Dog Health & Breathing Problems

Breathing problems could signal a health issue in your dog.

Troubled or labored breathing, also known as dyspnea, is when a dog has trouble breathing in, out or both. Rapid breathing, also known as tachypnea or polypnea, is when a dog pants excessively. Dyspnea can lead to a lack of oxygen in the tissue and muscles and often has a medically-related cause. Tachypnea is a less serious symptom but can sometimes signal a medical problem.

Types

Many illnesses can cause a dog to have dyspnea, including heart or lung disease, lung tumors, airway obstructions, bleeding or fluid in the chest or lungs or trauma. Nostril or sinus infections, cancer or inflammation, soft palate disorders, bronchitis, lung disease, hernias, heart disease, anemia or abdominal diseases often cause tachynea. Non-medical causes of tachynea include fear, heat, stress and physical exertion.

Time Frame

An owner who notices that her dog has labored breathing should keep an eye on the dog. The owner needs to know if the problem gets any worse or if any other symptoms present. Labored breathing for longer than two or three hours or more than a day suggests that the dog needs a vet examination.

Identification

Veterinarians identify heart and lung diseases through medical examinations and testing. Some symptoms to watch for include coughing, weight loss, lethargy, loss of appetite, loss of interest in exercise, depression, vomiting, diarrhea and behavioral changes. If any of these symptoms present alongside your dog's breathing problems, it's best to get the dog to a vet right away for a check-up.

Considerations

Certain breeds are more prone to having breathing problems than others. Short faced (brachycephalic) breeds such as the Pug, Bulldog, Boston Terrier, Boxer, Pekingese and Shih Tzu have a compressed upper jaw, making their faces look squashed. Brachycephalic dogs might have narrowed nostrils, elongated soft palates and narrowed wind pipes. These problems can cause brachycephalic dogs to be more susceptible to extreme temperatures. These dogs are prone to heat stress because their narrowed airways and shortened jaws require extra work to push air in and out of their airways. Keeping these dogs out of extreme heat is the best preventative solution.

Prevention/Solution

The best prevention for many canine diseases is a healthy lifestyle. Make sure your dog has enough exercise and eats a balanced diet. Ask your vet to recommend a low-calorie diet if your dog is overweight or obese. Keep your dog in a clean environment, away from any diseases. Take your dog for a yearly checkup at the vet, and keep up to date with its vaccinations. If your dog is sick, your vet can recommend the best solution or course of treatment.

References

• PetPlace.com: Dyspnea in Dogs
• PetPlace.com: Tachypnea in Dogs
• Mar Vista Animal Medical Center: Brachycephalic