Dog Respiratory problemsThe average dog in good health takes approximately 10 to 30 breaths per minute. Being familiar with your dog's normal breathing patterns will help you to spot any irregularities.
Dog Panting:While normal after your dog has been exercising vigorously or the temperature is hot, panting can be an indication of more serious problems. Dog's who are overweight or getting on in years will normally pant more than other dogs. Some of the more serious causes of panting can be pain, heat stroke, anemia, or internal hemorrhaging. If your dog is panting in the extreme or appears to be suffering seek veterinarian assistance.Rapid breathing: If your dog is breathing rapidly but not panting this usually means that it is not getting sufficient oxygen into its lungs. The reason for this might have some obvious cause like broken ribs or it could be something less obvious like congestive heart failure or a tumor in its lung cavity. Labored breathing: This can result from something as simple as an obstruction in your dog's airway or it could be the result of anatomical abnormalities. These abnormalities could be hereditary or the result of other causes.Many of the "pug" faced dogs like bulldogs suffer from breathing difficulties and after exercising often have bouts of coughing and heavy, labored, noisy breathing. Infections, tonsillitis or Bordetella can also cause coughing fits and heavy labored breathing. |
