It’s natural to worry about our dogs and notice every little change. That goes for when they are breathing faster than normal too. Luckily, not every instance of fast breathing means something is wrong. Sometimes, it’s perfectly normal and other times it’s a sign you need a veterinarian to take a look.
If you’ve been asking yourself “Why is my dog breathing so fast?” and haven’t figured out why, read on for more information about the possible causes and when you should seek help.
Normal Reasons for Fast Breathing
Dogs naturally breathe faster in certain situations. It’s helpful to first rule out any normal reasons before assuming there’s a medical problem.
Exercise
After a walk, play session, or running around the backyard, dogs pant to cool themselves down. Unlike humans, dogs don’t sweat efficiently through their skin. Instead, they release heat primarily through panting. If your dog just finished being active, fast breathing can simply be a way to regulate their temperature.
Temperature Regulation
On warm days, dogs may pant even without much activity. Panting is crucial for helping them avoid overheating. Breeds with thick coats or flat faces (like Bulldogs and Pugs) are particularly prone to heat sensitivity and may breathe faster in an effort to stay cool.
Excitement or Stress
Exciting events, such as visitors arriving or a trip to the dog park, can cause an adrenaline rush, leading to rapid breathing. Anxiety or fear, like during thunderstorms or vet visits, can also make a dog pant heavily.
In these normal cases, breathing typically returns to a regular pace within a few minutes after the excitement, exercise, or heat exposure ends.
When Fast Breathing Could Be a Problem
While there are many normal causes for rapid breathing, there are also medical conditions where fast breathing is a warning sign. It’s important to pay close attention to your dog’s behavior and other symptoms to know when to seek veterinary help.
Pain or Discomfort
Dogs often hide pain, but increased respiratory rate can be one of the few outward signs. If your dog is breathing fast without an obvious reason like exercise or heat, and seems restless or unwilling to move, pain could be the cause. Injuries, internal issues, or post-surgical pain may all lead to faster breathing.
Heatstroke
Dogs that overheat can develop heatstroke, a life-threatening condition. Along with rapid breathing, signs of heatstroke include drooling, red gums, weakness, vomiting, or collapse. This is an emergency situation that needs immediate veterinary attention.
Heart Disease
A dog’s heart and lungs work closely together. If the heart isn’t pumping effectively, fluid can build up in the lungs, making it harder for your dog to breathe. Heart disease can cause increased breathing even when the dog is resting. You may also notice coughing, fatigue, or intolerance to exercise.
Respiratory Problems
Conditions such as pneumonia, lung infections, collapsing trachea, or even tumors in the lungs can all cause a dog to breathe faster. Infections may also bring fever, coughing, and nasal discharge.
Anemia
Anemia reduces the number of red blood cells available to carry oxygen through the body. As a result, your dog may breathe faster to try to make up for the lack of oxygen. Pale gums, weakness, and lethargy can also accompany anemia.
Toxin / Allergy Ingestion
Certain toxins, like rat poison or toxic plants, can affect the body’s ability to transport oxygen or interfere with lung function. If your dog has ingested something dangerous or that s/he is allergic to, fast breathing might be one of the first signs of trouble.
-
1420 E. Altamonte Drive
Altamonte Springs, FL 32701
What to Look For
If you notice your dog breathing fast, check for other symptoms that could indicate a serious issue:
- Difficulty breathing (labored, shallow, or strained breathing)
- Persistent coughing
- Blue-tinged gums or tongue
- Drooling or foaming at the mouth
- Weakness or collapse
- Restlessness, pacing, shaking, or inability to get comfortable
- Nosebleeds or bleeding gums
Even if your dog isn’t showing all these symptoms, rapid breathing combined with any change in behavior is enough to warrant a call to the veterinarian.
How Fast Is Too Fast?
In general, a resting dog should take between 15 and 30 breaths per minute. If your dog is sleeping or lying quietly and is breathing faster than 30 breaths per minute, it’s worth monitoring closely. Breathing that exceeds 40 breaths per minute while at rest or sleeping could indicate an urgent medical issue.
You can check your dog’s breathing rate at home by watching their chest rise and fall. Count how many breaths occur in 15 seconds and multiply by four to get the number of breaths per minute.
When Is It An Emergency?
If your dog is breathing rapidly and also seems distressed, such as struggling to breathe, collapsing, or showing blue gums, seek emergency veterinary care immediately. It’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your pet’s breathing.
Even if your dog seems relatively calm but continues breathing fast without an obvious cause, it’s a good idea to schedule a veterinary exam. Some problems, like heart disease or early lung infections, can be caught early with proper diagnosis and treatment.
Helping Your Dog Breathe Easy
Keeping your dog healthy starts with prevention. Make sure they stay cool during warm weather, get regular veterinary checkups, and maintain a healthy weight to reduce strain on the heart and lungs. Know your dog’s normal behavior so that you can quickly spot when something is wrong.
Fast breathing doesn’t always mean there’s an emergency, but it’s not something to ignore either. Trust your instincts. You know your dog better than anyone. When in doubt, reaching out to your veterinarian is always the safest choice.
Westmonte Animal Clinic is here to help. If your dog is breathing faster than normal or you’d like to get a baseline so you know right away if something is wrong, schedule an appointment.
