{"id":5331,"date":"2025-01-25T09:54:55","date_gmt":"2025-01-25T09:54:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/?p=5331"},"modified":"2025-05-30T10:12:29","modified_gmt":"2025-05-30T10:12:29","slug":"breathing-difficulty-in-dogs-why-dogs-experience-heavy-breathing-and-what-you-can-do-about-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/pet-health\/breathing-difficulty-in-dogs-why-dogs-experience-heavy-breathing-and-what-you-can-do-about-it\/","title":{"rendered":"Breathing Difficulty in Dogs: Why Dogs Experience Heavy Breathing and What You Can Do About It?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Breathing difficulty in dogs is always considered a medical emergency. They can also breathe heavily if they are <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/pet-health\/heat-stroke-in-dogs\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">having a heat stroke<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Panting is normal for dogs especially after exercise or play. They can pant if the weather is warm.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, if your dog hasn\u2019t been exercising, jumping around or experiencing stress, you need to take your dog to an <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vetic.in\/dog-emergency-care-near-me\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">emergency veterinary clinic<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> immediately.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Signs of Breathing Difficulty in Dogs<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-5340\" src=\"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Breathing-Difficulty-in-Dogs_-Recognizing-a-Medical-Emergency.jpg\" alt=\"The image is an informational poster from &quot;Vetic&quot; about recognizing a medical emergency in dogs related to breathing difficulties. The poster includes a title, a list of signs that indicate an emergency, and a call to action for immediate veterinary attention if these signs appear. There is also an image of a dog with a happy expression. The text in the image reads: &quot;Breathing Difficulty in Dogs: Recognizing a Medical Emergency Signs that indicate an emergency: Coughing, lethargy, or weakness Excessive drooling or eye discharge Changes in gum or tongue color Rapid heart or respiratory rate Collapse or inappetence Immediate veterinary attention is crucial if these signs appear&quot;\" width=\"1890\" height=\"1063\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Typically, in most dog health emergencies, breathing difficulty is accompanied by &#8211;<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Coughing<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lethargy and weakness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/pet-health\/dog-drooling-excessively-12-reasons-why\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Excessive drooling<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eye discharge<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Change in the gum colour<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Change in their tongue colour<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increased heart rate<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increased respiratory rate<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Collapse\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inappetence<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sometimes, other signs may include &#8211;<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heavy bleeding through their nose or mouth<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bruising on their body and\/or gums<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vomiting (blood, fluid or food)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most of these signs show that a dog\u2019s breathing difficulty can be life-threatening if not treated immediately.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Normal Breathing vs. Breathing Difficulty in Dogs<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-5339\" src=\"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Breathing-Difficulty-in-Dogs_-Recognizing-a-Medical-Emergency-2.jpg\" alt=\"The image is an informational graphic from &quot;Vetic&quot; that compares normal breathing, panting, and breathing difficulty in dogs. It is divided into three sections, each with a paw icon and a different colored background. Normal Breathing: 15-30 breaths per minute Long, deep breaths while resting Panting: Short, sharp breaths, common after activity Can happen on hot days Breathing Difficulty: Over 30 breaths per minute while resting Struggling breaths with chest and abdomen movement Gasping posture, head up or neck stretched\" width=\"1890\" height=\"1063\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Normal breathing in dogs is when they are breathing in and out for 15 to 30 times in total within 60 seconds. Their breaths should be long and deep.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Panting is when dogs breathe shortly and sharply through their mouths; usually common after heavy exercise or during hot summer days.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Breathing difficulty includes struggling breaths that can be short and shallow at one point, deep at another. Their chest and abdomen move out when they are trying to exhale (even while resting). Their<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.msdvetmanual.com\/multimedia\/table\/resting-respiratory-rates\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> resting respiratory rate<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can be over 30 per minute.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dogs with breathing difficulties may also hold their head up, or stretch their neck, as if gasping for air.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Causes Breathing Difficulty in Dogs?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-5342\" src=\"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Common-Causes-of-Breathing-Difficulty-in-Dogs.jpg\" alt=\"an infographic from &quot;vetic&quot; that outlines the common causes of breathing difficulty in dogs. The central box, labeled &quot;Common Causes of Breathing Difficulty in Dogs,&quot; is connected to six surrounding boxes, each detailing a specific cause: Pain: External injuries or internal conditions (e.g., kidney disease). Cancers: Trachea, larynx, or lung tumors. Pulmonary Edema: Fluid in lungs caused by heart failure or trauma. Heartworms: Block blood flow, leading to heart failure symptoms. Cushing's Disease: Overproduction of cortisol causing panting and other signs. Pneumonia: Inflammation due to bacterial, viral, or fungal infections. Bronchitis: Chronic inflammation from infections like kennel cough. This image is a helpful resource for pet owners and veterinarians, providing a clear and concise overview of various medical conditions that can cause breathing difficulties in dogs.\" width=\"1890\" height=\"1063\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Breathing difficulty and heavy breathing in dogs can be related to multiple medical conditions depending on their age, genetics and lifestyle. Some of these include &#8211;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pain<\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is the most common cause of breathing difficulties in dogs. A majority of dogs can and will pant when in pain. This pain can be caused by an external factor such as an injury or wound. Even internal pain caused by <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/pet-health\/acute-kidney-injury-and-chronic-kidney-disease-ckd-in-dogs\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">kidney disease<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/pet-health\/pancreatitis-in-dogs-complete-signs-diagnosis-causes-and-treatment\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">pancreatitis<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can cause a dog to breathe heavily.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bronchitis<\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If a dog has had <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/pet-health\/cirdc-infectious-respiratory-diseases-or-kennel-cough-in-dogs\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CIRDC or kennel cough recurringly<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, it can affect their airways. The internal inflammation of their airways or bronchitis can cause breathing problems in dogs for a long time.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pneumonia<\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pneumonia refers to inflammation of the lungs which can be caused by prolonged bacterial, viral or even fungal infections. It can lead to heavy breathing in dogs along with eye and nasal discharge, fever, lethargy and complete loss of appetite.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heartworm In Dogs<\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heartworms infect and grow inside the heart and block the blood flow between the heart and lungs. Lack of timely <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/pet-health\/the-dangers-of-mosquito-bites-on-dogs-what-diseases-can-dogs-get-from-mosquitoes\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">treatment for heartworms<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can lead to congestive heart failure which often begins with heavy breathing or breathing difficulties along with lethargy, coughing and inappetence.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cancers<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Multiple <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/pet-health\/early-signs-of-cancer-in-dogs-you-should-watch-out-for\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cancers<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that affect the trachea, larynx and lungs can cause severe breathing discomfort in dogs. It is quite rare in young dogs and pups, but do keep an eye on your dog\u2019s health and ensure they don\u2019t show the signs of cancer in dogs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pulmonary Edema<\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pulmonary edema can be caused by <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/pet-health\/fluid-in-the-abdomen-of-dogs-signs-causes-treatment-and-prognosis\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">abdominal fluid<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> flowing into the lungs and reducing the space available for air. Pulmonary edema can result from heart failure as well as non-heart-related conditions such as choking, drowning and electrocution.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bleeding<\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Severe bleeding from <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/pet-care\/pet-first-aid-the-signs-of-emergency-in-pets\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">external wounds or internal injuries<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> including ruptured tumours can cause breathing distress in dogs. Other factors that can cause uncontrollable bleeding can include rat poison.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cushing\u2019s Disease<\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cushing\u2019s disease is when the adrenal glands produce too much cortisol (stress hormone). It can cause the dog to drink more, urinate frequently and pant 24\/7. A distended abdomen is a telltale sign of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/consumers\/consumer-updates\/treating-cushings-disease-dogs\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cushing\u2019s disease in dogs<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What are the Types of Breathing Difficulty Dogs Experience?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-5338\" src=\"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Types-of-Breathing-Difficulties-in-Dogs.jpg\" alt=\"The image is an informational graphic from &quot;vetic&quot; about &quot;Types of Breathing Difficulties in Dogs.&quot; It lists four types of breathing difficulties along with their descriptions: Rapid Breathing: Over 30 breaths per minute at rest\u2014consult a vet. Abdominal Breathing: Abdomen pushes outward while exhaling\u2014a medical emergency. Labored Breathing: Dogs stand with legs apart, extending neck to breathe. Heavy Breathing in Puppies: Uncommon and always requires veterinary attention.\" width=\"1890\" height=\"1063\" \/><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rapid Breathing<\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rapid breathing isn\u2019t always a breathing difficulty in dogs. Dogs who have just exercised or been feeling stressed often breathe rapidly. If your dog has a respiratory rate of under 30 while resting, they are probably panting. If their resting respiratory rate is higher than 30 (every minute) then you should definitely consult a veterinarian. There may be an issue with your dog\u2019s heart, lungs or trachea.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heavy Breathing Through The Nose<\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heavy breathing but through the nose is quite normal during playtime, exercise, stress, excitement and aggression in puppies and dogs. Nonetheless, if they are doing the same while resting, it\u2019s a medical emergency.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Abdominal Breathing<\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It can happen to dogs and pups. If they are <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dvm360.com\/view\/making-sense-respiratory-patterns-proceedings\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">breathing and their abdomen<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is pushing outwards while exhaling it means they are having trouble pushing air out of their lungs. It is a medical emergency since it is commonly seen in dogs with congestive heart failure, pulmonary edema or bronchitis.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Breathing Heavily While Sleeping<\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most dogs do breathe heavily when they are sound asleep. However, if this heavy breathing is also accompanied by changes in the colour of their gums and tongue, restlessness and loss of appetite; it could signify congestive heart failure. You need to consult a veterinarian in such cases.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Laboured Breathing<\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dogs with this type of breathing difficulty may stand with their front legs apart which will allow their chest to expand fully. They may also extend their necks in an effort to breathe. Their laboured breathing may be accompanied by pale, grey or blueish gums. It is always a medical emergency!<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heavy Breathing In Puppies<\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is usually uncommon for puppies to experience <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thekennelclub.org.uk\/health-and-dog-care\/health\/health-and-care\/a-z-of-health-and-care-issues\/why-does-my-puppy-breathe-so-fast\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">difficulty in breathing<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> irrespective of their activity levels. If your pup is having breathing difficulties, it is always best to consult a veterinarian without waiting.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why Does Breathing Difficulty in Dogs Require Veterinary Attention?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Any kind of breathing difficulty should not be ignored since it is often difficult to ascertain the cause without any medical examination.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-5334\" src=\"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Why-Veterinary-Attention-is-Essential.jpg\" alt=\"The image is an informational graphic from &quot;vetic&quot; explaining why veterinary attention is essential. It highlights signs that need immediate vet care, which include: Lethargy, weakness, or collapse Gum color changes or swollen abdomen Vomiting fluid or discharge from eyes\/nose The image emphasizes that home remedies are ineffective and that veterinary treatment is vital.\" width=\"1890\" height=\"1063\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some of the signs your pet absolutely needs to see the vet include &#8211;<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lethargy<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Restlessness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Weakness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Collapse<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Swollen abdomen<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Change in gum color<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vomiting fluid<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Discharge from nose and eyes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Loss of appetite<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is little you can do at home to make your pet feel better or reverse the signs. They will require breathing support or oxygen along with other medications to aid their breathing.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How Do Vets Diagnose Breathing Difficulty in Dogs?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The veterinarian will listen to your pet\u2019s heart and lung sounds using a stethoscope. They will conduct a thorough physical examination.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-5335\" src=\"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Diagnosing-Breathing-Difficulties-in-Dogs.jpg\" alt=\"The image is an informational graphic from &quot;vetic&quot; about diagnosing breathing difficulties in dogs. It includes a flowchart with three main diagnostic methods: Listening to heart and lungs with a stethoscope. Chest X-ray, blood tests, heartworm tests. Echocardiography for heart function analysis. The image emphasizes that comprehensive tests help determine the cause and treatment of breathing difficulties in dogs.\" width=\"1890\" height=\"1063\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The vet will also recommend &#8211;<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chest X-ray<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/pet-care\/blood-tests-for-dogs-and-cats-the-complete-guide-for-pet-parents\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Blood tests<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tests for heartworms<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Echocardiography\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The reports will give the veterinary team a better understanding of what is causing breathing difficulty in a dog, and what treatment course can be taken to make your pet comfortable.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is the Treatment for Breathing Difficulty in Dogs?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-5337\" src=\"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Treatment-for-Breathing-Difficulties.jpg\" alt=\"&quot;The image you attached is an infographic from &quot;vetic&quot; that outlines the common causes of breathing difficulty in dogs. The central box, labeled &quot;Common Causes of Breathing Difficulty in Dogs,&quot; is connected to six surrounding boxes, each detailing a specific cause: Pain: External injuries or internal conditions (e.g., kidney disease). Cancers: Trachea, larynx, or lung tumors. Pulmonary Edema: Fluid in lungs caused by heart failure or trauma. Heartworms: Block blood flow, leading to heart failure symptoms. Cushing's Disease: Overproduction of cortisol causing panting and other signs. Pneumonia: Inflammation due to bacterial, viral, or fungal infections. Bronchitis: Chronic inflammation from infections like kennel cough.\" width=\"1890\" height=\"1063\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Breathing difficulty can be caused by multiple conditions, as stated above. The treatment depends greatly on the cause.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In most cases, the treatment begins with oxygen therapy to stabilise the patient. And then considering whether it\u2019s pain, pneumonia or congestive heart failure, the vet will suggest painkillers, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/pet-health\/antibiotics-for-dogs-uses-safety-side-effects-and-best-practices\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">antibiotics<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\/anti-fungals\/anti-virals, or heart medications to support the heart function.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In some cases of pulmonary edema, the veterinarian may also perform thoracocentesis to remove fluid from the lungs to help them breathe. This is a procedure that can be performed multiple times if there\u2019s too much fluid in their lungs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The diagnosis of cancer is usually followed by chemotherapy and surgery, depending on the location of the cancer or tumour.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can You Prevent Breathing Difficulties in Dogs?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-5336\" src=\"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Prevention-of-Breathing-Difficulties-in-Dogs.jpg\" alt=\"The image is an infographic from &quot;Vetic&quot; about the &quot;Prevention of Breathing Difficulties in Dogs.&quot; It contains four steps to help prevent breathing difficulties in dogs, each represented by a paw print icon and a corresponding number: Keep vaccinations up to date. Provide heartworm preventatives regularly. Monitor for any changes in behavior or appetite. Schedule regular veterinary check-ups.\" width=\"1890\" height=\"1063\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most of the causes of breathing difficulties in dogs is preventable, while some, such as congestive heart failure may be genetic.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not all of the causes of breathing problems are curable! The best way is to keep their vaccines updated, give them heartworm preventatives and visit the veterinarian in case there is any change in their behaviour, appetite or attitude.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Breathing difficulty in dogs is always considered a medical emergency. They can also breathe heavily if they are having a heat stroke. Panting is normal for dogs especially after exercise&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":5341,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[64],"tags":[8,99,97],"class_list":["post-5331","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-pet-health","tag-dog","tag-dog-health","tag-dog-treatment"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5331","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5331"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5331\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5346,"href":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5331\/revisions\/5346"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5341"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5331"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5331"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5331"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}