaths in 15 seconds and multiply by four. If your dog is breathing fast while at rest and if their resting respiratory rate exceeds 30 breaths per minute, it may be time to consult a veterinarian.
Why is my dog breathing fast?
Not all panting is bad or a sign of distress. Dogs may breathe rapidly for various reasons, including:
- Excitement or exercise: Your dog might breathe faster than usual after a vigorous play session or a brisk walk. This is a normal response to physical activity.
- Fear, stress, or anxiety: Situations that cause stress or fear, such as loud noises or unfamiliar environments, can lead to rapid breathing.
- Heat: Dogs pant to cool themselves. Panting is one of the most effective ways for a dog to regulate its body temperature. It cools them down and allows heat and moisture to dissipate from the tongue. While you may notice your dog breathing fast as their body tries to cool itself to a normal temperature, heavy or rapid breathing can be an early sign of heat stroke, which requires emergency veterinary care.
If Your Dog is Breathing Fast While Sleeping
Seeing your dog breathe fast while sleeping can be concerning. Rapid breathing during sleep might be due to dreams, much like humans. However, if your dog consistently breathes fast while at rest, it might indicate an underlying health issue.
Signs of Respiratory Distress in Dogs
Your pup's rapid breathing may indicate that they are suffering from an illness or injury that should be evaluated by your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Dogs with 'squished faces' or shortened snouts, such as Boston terriers, boxers, and pugs, are more prone to breathing issues and should always be closely monitored by pet parents for any signs of breathing difficulties.
It's critical to distinguish between normal panting and signs of respiratory distress. Look out for these symptoms:
- Labored breathing: Difficulty in breathing, often accompanied by unusual sounds like wheezing.
- Shallow breathing: Short, rapid breaths that don't seem to provide adequate ventilation.
- Gums or tongue turning blue: Indicates a lack of oxygen and requires emergency veterinary care.
- Coughing or choking: Persistent coughing or sounds of choking.
- Restlessness: Inability to settle, often due to discomfort or distress.
When to Seek Professional Help
Rapid breathing can sometimes indicate serious health issues such as:
- Heat stroke: If your dog is panting heavily in hot weather and showing signs of distress, emergency veterinary care is required.
- Heart disease: Rapid or labored breathing can be a symptom of heart problems.
- Respiratory infections: Conditions like pneumonia can cause rapid, shallow breathing.
- Pain or trauma: Injuries or internal pain may increase breathing rates.
How will the vet diagnose the cause of my dog's fast breathing?
Your dog's veterinarian will conduct a thorough physical examination to identify whether the issue is related to the heart, circulatory system, lungs, airway, neck, head, or another part of the body. Your pet's overall health condition may also be a contributing factor.
The vet must be informed about any past medical problems your pet has had and may suggest diagnostic tests, such as X-rays, to examine the heart, lungs, and abdomen for such problems as broken ribs or lung tumors.
The vet will also assess your dog for any signs of anxiety, stress, or other psychological factors that could be causing rapid breathing.
How is fast breathing in dogs treated?
If your dog is breathing rapidly, the treatment will depend on the underlying cause. Your veterinarian may recommend pain relief, intravenous fluids with calcium, or other medications based to alleviate the issue.
If stress or anxiety is causing rapid breathing, seeking the help of a certified dog behaviorist for special training may be necessary.
In any case, rest and oxygen therapy will likely be part of the treatment. While most dogs can be treated at home, in severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary to monitor and treat the underlying cause of the rapid breathing.
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.