3 Common Dog Breathing Issues & Their Solutions
Understanding and Addressing Three Common Respiratory Abnormalities in Dogs
Difficulty Breathing
When a dog has to exert a great deal of effort to breathe in and out, it's a sign of difficulty breathing. This condition can be caused by a variety of illnesses, such as nasal, throat, tracheal, and pulmonary diseases. It may also result from trauma or obstruction due to foreign objects.
Symptoms of difficulty breathing in dogs include:
Noisy breathing
Larger rises and falls in the abdomen or chest during breathing compared to normal
The head being lower than the rest of the body during breathing
The nostrils being widely open
Elbows being pulled away from the body while breathing
Open mouth breathing with the mouth wide and tongue sticking out
Fast Breathing
Similar to difficulty breathing, fast breathing is a sign that a dog is struggling to take in and expel air. This can be due to a range of diseases affecting the nose, throat, trachea, and lungs. It can also be caused by trauma or obstruction from foreign objects.
The symptoms of fast breathing in dogs are:
Noisy breathing
Larger rises and falls in the abdomen or chest during breathing compared to normal
The head being lower than the rest of the body during breathing
The nostrils being widely open
Elbows being pulled away from the body while breathing
Open mouth breathing with the mouth wide and tongue sticking out
Wheezing
Wheezing is a normal part of a dog's breathing process, but it can become irregular and problematic. This type of panting may be accompanied by symptoms like fever, pain, obesity, hypertension, hyperthyroidism, difficulty breathing, or rapid breathing. Wheezing is a common third respiratory issue that pet owners often encounter.
If your dog's wheezing becomes unusually shallow and rapid, and if their mouth is open wider than normal and they are sticking out their tongue, it's a sign to pay close attention.
Conditions Causing Respiratory Issues in Dogs
Numerous diseases can lead to respiratory difficulties in dogs, including:
1. Nasal diseases, such as small nostrils, which may be due to tumors, infections, or foreign bodies.
2. Diseases of the trachea and throat, often caused by a long, soft palate, tumors, infections, foreign bodies, or previous tracheal injuries.
3. Pulmonary diseases in dogs can be caused by heartworm, heart enlargement, infections, heart failure, pulmonary fluid, tumors, pulmonary trauma (including bruising or electric shock), and allergies, tumors, and infections affecting the trachea.
4. Foreign body obstruction: When a dog accidentally ingests a toy, food, or other object, it can lead to respiratory issues. Once these objects become lodged in their nose, mouth, or trachea, their airways can become blocked, causing difficulty breathing.
5. Trauma to the chest wall, or abdominal contents pushing against the diaphragm, can also cause respiratory issues in dogs.
Other Causes of Respiratory Issues in Dogs
Dogs may also experience respiratory issues due to causes other than diseases or obstructions. One of the most common is heatstroke, which can affect their breathing. The occasional respiratory spasms, often referred to as reverse sneezing, might make you think your dog is having difficulty breathing, but it's usually just a stimulus to the throat or soft palate.
When you first hear your dog sneeze, it might cause panic, but it's important to remain calm. Dogs can also react to medications or poorquality dog food, which might manifest as any of the three common respiratory abnormalities.
How to Help Your Dog at Home
If your dog is experiencing difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, or wheezing, it could be a sign of a serious illness. Before taking your dog to the vet, you can try some home remedies to alleviate their discomfort.
If the breathing issue is related to heat or overexertion, try to bring them to a cool, dry, and comfortable place, which can help them breathe more easily. If it's a case of reverse sneezing, give them some space to breathe, offer water, and gently massage their throat. While the reverse sneeze might sound alarming, it usually resolves on its own.
If their breathing issue persists, it's crucial to seek veterinary help immediately. A vet will recommend laboratory tests, such as physical exams, Xrays, blood tests, urine tests, and fecal tests, to diagnose the problem and provide the best treatment options. Common treatments for respiratory issues in dogs include oxygen therapy, medication, foreign body removal, and surgery.
Important Tips:
For more information on the causes of respiratory difficulties in dogs, you can click on "What Causes Difficulty Breathing in Dogs?" to learn more.
