Dogs breathing fast but not panting can be problematic and need your attention. Usually, at rest, a healthy dog breathes 15 to 35 times in a minute. So, if you find your pup breathing heavier than usual, consider having a breathing test. If the test shows a rate above 40, take your pup to the vet immediately. Sometimes, when a dog runs, exercises, or does any activity, the breathing rate can increase, and you don’t need to worry about that.
As a pet owner, you should also know that panting does not always mean your dog has any issues. Usually, dogs faint to normalize their body temperature and allow water to evaporate from their mouths. So, panting can also mean the dog is regulating its body temperature.
This article explains all the reasons and causes of a dog’s fainting and the conditions for taking your pup to the vet.
Here are all the topics we covered in this guide. You can click the links below to jump to any section:
- Top Reasons For Your Dog Breathing Fast
- Other Factors That are Alarming and Cause Breathing Issues in Dogs
- Dog Breathing Fast But Not Panting While Sleeping: Should I Take Them to Vet?
- How Does Pet Doctor Diagnose My Puppies’ Fast Breathing Cause?
- What is the possible treatment to treat a dog’s breathing issue?
- FAQ’s
Top Reasons For Your Dog Breathing Fast
Rapid breathing could be a sign of health problems and need instant attention. So, take your pup to the vet when you notice any uncertain condition.
Exercise or Playing Activities
If your dog is healthy and active, it may show fast breathing due to exercise. This is especially true during hot weather conditions when the sweating and breathing rates are higher than usual.
Respiratory Disorders
Some dogs can have respiratory disorders like pneumonia, lung infections, or laryngeal paralysis. These conditions can cause dogs to faint during excessive work and exercise. In some cases, untreated respiratory issues can even lead to further complications, so addressing them early on is crucial. If you’re also concerned about other health issues, such as hookworms in dogs, you can learn more about signs, treatment, and precautions in our detailed guide.
Heart Disorder
Any heart problem can also cause breathing disorders. This is especially true when sufficient oxygen doesn’t pass to the heart. It is mandatory to avoid heavy running or exercise when your pup has any heart-related issues.
Heat Stroke in High Temperature
High temperatures are the primary reason dogs experience rapid breathing. During the summer, dogs run or participate in playing activities, which can dehydrate them and cause them to develop heat stroke-like conditions.
Other Factors That are Alarming and Cause Breathing Issues in Dogs
Other factors may also increase the risk of breathing problems. The table describes all of them.
| Windpipe Issue |
| Bacterial Respiratory Infection |
| Fungal Respiratory Infection |
| Stiffening of Airways |
| Nausea |
| Anemia |
| Hernia |
| Collapsing Windpipe |
| Breed Type Issue |
| Cancer |
Dog Breathing Fast But Not Panting While Sleeping: Should I Take Them to Vet?
If you observe any breathing problems in your vet, immediately take your pup to the vet. If you notice the following respiratory distress condition, you should not delay further as it may cause severe dog conditions. When your pup is having fast breathing
- Your dog turned pale or bluish
- When your dog isn’t eating or drinking properly
- If he had open-mouthed breathing at rest
How Does Pet Doctor Diagnose My Puppies’ Fast Breathing Cause?
The veterinarian will thoroughly examine if the breathing is normal or if it is due to any cause. Your dog’s breed type and health factor can also be a reason to cause breathing issues. The vet will determine the health history and diagnose any issue after an X-ray of the lungs, heart, and abdomen.
Sometimes, pets get stressed and depressed, especially when prioritizing others over your pup. This may lead to anxiety conditions and less breathing in your dog.
What is the possible treatment to treat a dog’s breathing issue?
Only the veterinarian can determine the cause of a dog’s breathing issue. Based on this, the vet will prescribe pain relief medications to keep the dog’s breathing rate regular.
Some dogs also need oxygen therapy to recover from the problem entirely. When stressed, a therapist must indicate what causes the stress in a pup. Some behaviors are not harmful, cause heavy breathing, and can be quickly handled at home. Some behaviors need instant action and can be treated only in the hospital. Additionally, taking care of your dog’s overall health is vital. Consider managing their diet with low-sodium dog foods, which are essential for preventing health issues related to heart and kidney conditions.
FAQ’s
What is the standard breathing rate of a dog?
An average dog’s breathing rate is 15 to 35 minutes every 60 seconds. But if you feel the rate changes slightly and exceeds 40, notice if the dog is dehydrated or take it to the vet to diagnose the actual reason.
Does my dog have any issues when he is breathing fast at rest?
If your pup is breathing faster than usual, especially while sleeping, then you should be worried. This can be severe respiratory distress or heart issues that need a vet’s immediate attention.
Is being overweight also the reason my dog is breathing faster?
Yes, like humans, dogs’ weight can affect their breathing and energy. Drastic weight changes can make dogs breathe faster, have low energy, and be fatigued. So, it’s better to take great care of their activity level and give them low-calorie food.
