Why does a dog breathe frequently: normal, causes, possible ailments

In the article, I will look at colds in my four-legged friends, paying attention to the symptoms and methods of treating colds, and I will also look at why dogs can get sick and sneeze, and the possible consequences that occur in the absence of timely treatment.

Normal breathing in a dog

Respiratory rate is considered an important indicator of a pet's health. If he is healthy, respiration does not require any effort from him. Inhalation is an active process in which the chest expands, the abdominal muscles are activated, and the facial muscles are motionless. Exhalation occurs passively, and the abdominal muscles do not participate in it.

For an adult dog, the norm is 10-30 breaths per minute, but puppies and young dogs breathe more often during their growth period, taking 30-50 breaths. In addition, the respiratory rate depends on the breed, age and physiological state of the pet:

Small breed dogs breathe more frequently, large breeds take slower and less frequent breaths;
females have more rapid breathing than males;
Pregnant and lactating females also take more breaths per minute than other dogs.

The breathing rate can be determined by the movement of the chest and wings of the nose. There is no reason to worry if it does not go beyond the following indicators:

small dogs (toy terriers, chihuahuas, yorkies) – 15-30 breaths per minute;
animals of medium breeds - boxers, pugs, etc. – from 10 to 25 inhalations/exhalations;
large dogs (German shepherds, Labradors, etc.) – 10-20 breaths;
giant dogs (great Danes, malamutes and others) – 8-20 breathing movements per minute.

In some situations, the breathing rate may change, but rapid breathing does not always indicate that the dog is unhealthy.

Hanging Tongue Syndrome

Sometimes York could be born with this condition. A dog tongue that constantly sticks out is a genetic condition that occurs in small puppies such as Yorkies. If you realize that your Yorkie is constantly sticking out his tongue, it may not be a negative condition that can affect the dog's health.

Any time you realize your Yorkie has hanging tongue syndrome, you should make sure he has plenty of water. Also, make sure the gums and tongue are in good condition because dogs with hanging tongue syndrome are very prone to tongue infections and frostbite, especially in cold weather.

Possible causes of rapid breathing

Dogs have a hard time withstanding heat, so in the summer, at high ambient temperatures, in the car during a trip, in a stuffy room, you can observe that the pet is breathing quickly and intensely. In this case, the respiratory rate in a healthy dog can increase to 200 breaths/exhalations per minute, in puppies and young adolescents – up to 60-100.

The dog’s breathing rate also increases during physical activity – when running, during training. Therefore, you can count only 5-10 minutes after class, when the pet has calmed down and the breathing process has returned to normal.

A change in breathing rate can be associated with stress: from loud sounds - gunshots, fireworks, fireworks or under the influence of other negative factors, the dog’s pulse increases and breathing quickens. Even the position of the pet’s body may determine the indicator - in a lying position it is more difficult for a dog to breathe than in a standing position.

A healthy dog breathes through his nose, evenly and almost silently, any wheezing, whistling sounds, etc.
should be considered alarming symptoms that require contacting a veterinarian. The dog breathes through its mouth to replenish oxygen reserves when little of it enters the body during nasal breathing. A dog can die from lack of oxygen. Possible causes of rapid breathing:

heat stroke, which a pet can get not only on a hot day, walking under the scorching rays of the sun, but also in a stuffy room, in a car;
chronic and acute diseases of the respiratory system. These include pneumonia, laryngospasm and others. Rapid heavy breathing can also accompany cardiovascular pathologies. Associated symptoms may include cough with sputum, blood and pus, chest pain, loss of coordination and others;
injuries, the presence of foreign bodies in the respiratory tract, which cause vomiting and increased salivation;
viral infectious diseases, which are often accompanied by fever, nasal congestion, which makes it difficult for the dog to breathe normally through the nose;
overstrain of the nervous system - with periodic and regular stress, the causes of which are varied - from loud sounds to visits to the veterinarian or groomer, etc.

In some situations and as an exception, rapid breathing may indicate the activity of the pet’s immune system after vaccination. It may be accompanied by decreased appetite, lethargy, and increased body temperature.

Some of the symptoms of an allergic reaction are watery eyes, nasal discharge, and cough. The dog cannot breathe through its nose, so it breathes more often through its mouth. A dangerous condition is anaphylactic shock. With hypersensitivity to certain medications and other allergens, angioedema may develop, in which the dog's larynx swells.

Is the Yorkshire Terrier trembling - a pathology or not?

It is necessary to determine whether the cause of a dog’s trembling is natural or pathological in each case.

Natural trembling passes quickly and appears sporadically at the moment of exposure to the factor that provokes it. It stops as soon as he is eliminated.

Dogs of all dwarf breeds begin to tremble periodically for natural reasons: Chihuahuas, toy terriers, orange spitz dogs, Yorkshire terriers.

Due to their small size, they have excessive nervous excitability and therefore begin to tremble under emotional stress.

Expert opinion Tolkachev Andrey Mikhailovich veterinarian Ask a question to an expert York most often begins to tremble when he is cold, or if he is very excited about something, and his nervous system cannot cope with this load. If trembling appears sporadically, clearly at the moment of the appearance of the factor provoking it, then there is no cause for concern, the animal is healthy. The causes of trembling include going outside, waiting for a treat, the return of a beloved owner. If, in addition to trembling, which is present almost constantly, the dog experiences lethargy, loss of appetite, discharge from the eyes, nose or mouth, then an urgent visit to a veterinary clinic is required. Trembling and helminthic infections are often triggered. You can talk about them if the rule of anthelmintic treatment once every 3 months is violated.

Breathing characteristics of some breeds

In representatives of some breeds, rapid breathing can be considered the norm, and not a pathology, and this is due to the anatomical features of the animals. They have an increased pulse, and shortness of breath is associated with the special shape of the skull - a shortened muzzle, narrowed nostrils, and a short soft palate. Such breeds are called brachycephalic. They suffer from infectious and colds more often than other dogs.

Typical representatives of brachycephals are Pekingese and Pugs. It seems that they are constantly wheezing, wheezing, and snoring in their sleep. In fact, it is difficult for them to draw air through their nose. Anatomy also explains the fact that brachycephals quickly overheat, so they often stick out their tongues in an attempt to cool down.

Spitz dogs have a special structure of the larynx, so during illness, as well as in stressful situations, they experience the so-called “reverse sneezing syndrome,” which resembles a cough and increases the respiratory rate.

Bad bite

A bad bite is another common reason why Yorkies won't close their tongues. There are dogs with bad bites or other anatomical problems. This thus makes it difficult for the tongue to enter the mouth. This is a problem that is most often encountered by small dogs such as Yorkies. So for them, comfort is the reason why they will always stick their tongue out.

How pregnancy affects

Rapid breathing in pregnant dogs can be observed shortly before birth. Without other signs of pathology, it may indicate a stressful situation, but often also pain. Therefore, you should monitor your pet: if breathing does not normalize, you should contact a veterinarian.

Immediately after birth, a dog may develop eclampsia, which is characterized by shortness of breath, photophobia, and lack of coordination. The condition can be fatal and requires veterinary attention.

Additional symptoms

If wheezing tachypnea occurs suddenly and is not preceded by exercise, the dog may be in a dangerous condition. Therefore, if you notice the following serious symptoms, you should immediately contact your veterinarian:

Fever. It should range from 37C to 39C. If there is a deviation from these indicators, then in combination with difficulty breathing, this may indicate the presence of a viral infection.
Wheezing. If it occurs, you should first check your pet's larynx. A foreign body could have entered there, causing fluid swelling that makes it difficult for the dog to breathe.
Vomit. If an animal vomits in addition to tachypnea, this indicates an allergy, poisoning or overeating. In this case, drooling may also occur heavily.
Shiver. May occur with hypoglycemia or viral hepatitis.
The occurrence of seizures along with rapid breathing may indicate an epileptic attack.
A blue tongue is the most frightening sign. He talks about pulmonary edema or heart problems.
The dog begins to arch its back strangely or whine. This may indicate intervertebral disc disease, hernia or osteochondrosis.

What procedures does the veterinarian prescribe?

Appropriate treatment is prescribed by a veterinarian after the cause of the trembling is determined; sometimes it is necessary to undergo an examination and obtain test results.

In case of electrolyte imbalance, intravenous administration of a water-salt solution is required. To avoid further problems, you need to examine the thyroid gland, kidneys, and carry out proper treatment of the identified diseases.

In case of food poisoning, first aid can be provided to your pet at home; the dog is induced to vomit, given an absorbent, and provided with plenty of fluids. If the cause of intoxication is not clear, the dog should be shown to a veterinarian. Gastric lavage, intravenous drips, and the use of antispasmodics, antiemetics, homeopathic and cardiac medications may be required.

For animals suffering from epileptic seizures, the veterinarian prescribes antiepileptic drugs and anticonvulsants.

To eliminate allergy symptoms, antihistamines are prescribed; in some cases, antibiotics and the use of hormonal and antifungal drugs are required.

In case of hypothyroidism, the deficiency of hormones is compensated for with hormonal drugs, the dosage of which is calculated only by a doctor.

In case of hypoglycemia, glucose injections are given; advanced disease requires thorough treatment; failure to provide timely assistance threatens hypoglycemic coma and death of the animal.

Depending on the virus or infection, different drugs are prescribed; these can be antibiotics and vitamins, mucolytic cough suppressants, immunostimulants, antiviral injections and other medications. In the fight against worms, deworming tablets or suspensions are used.

Dogs are prescribed sedatives to eliminate anxiety caused by changes in residence, exhibitions and other situations.

Depending on the severity of the injury, different treatment methods are used; painkillers can be used for pain syndromes.

If calcium levels are insufficient in pregnant or pregnant dogs, calcium chloride injections or calcium gluconate supplements are prescribed.

For all diseases, only a veterinarian can provide proper treatment.