When a dog is having difficulty breathing, the heart and lungs may be working extremely hard to compensate. Because of this, breathing problems can quickly get out of hand and become very serious. If the difficulty is severe, take your dog to the closest vet immediately. Even if it doesn’t seem so bad or you’re unsure, speak to a vet as soon as you can.

Difficulty breathing in dogs can be a serious issue and may require immediate veterinary attention. If your dog is struggling to breathe, stay calm, move them to a cool area, and contact a vet. Emergency signs include blue or pale gums, airway obstruction, restlessness, severe tummy effort to breathe, and collapse. Common causes range from anatomical problems to infections, heart disease, and trauma. Short-nosed breeds, older dogs, and those with certain conditions are at higher risk of respiratory problems.

What to do

What to do if my dog is having difficulty breathing

Try to stay calm and avoid things your dog may find stressful or exciting. Try to make sure they are in a cool and well-ventilated area, if possible.

Get a vet check if your dog’s breathing has changed. The faster the change, the more urgent the problem is.

If your dog has been in a hot or poorly ventilated space, and you are concerned about heat stroke, please see further advice here: Heat stroke in dogs

Causes

Common causes of difficulty breathing in dogs

• Anatomical problems such as tracheal collapse, laryngeal paralysis or brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS)
• Airway infections such as bronchitis or pneumonia
• Anaemia
• Allergic reactions causing changes in the airways
• Blockages in the airways caused by foreign bodies
• Heart disease or other causes of fluid build-up in the lungs called pulmonary oedema
• Lumps or masses in or around the airways
• Road traffic accidents or other trauma causing pulmonary bruising or diaphragmatic hernias
• Lungworm
• Severe tummy swelling or bloat

When to worry

When to worry about difficulty breathing in dogs

Take your dog to an emergency vet straight away if:

• Their gums or tongue look blue, purple or pale
• You know something is obstructing the airway that cannot be safely removed
• Your dog is breathing with the mouth open, neck extended, front limbs spread apart and cannot lie down or settle
• Fluid is coming out of the nose
• They have collapsed or are not interacting with you

Seek veterinary advice immediately if:

• Breathing sounds abnormal
• The abdomen moves strongly with the breath
• Your dog is distressed or acting out of character

Prevention

How to prevent breathing difficulties in dogs

• Avoid letting your dog exercise in warm or humid weather. During the Summer, it may be best to exercise in the early morning or evening. This is especially important for dogs with short noses or dense coat. Read more about this: heat stroke in dogs.
• Obesity worsens anatomical issues, especially in short-nosed breeds. Keeping a healthy weight is very important.
• Regular monitoring and treatment may prevent some complications from chronic heart and lung disease.
• Lungworm is becoming more common all over the UK. Talk to your vet about prevention against this dangerous disease.

Diagnosis

Things to look out for when your dog is having difficulty breathing

Normal breathing should be effortless, with gentle movements of the chest and a steady rhythm. Dogs should be able to lie comfortably and settle. There should be little to no movement of the nostrils and tummy. Breathing noises are common in short-nosed breeds, but any changes should be monitored, especially if sudden.

Normal breathing rate in dogs is between 15-30 breaths per minute at rest or when asleep.

When your dog is having difficulty breathing, you might notice:

• Panting and restlessness
• Breathing with the mouth open, neck extended, front limbs spread apart and cannot lie down or settle
• Gums or tongue look blue, purple or pale
• Tummy effort and flared nostrils
• Snoring-type noises: if not usually present or increased, please check your dog, especially if this was a sudden change

Home treatment

Home remedies for difficulty breathing in dogs

There are no home remedies you can give your dog if they are having trouble breathing. If any of the changes above are present, please take your dog to be seen by a vet in practice immediately or speak to a vet for advice if you are not sure.

Our Joii vets are available 24/7 and can help you decide what you need to do.

Vet treatment

Vet treatment for difficulty breathing in dogs

• If your dog is struggling to breathe, the most important thing is to administer oxygen. Dogs do not tolerate oxygen masks very well and may need to go into a special kennel for treatment.
• If the airway is collapsed or there is an obstruction that cannot be immediately removed, a tube may need to be inserted directly into the windpipe (tracheostomy).
• Severe allergic reactions may need to be treated with steroids or intravenous medications.
• Infections are usually treated with antibiotics and nebulisations.
• Pulmonary oedema is treated with medications that help the body clear out fluid.
• Trauma to the chest or abdomen may require emergency surgery.

Risk

Is my dog at higher risk for breathing problems?

• Short-nosed (brachycephalic) dogs more commonly suffer from problems like heat stroke
• Older Labrador retrievers are at higher risk for laryngeal paralysis
• Heart disease and bronchitis are much more common in older dogs, many breeds are at higher risk
• Dogs that have megaesophagus are at high risk for breathing complications

Other causes of difficulty breathing

• Intoxications such as due to blue-green algae, anti-inflammatories or overdose of paracetamol
• Blood clots in the lungs (Pulmonary thromboembolism)
• Tumours/cancer
• Pleural fluid (fluid around the lungs)
• Pulmonary oedema after near-drowning
• Head trauma
• Lung lobe torsion
• Smoke inhalation