Anatomy Dog Respiratory System

The Anatomy of a Dog Respiratory System is composed of the nose, larynx, pharynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs. It has two main functions, to regulate the body's temperature and to provide the body with oxygen and release the carbon dioxide.

The act of breathing is automatic and is performed under the control of the respiratory center, which is located in the medulla oblongata. Breathing happens in two ways, inspiration and expiration, in the case of dogs, in normal conditions, it happens with a rhythm of 15 to 30 per minute. 

It is convenient to have in mind that the respiratory rhythm can be altered by different circumstances and by internal or external factors, like for example the increase of decrease of the dog's body temperature, after doing exercise, running, jumping, etc., due to emotional alterations like fear, anger or sexual excitement or due to the change in the temperature of the environment. 

Phases of Respiration in Dog

• Inspiration: it is due to a muscular effort that dilates the chest in its three dimensions, so that the lungs have to expand to fill up the empty space, which would otherwise be produced; the difference of pressure produced causes the penetrating flow of air.
• Expiration: it is the elastic regression through which the diaphragm moves forward and the ribs return to their initial position due to the muscular tension and the elasticity of the cartilage; this lasts a bit longer than the previous phase. Cardiovascular System of a Dog