Shortness of breath in a dog at rest. Prevention of the onset of the disease. How to distinguish physiological shortness of breath from pathological

Respiratory distress syndrome often referred to as shortness of breath, is relatively common in dogs. Moreover, this problem is quite serious, since it causes a deterioration in the supply of oxygen to organs and tissues. Rapid breathing in a dog is often associated with a buildup of fluid (edema) in the lungs or chest cavity(pleural effusion).

What causes this pathology? The reasons are quite varied:

• Heart disease or heart failure.
• Lung disease.
• Tumors in the lung or airways.
• Infections leading to the development of pneumonia.
• Obstructions that block the airways.
• Injury.
• Hemothorax (bleeding into the chest).
• Hydrothorax (respectively, the accumulation of fluid in the chest).
• After the operation, when the animal "departs" from anesthesia.

Unlike cats, which are much more “homogeneous” in this matter, dogs have many breeds that are characterized by specific predisposing factors for shortness of breath:

• Brachycephalic breeds are very prone to a whole bunch of upper respiratory tract diseases (many are congenital). They often have very narrowed nostrils and an elongated soft palate, so that they cannot physically breathe normally. If the dog has rapid breathing and heart rate, then he may have been stressed, he is simply agitated, or he has a fever when he is sick.

• Boxers are prone to tumors that occur near the heart, they also have frequent cases of lung cancer.

• Large and giant breeds(e.g. Doberman Pinschers, Great Danes) are predisposed to and congestive heart failure (CHF).

• Dogs small breeds predisposed to tracheal collapse and chronic bronchitis. In addition, they are often diagnosed with defects of the mitral valve.

• "Toy" dogs also often suffer from tracheal collapse.

Read also: The dog is choking and grunting, wheezing, coughing

The most “normal” dogs in this respect are medium breeds. So, rapid breathing in a dog of the "Laika" variety, it is most often explained by the fact that she is tired or agitated. Some congenital pathologies they practically do not occur. Of course, rapid breathing in a dog before childbirth is an absolutely normal phenomenon, since all other mammals behave in exactly the same way, including primates (which we include).

In general, it is important to understand that shortness of breath can also be physiological! So, if a dog has rapid breathing after giving birth, then, as a rule, you should not worry. Just in this case, the body suffered a very serious load, from which it is recovering. Also, you do not need to worry much when breathing quickens after anesthesia. The animal's body is recovering from the surgery and stress, while it needs more oxygen.

Symptoms and diagnosis

Of course, if the dog has trembling and rapid breathing, it is quite difficult not to notice it, but the most serious are those cases when there is whole complex symptoms:

• Cough.
• Labored breathing.
• Weight loss.
• Fatigue.

If you notice all this in one "kit", we advise you to immediately take your pet to an experienced veterinarian, as delay can result in extremely serious consequences. In veterinary practice, the following methods are practiced to determine the causes of shortness of breath.

Many dog ​​owners sometimes notice that the dog breathes rapidly. This may be regarded as quite normal phenomenon, but may also indicate serious diseases. To determine what this is connected with, it is necessary to take into account some features. Normal frequency respiration in dogs is 10-30 breaths per minute. To determine the number of breaths, you need to put your hand on the pet's chest and detect one minute.

Throughout the day, a dog's breathing can change frequently. If the pet is not worried about anything, then he breathes through his nose and calmly. But if the dog does it with his mouth, then this action is not always a cause for concern.

Causes that are not related to diseases

Let's look at the lesser reasons first. Frequent breathing is possible after an active walk. Also, this symptom may appear after training or playing with other pets. Dogs don't have sweat glands, therefore, to cool down, the dog often breathes with open mouth. It can also be fear, stress or joy.

Diseases

Another thing is when the dog breathes frequently without visible reasons(described above). The most common problems may be those related to the respiratory apparatus: pulmonary edema, bronchitis, pleurisy or pneumonia. If your dog is breathing heavily and rapidly, it may be due to asthma or heart failure.

Breed features

Some breeds, such as pugs, are inherently destined for respiratory problems. They have constricted nostrils and throat passages. They are also much more likely to overheat, which also contributes to increased breathing. Therefore, if the dog often breathes with his tongue hanging out, this can be considered normal. A similar phenomenon can be observed with an increase in body temperature or tightness of the neck with a collar.

Other reasons

If the pet did not observe any physical exertion, and breathing became more frequent, then this may mean the following:

• heart attack:
• poisoning;
• severe pain.

AT this case you need to immediately consult a doctor to examine the animal and find out the exact cause.

pregnant and lactating dog

A pregnant dog breathes quickly if the birth is already finally approaching. In this case, nothing threatens her health. If, after childbirth, breathing has not decreased, and the puppies were born dead, it is urgent to call a veterinarian, as the animal needs surgery.

If she breathes often and makes clumsy movements, then this indicates that the level of calcium and glucose in her blood decreases. In this case, the help of a doctor is also necessary, otherwise the animal may die.

What to do?

Why is the dog breathing fast? There can be many reasons. If, in addition to breathing, the dog has lethargy or anxiety, it whines, then the intervention of a specialist is necessary. If it is not possible to invite a veterinarian to the house, then you should very carefully deliver it to the hospital.

If a nursing dog breathes frequently, then the help of a veterinarian is also necessary. The consequences can be very different.

In the absence of extraneous symptoms, rapid breathing of a dog in situations that are unnatural for it requires examination. It will help to identify disorders associated with the work of the heart.

If the dog often breathes with an open mouth, then the owner needs to carry out the following actions.

The first step is to measure the body temperature of the pet. With hyperthermia, rapid breathing is considered a sign of disease respiratory organs. Next, you need to invite a veterinarian for an examination, which should prescribe tests to establish an accurate diagnosis.

If there is a hot period outside, then the reason may be. For this, the owner needs to water the dog cool water and take it to a cold place. You can also wipe your body with water and put a wet towel on your head. Then call the doctor.

At normal temperature body rapid breathing can be a sign of asthma. In this case, only drug treatment. Therefore, you need to immediately go to the hospital.

If, with rapid breathing, fainting and a blue tongue are possible, this means heart failure. After calling the doctor, the owner must apply heating pads or bottles of food to the dog's paws. warm water and keep your pet calm.

Heart failure

The above are all the main possible reasons when the dog is breathing fast. But the most common disease is Let's talk about it in more detail. All heart diseases can be divided into three groups:

• congenital;
• acquired;
• age.

Congenital malformations are more common in young pets. Very often in this case, animals die, since the body is still quite weak. Acquired defects, as a rule, in middle-aged animals, well, age - in animals older than eight years. In addition to rapid breathing with heart disease, pets may experience other symptoms.

Little dogs stop playing more time sleep, do not gain weight at all due to the fact that they eat poorly.

In adults, even at rest, shortness of breath may occur. The dog is very lethargic, during a quiet walk, he may faint. I have an opportunity speed dial weight due to high water consumption.

All of these symptoms are the causes of pet heart problems. Also here can be attributed unsteady gait, weakness, refusal of food.

When it is a sign heart disease, you should transfer the pet to feeding in small portions, as well as reduce the amount of physical activity and walks. The doctor must prescribe special drugs. They should be taken exactly as directed.

Conclusion

So, from all of the above, we can single out the most common causes rapid breathing in a dog:

1. Overheating or heat stroke.
2. Nervous excitement. This may be if the pet is transported for the first time in transport or it is in an unfamiliar place for it.
3. There are some damages that you don't see. Various bruises or abrasions, the consequences of a fight with other dogs and more.
4. Heart attacks. This usually occurs in adult dogs in case of overheating.
5. Pregnancy.
6. Feeding newborn puppies.
7. Cold.
8. Heart failure.
9. various tumors.

Thus, in order to exclude negative cases, it is better not to self-medicate your pet, but to seek help from a professional who will conduct an examination, put accurate diagnosis and prescribe treatment. The only thing you can do is to provide peace to the animal.

Is your pet breathing frequently? It can be like normal physiological phenomenon as well as a symptom of disease and health-threatening conditions. When do you need to worry and start acting? Let's see.

Your dog is a member of the family, everyone's favorite. Therefore, you must know and be able to assess the health status of your pet.

The first thing you should pay attention to is how your dog breathes. In a calm environment for the dog, the animal breathes with its mouth closed, without any noise. However, due to the structure of the muzzle, some dogs may sniffle when breathing, even "grunt" during sleep. For example, pugs.

Rapid breathing in dogs can be a sign of disease.

The rate of breathing healthy dog at rest - 10-30 breaths per minute. But this frequency is conditional. It depends on the size of the dog and its age:

• Small breeds - 15-30 per minute
• Large breeds - 10-20 per minute

Dogs such as Great Dane, Irish Wolfhound, and other "huge" breeds have next norm respiration: 8-20 breaths per minute.

Important! Puppies breathe more than adult dogs. Bitches also breathe faster. Breathing depends on the posture adopted by the dog during rest.

Physiological increase in breathing in dogs

A dog's breathing is influenced by many external factors. For example, heat. Under such conditions, the number of breaths can reach 160 beats per minute. Especially after active games, with physical activity.

With anxiety, arousal, the dog's breathing quickens. The state of breathing is also affected by time. At night, the dog breathes less frequently.

The nature of the animal matters. restless dogs, with movable nervous system breathe more often.

Note! Rapid breathing in a dog after childbirth is normal! In a bitch, the uterus contracts and milk begins to stand out. The dog does not show symptoms of the disease.

Rapid breathing in a dog as a symptom of an illness

Respiratory distress in dogs various reasons ranging from infection to heart disease.

The main causes of tachypnea (rapid breathing) in dogs are:

1. Infections that can lead to complications such as pneumonia
2. Foreign body blocking the airways
3. Heart failure
4. Inflammation of the nose, larynx, trachea
5. Bronchitis, blood clots, cancer
6. Injury, diabetes and other reasons

Symptoms to watch out for

If the dog's rapid breathing is caused by an illness, then a change in the animal's behavior can be noticed. The dog trembles, feels weak, lies all the time. In addition, you may notice the following signs:

• Wheezing, restlessness, trembling
• Cough, shortness of breath
• Blueish tint to gums
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting, diarrhea

Important! If the breath in and out of the dog occurs with great difficulty, this is an occasion for an immediate appeal to the veterinarian.

Diagnosis of rapid breathing in a dog

First you need to exclude external factors: stress, heat, anxiety. After that, take the animal to the clinic. It is important for the dog to create peace and comfort. But don't overdo it! Do not try to force water the animal, it can be dangerous. You wish him well, but sick and scared dog may behave unexpectedly.

At the veterinarian

If your dog is having difficulty breathing, the main task- supply of oxygen. This is done with an oxygen mask or by placing the animal in an oxygen chamber. At the same time, the veterinarian will begin an examination - listens to the heart, measures the pulse.

To identify the cause, use:

• X-ray (exclusion) foreign body in the airways and tumors)
• Electrocardiogram
• Ultrasound of the heart
• Necessarily general and biochemical analysis blood

Therapeutic methods

Further treatment of the dog depends on established cause rapid breathing. AT severe cases the dog is hospitalized. Assign sedatives, diuretics can be used to relieve pulmonary edema.

Oxygen therapy has a good effect. If an infection occurs, antibiotics are prescribed.

Infusion therapy is indicated for dehydration and systemic diseases.

home care

The main thing is to strictly follow the instructions of the attending physician.

1. Give the animal medicines in time. Do not self-medicate, do not introduce new drugs that have not been prescribed by a doctor
2. Make sure your dog always has a bowl of water
3. Take your dog for checkups more often
4. Keep your pet calm and cool in the room

After recovery, be sure to walk longer with your pet.

Signs of respiratory distress:

• unusual sounds (wheezing, whistling)
• unusual posture (stretched neck, spread front legs), restlessness, inability to lie down
• pale or bluish coloration of the gums and lips
• very fast breathing or labored breathing, with a visible effort to inhale or exhale

If the condition of the animal worsens, shortness of breath increases, lips and gums become bluish or purple - it is required emergency help, the account can go for minutes.

How to help at home?

The dog needs to be provided with peace, not to create additional loads on the respiratory system(avoid overheating, physical exertion, excitement). Ensure inflow fresh air(open window). In no case should you try to lay the dog down, give it water to drink - this can be dangerous. There is no need to use any drugs that stimulate breathing - in most cases this is not only pointless, but can be harmful. It is necessary to deliver the animal to the doctor as soon as possible and carefully.

What will the doctor do?

When providing first aid to a patient with difficulty breathing, the main task is to provide the body with oxygen. Sometimes for this it is enough to place the animal in an oxygen chamber or let it breathe oxygen using a mask, sometimes urgent surgical intervention or mechanical ventilation. Simultaneously with the provision of first aid, the doctor will carry out diagnostics, and his further actions will depend on what cause of respiratory failure he will find.

If airway patency is impaired, air does not enter the lungs or does not enter in sufficient quantities. An obstruction to the passage of air can be foreign object in the upper respiratory tract (bone, ball, etc.), trauma to the upper respiratory tract (for example, with a bite), swelling of the tissues of the neck.

In animals with flattened noses and short muzzles, such as pugs, french bulldogs, Pekingese, fabrics can be such an obstacle soft palate. Dogs of these breeds often experience some breathing problems in their normal state, if the load on the respiratory system increases (in heat, or when inflammatory process in the airways, with excitement, exertion, or pain), the difficulty may escalate and become life-threatening.

If the lungs are affected, gas exchange is disturbed, and the blood is not saturated with oxygen. The causes of problems with the lungs can be bruised during injury, inflammation of the lungs (pneumonia), pulmonary edema, etc. In such patients, as a rule, frequent breathing is noted, requiring great effort.

Perhaps the most common pathology of this group is cardiogenic pulmonary edema, and the most common patient veterinarian- a middle-aged dachshund who suffered from a cough for a long time, and then began to choke. In this case, the initial problem is not in the lungs, but in the heart, it is not able to adequately pump blood through the vessels, because of this, blood stagnation develops in the vessels of the lungs, and fluid seeps into the lung tissue.

All patients with lung disease usually require hospitalization, intensive treatment, sometimes within a few days, and in severe cases - artificial ventilation lungs.

Difficulty breathing may be caused by chest, for example, multiple fractures ribs, accumulation of fluid or air in the chest cavity. To help such a patient, you need to quickly eliminate the cause of the disease.

For example, a dog that has been hit by a car very often has free air in its chest cavity. It enters the chest cavity from the injured lungs and compresses them, making it difficult to breathe. In such a situation, the doctor needs to remove air from the chest cavity through a puncture chest wall. Sometimes it is necessary to install drainage - a special tube through which accumulated air can be effectively removed.

As a rule, such patients also need to be in the hospital under observation.

Of course, what we have described is only a small part of a large number reasons causing violation breath in our pets.
It is important to understand that breathing problems are always serious. There is not a single disease that causes shortness of breath that can be cured at home. It is necessary to deliver the animal to the doctor as soon as possible.
Please be careful!

Orlova Maria Eduardovna
anesthesiologist-resuscitator