Why is my dog breathing heavy? Causes and treatment

It can get scary when your dog does something out of the ordinary, especially when they do something like breathing heavily for no reason. 

Sometimes your dog might make strange noises, pant excessively or breathe heavily, then seem fine. So, how do know when it’s something to worry about?

If you’re asking “why my old dog is breathing heavy” or you’re concerned, we’re here to help. Find out what counts as hard breathing in dogs, what it can indicate and when to see a vet.

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What’s heavy breathing in dogs?

You’ll notice your dog breathing heavily from sound alone, but technically, it only counts as “heavy” if the rate of breathing exceeds the normal range (15-35 breaths per minute).

Anything above 40 breaths per minute at rest is concerning, and you should see a vet straight away in this case.

You’ll likely notice these symptoms alongside a dog breathing very heavy:

• Noticeable movement/effort of the abdomen

• Panting rapidly when not exerting

• Shallow breathing 

• Visible, obvious chest movement

What causes heavy or abnormal dog breathing?

Abnormal breathing is a broad symptom, so there can be numerous causes. Generally, vets will look at heavy breathing as a possible symptom of:

• Anaemia

• Anaphylaxis

• Asthma

• Bronchitis

• Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome

• Bleeding 

• Cancer

• Cardiac problems

• Cushing’s disease

• Heatstroke

• Lung infection

• Lungworm

• Obesity

• Pain, which could indicate an illness like arthritis

• Pneumonia

• Stress or anxiety

• Trauma

• Toxicity 

As you can see, heavy breathing in dogs has many possible causes, so you should see a vet to get an accurate diagnosis as soon as you notice your dog breathing abnormally. It's not possible to answer "what does it mean when my dog breathes heavily?" without expert guidance.

You may think your dog is out of breath for no reason, but there's always a cause behind it if it keeps happening. Abnormal breathing is always considered a medical emergency. 

Types of hard breathing in dogs

Hard or heavy breathing is a general term, so it’s beneficial to think about what category your dog falls into. This will help your vet assess your dog better.

Laboured breathing

This is a medical emergency and likely means your dog is experiencing a serious, acute cause. You may notice your dog spread their legs wider to assist their chest, and you may see effort in the abdomen as they breathe.

Rapid breathing

This is a medical emergency if it happens at rest, especially if it happens during sleep.

Nasal-heavy breathing

This can mean anything from a respiratory infection or inhalation of foreign material to stress or brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome. But as above, it’s a medical emergency if it’s laboured.

Abdominal breathing

A dog breathing with their stomach happens when your dog’s stomach or abdomen is out of sync with its chest. It happens when they’re struggling to remove air from the lungs or get air into the lungs

It usually indicates lung issues, bronchitis or heart problems, so it’s always a medical emergency.

Short or shallow breathing

A dog breathing in short breaths indicates a deeper issue that needs investigating by your vet, especially if it isn’t from exercise or stress. As always, this is a medical emergency that needs to be assessed straight away.

Heavy breathing only when sleeping or at night

Dogs make a lot of strange sounds while sleeping, but heavy breathing when asleep can mean they have an underlying airway, heart or lung issue.

A dog breathing heavy while laying down and sleeping, especially if it’s combined with pale gums or an outstretched neck, is likely a cardiac problem but can also be caused by upper airway disease.

A vet will always need to investigate this.

Stuffy breathing or congestion

This can just be allergies or nasal congestion. But you should call your vet if it’s combined with symptoms like appetite changes, discharge or lethargy, if it has a sudden onset, if there is green/yellow discharge from your dog’s nose or if there are any other breathing changes.

What about heavy breathing in older dogs and puppies?

Older dogs and puppies are naturally more at risk if they’re breathing heavily.

For older dogs, you should look into causes like heart failure, lung cancer and infections.

Puppies, meanwhile, are more prone to stress and excitement, and you should look into if breathing hard is combined with other worrying symptoms like lethargy, nasal discharge, loss of appetite, poor energy, vomiting and diarrhoea. 

When to see a vet 

You should see a vet if you’re worried about a dog’s breathing. Alongside abnormal breathing, clear warning signs that you need to see a vet include:

• Blue, purple, grey or white gums

• Clear distress and inability to settle

• Elbows flared out

• Foaming at the mouth

• Inability to rest (with behaviour like pacing)

• Loss of appetite

• Nasal discharge

• Nose or mouth fluid

• Obesity

• Stretching their neck

• Swollen stomach

• Seizures

• Vomiting and diarrhoea

• Weakness or collapse

You should always see your vet if you’re worried. It’s a key part of preventative pet care.

Any changes to your dogs breathing if it happens suddenly are considered a medical emergency and you should contact your vet straight away.

Is panting always a sign of heavy breathing?

No – panting is a different mechanism. Panting is usually more for temperature regulation, though heavy panting can be a sign your dog might need veterinary help.

Dogs do it naturally when they get hot, stressed, or exercise. Too much can indicate a problem like heatstroke or heart disease

Our article on panting in dogs explains more.

How can I tell if my dog is just hot or requires immediate medical attention?

Remember that heatstroke is also always a medical emergency, but panting or seeming warm after exercise is normal and will resolve quickly.

Signs a dog is too hot include: 

• Breathing difficulties

• Bright, red gums

• Collapse

• Disorientation

• Drooling

• Excessive panting

• Lethargy

• Seizure

• Vomiting and diarrhoea

 A body temperature of over 40°C is a major cause for concern, and you should see a vet immediately.

Our dogs in hot weather article covers more.

How vets treat a dog breathing very heavy

It depends on what’s causing your dog’s breathlessness. It’s rare for a dog to breathe heavy for no reason, so vets make sure to check everything.

Diagnosis

Blood tests

Blood tests will help check for metabolic or hormonal disorders, anaemia, lungworm and toxicity. 

Chest x-rays and ultrasound

This will detect any problems in the chest, heart or lungs.

Faecal testing

This helps rule out parasites like lungworms. 

Physical examination

Vets will always perform a general physical examination before anything else to assess your dog’s health generally and fully assess the symptoms. Listening to the chest and heart helps make a diagnosis.  

Treatment options for common causes

Heart disease

Breathing difficulties happen in dogs when heart disease leads to congestive heart failure. This can cause fluid to collect in the lungs or the abdomen.

Treatment usually includes draining of fluid from the chest or abdomen, diuretics, oxygen therapy, medication to support heart function and pain relief. Diuretics and medication to support heart function are usually then prescribed long-term to prevent the recurrence of heart failure.

Pneumonia

This usually needs to be treated with antibiotics and anti-inflammatories. There are lots of types of pneumonia, but the treatment is usually the same. In severe cases, dogs might need IV fluids, mucolytics, and oxygen therapy.

Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS)

In sudden and acute BOAS, dogs need active cooling to bring down their body temperature and oxygen therapy. Steroids are usually given to reduce inflammation/swelling of the airway, and pain relief.

Some dogs need to take medication long term to prevent sudden respiratory distress, but the best way to prevent this and reduce breathing problems in brachycephalic breeds is with BOAS surgery.

Heatstroke

Heatstroke cases need to be cooled down quickly with cool IV fluids, fans, cold towels, and paracetamol. Sometimes steroids might be given too. 

How to prevent heavy breathing in dogs

Avoid overexertion 

Stress and overexercise can worsen breathing in dogs with underlying respiratory or heart disease.

Avoid second-hand smoke and pollutants

Like with humans, pollutants and second-hand smoke can aggravate the lungs. 

Maintain a healthy weight

Obesity can make breathing problems worse due to the stress it puts on the respiratory system. 

Regular grooming

This is true for long-haired breeds as matting can exacerbate breathing problems by causing overheating. 

Regular vet check-ups

It’s a cornerstone of preventative pet care and can help detect problems early when they’re easier to treat.

Take care in hot weather

Hot weather can make breathing problems worse, so take extra care when the temperature rises. Do not walk your dog in hot weather, avoid full sun, and do not leave dogs in warm cars. Make sure they have access to cool water, and some dogs like cool mats, cold wet towels, and cool coats.

What breeds are likely to have abnormal or heavy breathing?

Breeds prone to Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) tend to struggle with heavy breathing and breathing difficulties.

Examples include:

• Boston Terriers

• Boxers

• Bulldogs

• Cavalier King Charles spaniels

• French Bulldogs

• Pugs

• Shih Tzus

Should you use home remedies for a dog’s heavy breathing?

No. You shouldn’t never use home remedies. It’s a potentially serious symptom and needs the guidance of a vet always.

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