My dog is breathing fast. Should I be worried?

Your dog hasn't been exercising or playing but, for some reason, they are breathing fast. Should you be worried? Below, you will find some common reasons why your dog might be breathing fast, and when to call the vet. 

Is my dog having trouble breathing?

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 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. This quick and easy check can help give you 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 dog's normal respiratory rate from previous examinations.

Unusual breathing appears differently in different dogs. Your dog could be breathing fast and shallow or heavy and fast. However your dog's disordered breathing appears, it's always best to contact your veterinarian for advice. 

Why is my dog breathing fast?

Dog 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.

That said, short-nosed breeds aren't the only ones that can experience difficulties breathing normally. Regardless of your dog's breed, fast breathing could be a sign that your pet has an underlying 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 about my dog's breathing? 

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 whenever your dog is displaying symptoms or behaviors that give you cause for concern. Contact your vet right away if you notice any of the following signs:

• Noticeably labored breathing (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
• Uncharacteristic drooling
• Heavy, fast breathing that’s louder or different sounding than normal panting

If your dog is breathing fast even if they are otherwise acting normal, it's a good idea to book an examination with your vet. When it comes to your pet's health it's always best to err on the side of caution.

How will the vet diagnose the cause of my dog's fast breathing?

A full physical examination will be performed by your vet, to determine 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 will need to know about 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 is fast breathing in dogs treated?

Ultimately the underlying cause of your dog's breathing difficulties will determine the best treatment. Your vet may prescribe pain relief, intravenous fluids, or other medications to help restore your dog to good health.

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 people or pets. Always follow your doctor's advice regarding asthma or other allergy symptoms.