Heavy Breathing in Dogs
Heavy breathing in dogs is indicative of a variety of ailments. Excessive physical exertion--and the more fatal heart failure or advanced-stage cancer--can cause heavy breathing. It's imperative to seek the expertise of a veterinarian quickly to determine a proper diagnosis.
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Cancer
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Heavy breathing can be a symptom of most canine cancers, particularly lung cancer. Typically, once the accelerated breathing is noticeable, the cancer has reached an incurable stage.
Heart Disease
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Diseases of the heart--including chronic valvular disease and congestive heart failure--cause heavy breathing in dogs. According to the American Heartworm Society, the heart worm parasite mainly affects the heart and lungs, and breathing difficulties can vary in severity.
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Heat Stroke
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According to DoctorDog.com, dogs can't tolerate high temperatures, and heat stroke can occur rapidly. Heavy breathing is one of the first symptoms of heat stroke, which can be fatal if allowed to progress.
Pain
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A dog that has experienced any painful injury--such as a broken limb or deep wound--will most likely exhibit heavy breathing. In a sense, this is the dog's form of crying tears.
Obstruction
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A dog will breathe heavily if something is obstructing its windpipe, restricting oxygen intake. If an object has become lodged in the dog's throat, it must be removed quickly by one who knows how to do so safely to restore appropriate breathing rates.
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