When your dog is breathing fast, it's understandable to feel concerned about your dog's wellbeing. Since dog's breathing patterns are different from ours, it can be tough to distinguish between fast breathing and respiratory distress.
Dogs breathe fast for a variety of reasons, but stress and anxiety are two common triggers. Breathing fast is sometimes called hyperventilation, which is something humans experience as well. When dogs hyperventilate, they take quick, shallow breaths. The dog may also have an elevated heart rate and remain alert with their eyes open and head up. If you see these signs in your dog or notice changes in breathing patterns, it’s time to investigate why this is happening.
If your dog breathes fast from time to time, there isn’t cause for alarm. It could be stress from something like thunder or fireworks (many dogs fear them), fear from meeting another new dog, general anxiety about getting out of the house or home environment more frequently, or even something as simple as drinking water too fast when it’s hot outside.
Let's take a look at what is considered fast breathing in dogs, the symptoms of respiratory distress, causes, and when to call the vet.
Why Is My Dog Breathing So Fast?
In order to determine that your dog is breathing fast, you need to know what a normal respiratory rate is. Dogs should take between 10 to 40 breaths per minute at rest. During exercise, they will automatically breathe faster - sometimes up to 10 times faster than their normal rate. This means that during intense exercise your dog can have a respiratory rate up to 100 to 350 times per minute.
Dogs don't just pant because they're breathing fast, they also pant to regulate their body temperature and cool themselves down. The water and heat evaporate from their tongue, so you may also notice your dog is breathing fast in hot weather.
Since dogs don't sweat, they need to breathe fast to avoid developing heat stroke and move air throughout their body. Fast breathing in dogs is a sign they are trying to cool their body down - whether it's from intense exercise or when it's hot outside.
Basics of Hyperventilation and What It Means for Dogs
When humans hyperventilate, they breathe too quickly and too heavily. This leads to insufficient levels of carbon dioxide in the blood and can make someone feel lightheaded or dizzy. In dogs, hyperventilation is different. Dogs breathe too quickly because they take in too much air, but don't have enough CO2 in their bloodstream. The result is they have too much CO2 in their bloodstream.
Dogs don't experience the lightheadedness or dizziness humans do as a result of hyperventilation. However, it can lead to a collapsed lung and other complications. When dogs hyperventilate, they take quick, shallow breaths. The dog may also have an elevated heart rate and remain alert with their eyes open and head up. If this is happening to your dog, it could be one of two things: your dog is stressed, or your dog is experiencing pain or injury.
When is Fast Breathing Normal in Dogs?
Most of the time, fast breathing in dogs is a result of stress or anxiety. It’s important to look for other signs, as well, when you notice fast breathing in your dog. Is he or she panting heavily? Are they whining or growling? Are they shaking or otherwise trembling? Are they tucked in and trying to hide, or do they appear to be trying to escape the room or situation? These things can give you a better idea of what is causing your dog to breathe fast.
If your dog breathes fast from time to time, there isn’t cause for alarm. It could be stress from something like thunder or fireworks (many dogs fear them), fear from meeting another new dog, general anxiety about getting out of the house or home environment more frequently, or even something as simple as drinking water too fast when it’s hot outside.
Fast Breathing After Exercise
Fast breathing after exercise is a sign that your dog may be overheating. You may notice a lot of panting and heavy breathing, as well as excessive saliva. If your dog is panting heavily after playing or after running for a long distance, you may want to consider bringing him or her inside.
If you are inside, make sure there are plenty of water bowls and bowls of water for your dog to drink from. If you do not have air conditioning and the temperature is high, you can help your dog cool down by spraying him with water or placing him in a shallow bath of cold water. If your dog does not improve or continues to pant heavily even after coming inside, you may want to call the veterinarian to make sure nothing more serious is happening.
Fast Breathing in Hot Weather
Dogs that are used to living in colder climates may begin panting heavily when it gets very warm outside. This is a normal response to temperature, and in most cases the dog should acclimate once the temperature cools down. However, if your dog is panting heavily and not improving, it is a good idea to bring him inside and make sure he has plenty of water to drink.
Symptoms of Abnormal Fast Breathing in Dogs
There is a difference between normal panting after vigorous exercise and breathing difficulties. Your dog may be experiencing respiratory distress if they have any of the following symptoms:
Using abdominal muscles to help with breathing
Not eating, drinking, or moving around
Blue colored gums or gums that are bright red
Excessive drooling
Breathing with an open mouth
Heavy, fast breathing that's louder than normal panting
What to Do When Your Dog is Breathing Fast
The first thing to do when it seems like your dog is breathing fast is to measure their respiratory rate. It's best to count this while they are sleeping or resting. Anything above 40 breaths per minute is abnormal and worth further investigation.
If your dog is exhibiting any of the signs and symptoms listed above, this is considered an emergency and you should contact your vet immediately.
If your dog is breathing fast, but behaving normal otherwise, you should still contact your vet. They might suggest monitoring your dog for a few days to see if their respiratory rate returns to normal.
What is the Treatment for Fast Breathing in Dogs?
The treatment for your pup's breathing will depend on the underlying cause. Some of the treatments available include intravenous fluids, medications, and pain relief.
If your dog's respiratory issue is caused by anxiety, you may need to seek help from a behavioral therapist or start your dog on anxiety medications.
Regardless of the cause, most veterinarians will recommend oxygen therapy and rest for dogs who are breathing abnormally.
Causes of Fast Breathing in Dogs
While there are normal circumstances where dogs may breathe faster than normal, fast breathing can also be a sign of illness or injury.
There are a variety of health conditions that can cause your dog to breathe fast. Some of the more common conditions include anxiety, stress, allergies, heatstroke, heart disease, respiratory disease, and diabetes. If you notice your dog breathing fast and they have no other symptoms, it is likely not a health condition. If your dog is breathing fast with other symptoms, it is important to take them to the veterinarian so they can make a diagnosis.
Some potential reasons for fast breathing include:
Brachycephalic breed breathing problems
Brachycephalic breeds with flat noses (Pugs, Bulldogs, French Bulldogs) are more prone to have breathing difficulties than other breeds. A breathing rate that's increased and noisy breathing are somewhat normal in these dogs, but it should still be checked by a vet if you feel your dog is breathing abnormally. Make an appointment with your vet if you have concerns about your dog's breathing.
Laryngeal paralysis
Laryngeal paralysis is a common condition in dogs. It occurs when the cartilage in a dog's throat doesn't open and close properly during breathing. It occurs mostly in large breeds like Labrador Retrievers or Great Danes.
Symptoms of laryngeal paralysis include noisy breathing, dry cough, and obvious respiratory distress during exercise. This condition can be a life threatening medical emergency and you should contact your vet immediately if your dog experiences these symptoms.
Rhinitis (a viral, fungal, or bacterial infection in the nasal passages)
Pressure on the throat causing a collapsed trachea
Lung disease like cancer or pneumonia
Pain
Medication side effects
Exercise
Anemia or Low Red Blood Cells
Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout a dog's body. While anemia is caused by a lack of iron in the diet, it leads to low numbers of red blood cells. When this happens, your dog will start breathing fast to compensate for the lack of oxygen circulation. Oxygen therapy is a short-term solution for this condition, but it's important to discuss the issue with your vet to ensure your dog is getting enough iron in their body.
Depression and Breathing Fast in Dogs
When a dog is depressed, they may breathe fast, but their overall behavior will be very different from that of a dog that is simply stressed or anxious. A depressed dog may not play, engage in their normal routine (such as eating or going outside), or respond to you as they normally would. They may also seem lethargic or as if they don’t have the energy to do anything. If you think your dog may be depressed, you should take them to the veterinarian. They can run tests and make a diagnosis, and they can also recommend treatment options.
Anxiety and Breathing Fast in Dogs
When dogs are anxious, they breathe fast. If you notice your dog breathing rapidly, you should look for other signs, as well. Anxious dogs will often be restless and unable to relax. They may engage in repetitive behaviors or chew on things they shouldn’t be chewing on. They may also be hyper-reactive to sounds and movement. If you notice these signs, try to figure out what might be causing them to feel anxious. You can also talk to your veterinarian and let them know what you have observed so they can make suggestions on how to help your dog.
Trauma and Breathing Fast in Dogs
If your dog has experienced trauma, such as a car accident, they may breathe fast. While this is one of the signs of anxiety and should be treated, it could also be a sign that your dog is in pain. If your dog was injured in a car accident, for example, they may be breathing fast because they are in pain. If they are breathing fast and don’t appear to be in pain, it is important to take them to the veterinarian to make sure they don’t have an underlying health issue.
Monitoring Your Dog's Activity Levels
If you're concerned about your dog's breathing, you may also wonder if they are exercising too much or not getting enough rest. Exercise is good for both dogs and humans, but when there isn't enough recovery, it can cause health problems. Dogs aren't immune to overexerting themselves and some breeds are capable of working themselves to the point of exhaustion. So what can you do about it? How do you know when enough is enough?
Knowing your dog's Strain Score is a good place to start. The "Strain Score" is available on the Fi smart collar. It lets pet parents know when your dog is experiencing symptoms of overexertion before they get too tired.
An activity tracker like this one by Fi can give you real-time information on your dog's status, before they develop health problems. It gives you the ability to intervene and ensure your dog gets a proper amount of rest when they need it. This will avoid the problem of fast breathing from overexertion before it happens.
Conclusion
Breathing fast is a sign that your dog is experiencing stress, anxiety, or pain. If your dog breathes fast, it is important to look for other signs, such as heavy panting, to determine what might be causing it. If you think your dog is breathing fast due to overexertion, a monitor like the one found on the Fi electronic collar can help.
If your dog is breathing fast, it is important to see a veterinarian to make sure there is nothing more serious going on. If your dog is breathing fast, first try to determine what might be causing it. Is your dog in pain, or are they simply stressed out? Once you determine what could be causing the fast breathing, you can take steps to calm your dog down and help them feel better.
For more helpful articles about pet-parenting tips, check out the Off Leash blog at TryFi.com.
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