Causes of periodic breathing in dogs. Typically, therapeutic modalities include. To identify the cause, use

Undoubtedly, you want to see your four-legged friend cheerful and healthy. But what if the dog is breathing heavily? This symptom is often worrisome. Let's discuss what can cause heavy breathing in dogs and what to do in such cases.

The first important question Is it worth worrying at all? Here you need to know a couple of simple secrets.

If you put your hand on the chest of a dog, you can calculate the frequency of his breathing.

For adults, the norm is 10-30 breaths per minute, for puppies - 15-35, and aged dogs breathe 10-16 times per minute. It should also be taken into account that in adult bitches, in comparison with males, breathing is quickened.

In a healthy dog, breathing changes throughout the day.

× But if your four-legged friend suddenly began to breathe heavily or rapidly, and physical activity and he didn’t have stress, you shouldn’t hesitate or try to diagnose the dog yourself. This may be a signal of the presence of a disease, and a consultation with a specialist veterinarian is needed.

Why is the dog breathing heavily?

We tend to pay attention to the symptoms, while the most important thing is to eliminate the causes. It is at the causes that a competent veterinarian looks. Here is a list of the most common ones:

• The dog has overheated or suffered from heat stroke.

• arose nervous excitement as a result of being in an unfamiliar place (for example, I got into a crowded place for the first time or rode in one of the modes of transport).

• A heart attack is planned (especially often this happens in old animals).

• Childbirth has begun, or lactation has begun, when the puppies strongly suck milk from their mother.

• Difficult birth plus a large number of puppies.

• Problems with the respiratory tract (obstruction occurred at the level of the main bronchi or higher).

• Expansion and volvulus of the stomach

• The dog is injured or injured chest due to a fight, a fall, or a collision with a car.

• A foreign body has entered the trachea.

What should I do if my dog ​​is breathing heavily?

The owner rarely can cure the dog himself - unless he is a veterinarian. At the same time, there are several points that he can take into account while waiting for the doctor or on the way to the clinic.

• If, in addition to heavy breathing, you observe other alarming symptoms - lethargy, anxiety, whining from pain - urgently call the veterinarian at home or very carefully take the dog to the clinic. Ideally, it should be around the clock - then there will be no risk of meeting a closed door.

• At the beginning of labor in a dog, heavy breathing is the norm, but after them, especially if miscarriages were born, this may mean that not all puppies were born. She needs urgent operation to rid the body of intoxication and prevent collapse. Sharp drop blood pressure can lead to death.

• During lactation, heavy breathing, combined with convulsions and clumsiness of movements, is very dangerous. These may be signs of eclampsia (a strong decrease in the level of calcium and glucose in the blood). If you do not urgently seek help, this can also lead to collapse and death.

• When overheated and heat stroke– in addition to the fact that your dog is breathing heavily, he may seek a cool place, drink a lot and refuse food. There may also be signs of disorientation. If so, wipe the animal cold water give him a drink and put a wet towel on his head.

• Blue tongue and fainting may be the main symptoms of heart problems. At heart attack do not take the dog to the clinic, but call the doctor at home. While you are waiting for the doctor, put heating pads or bottles of water on your dog's paws. warm water and cover her. Do every 4-6 hours intramuscular injection cordiamine, and in the case of an old animal, add more cocarboxylase.

• If the dog is breathing heavily, but there are no other symptoms, you need to conduct a cardiac examination (ECG - for large breeds dogs, ECHO - for small ones). So you can exclude or identify problems with the heart

• Gastric dilatation and torsion (torsion) is most common in large breed dogs and is accompanied by rapid (within a few hours) abdominal enlargement. The dog is in pain abdominal cavity and begins to behave restlessly, groans. The result is heavy breathing, sometimes accompanied by salivation, and unsuccessful attempts to vomit. The dog needs emergency surgery (within 4-6 hours), otherwise it will die.

• In the event of a chest injury, the animal must be carefully transported to veterinary clinic or call a doctor at home.

• To exclude or identify metastases, respiratory problems and heart disease, it is advisable to take an x-ray in frontal and lateral projection.

Be aware that heavy breathing can be a symptom dangerous diseases. Here you should not rely on your understanding of the situation, and you should not delay contacting a specialist. Your efficiency will help your beloved pet to be healthy, and probably even save his life.

As you know, breathing pet its status can be determined. Caring hosts more than once observed how the dog's breathing changes throughout the day.

Mostly, four-legged friend breathes through the nose, taking long, calm breaths, but after intense training or jogging, breathing becomes very quick, the dog begins to stick out his tongue, thus normalizing the heat transfer of his body. Such breathing should not cause any concern. An exception is the case if the pet begins to breathe heavily without any visible reasons.

Before sounding the alarm, you should monitor the frequency of breathing. For example, little puppy does 15-35 breaths per minute, adult dog does 10-30 breaths per minute, old - 15-20 breaths per minute. The respiratory rate can also depend on the size of the dog and the characteristics of its breed, for example, small pets take more breaths than large ones.

Causes of heavy and frequent breathing in a dog

Heavy breathing in a pet is definitely a cause for concern. There are more than enough reasons for this complication, therefore loving hosts it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the entire list in order to provide timely needed help. So, the causes of heavy and frequent breathing in a dog with protruding tongue can be:

• Sunstroke or heat stroke resulting from prolonged exposure to heat.
• A nervous breakdown, which may be associated with a trip to the veterinary clinic, parting with the owner for a while, a fight with another dog, visiting an unfamiliar and frightening place.
• The last days of pregnancy, the onset of childbirth.
• Incipient heart attack.
• Injury, trauma or bruising of the chest.
• Leformation of the stomach.
• Pulmonary edema, airway obstruction.

Pregnant dogs often have severe and rapid breathing, in addition to the approaching birth, the bitch may experience heaviness and discomfort due to squeezing of many organs. As a rule, this can be the case if the dog has too large offspring.

Childbirth with complications can also cause heavy breathing, in such a situation, the presence of an experienced veterinarian is desirable, who will provide the dog with the necessary assistance. born dead puppies can cause heavy breathing, but not because the dog is going through, but for a more serious and dangerous reason. The fact is that the womb could not remain born puppies, which you need to get in the most short time by using surgical intervention, otherwise the dog is waiting fatal outcome.

The reason for the anxiety of the owners can be heavy breathing of the dog during puppy feeding, which, moreover, may be accompanied by convulsions and clumsiness during movement. The presence of such signs requires an immediate examination by a veterinarian, as everything can end too quickly and sadly.

AT summer period, pets are often exposed to sun and heat stroke, the first signs of which are heavy and frequent breathing with a protruding tongue.

To help your beloved pet cope with the ailment that has arisen, you need to take the dog to a cool shower, hide it from direct sunlight, apply a cool compress on the head and let it drink as much as possible. cold water. If lethargy and vomiting have been added to the main symptoms, it is advisable to show the animal to a veterinarian who will tell you how to properly cure sun and heat stroke.

Heavy breathing, accompanied by coughing and shortness of breath, may indicate that the dog has a disease such as seasonal asthma. The elimination of this problem should be dealt with exclusively by a veterinarian, any self-medication can only aggravate an already serious situation. Heavy breathing and higher than normal temperature 38,5 may mean that the pet has problems with the respiratory system, which can develop into such acute diseases like pleurisy, bronchitis and pneumonia.

With an approaching heart attack, in addition to rapid panting, the pet may experience symptoms such as convulsions, fainting, and a blue tongue. In this case, you can’t take the animal to the clinic, you need to call the veterinarian at home, and while the doctor is on the way, you should cover the dog with a blanket and make warm compresses for the lower limbs.

With pain in the abdominal region, not only heavy breathing occurs, but also bloating, lethargy, vomiting, and even liquid stool. In such cases, the dog should be immediately taken to the veterinarian, who will provide first aid and help the animal get rid of pain and discomfort.

What to do with heavy breathing in a dog?

Regardless of the circumstances, heavy and rapid breathing with the tongue hanging out may be a symptom of some complex disease or an upcoming attack. Caring owners should not be inactive in any case, since it depends on their attentiveness and decision further fate pet.

An initial examination and a timely call to the veterinarian will help establish a diagnosis and prevent a possible fatal outcome. In some cases it may be necessary additional examination such as X-ray and ECG.

Do not ignore the advice of a veterinarian who will tell you how to properly care for a sick dog, because every right action brings your beloved pet closer to recovery, and the warmth and care provided will return to the owners with the recognition and loyalty of a four-legged friend.

Dyspnea is a respiratory disorder and a physiological response to oxygen starvation body, manifested by frequent, squeezed, jerky breaths with an open mouth. dog breath open mouth may have completely understandable reasons that do not threaten the life and health of the pet. Severe breathlessness in a dog wearing pathological character, is a consequence of the disease and an accompanying syndrome.

Important! All diseases causing severe shortness of breath It is impossible to diagnose, and even more so to cure at home exclusively. In case of detection anxiety symptoms- be sure to contact your veterinarian.

In a global sense, the causes of shortness of breath in dogs can be divided into several groups.

Respiratory– diseases, injuries, infections, disruption of work internal organs. It is necessary - first aid, symptomatic relief of the condition, oxygen therapy, extensive treatment.

CNS pathology- disruption of the brain, hematomas, cysts, tumors, electrical injuries. Reliable way diagnostics - MRI, for lack of equipment, an algorithm, as with a cardiogenic nature.

Metabolic disorders- Toxins not removed from the body adversely affect circulatory system(diabetes), genitourinary system(toxicosis due to kidney failure), liver (insufficient purification and enrichment of the blood). special group risk, complications after piroplasmosis. It is necessary to do blood and urine tests, ultrasound, liver tests.

Read also: Rickets in dogs and puppies: symptoms and treatment of growing pains

Physiological- obesity, low stamina due to violation of maintenance standards.

Shortness of breath after childbirth, the phenomenon is permissible, but it should not be accompanied by fever, postpartum blood loss, vomiting, loss of coordination. If the birth was difficult, and shortness of breath is observed for more than a day, consult a doctor immediately. With inaction, all causes of chronic postpartum dyspnea lead to death.

Anemia- oxygen starvation of all tissues due to an insufficient number of red blood cells (), shortness of breath is observed when the dog is at rest. As a treatment - adjusting the diet, identifying metabolic abnormalities, a therapeutic course of vitamins and trace elements.

- danger, a fight, a threat to the life of the owner is accompanied by the production of exciting hormones. Frequent breathing with an open mouth stimulates the heart muscle and blood flow. To severe stress should not be taken lightly, the dog must be reassured, isolated in a cool room, constantly nearby, rhythmically stroking the chest, wipe with a dry towel if the coat is wet to the touch.

If the cause of shortness of breath is stress, the dog should not be forcefully laid down, forced to drink or eat. Refusal to lie down may be associated with overflow of the lungs with oxygen, laying the animal forcibly can provoke a rupture of the lung tissue. Even if the dog is very hot and refuses to drink - do not insist, a sharp contrast in the temperature of the water and internal organs can cause collapse of the lungs, the development of pneumonia, and edema.

Important! Development secondary symptoms- cyanosis, fainting, loss of coordination, pain, aggression, coughing, wheezing, vomiting, coughing up blood require immediate veterinary intervention, up to surgery.

Pekingese, pugs, bulldogs, sometimes sharpei breathe with their mouths open when walking and even during sleep. The deviation has no pathological basis and is associated with an initially defective structure of the nasopharynx. Breeds with a flattened nose not only experience shortness of breath, but also. Naturally, treatment in this case is not required, however, close monitoring of the dog's health is important. An upturned nose and a runny nose, this is exactly the case when a harmless cold turns into serious breathing problems.

Types of breathlessness in dogs

A dog that has undergone strong physical exertion opens its mouth for quick recovery forces. After a walk, where the pet ran for fetching and played with other animals, fatigue and mouth breathing are absolutely normal phenomenon. Shortness of breath in a dog calm state the symptom is alarming, the first thing you need to pay attention to is the state of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.

• Expiration- short inhalation and heavy long exhalation, often incomplete. Wheezing and wheezing may be observed. Indicates constriction lower section bronchi, possible reasons- asthma, bronchitis.

• Inspiration- a sharp short or heavy lingering breath. Possible causes are swelling of the airways, including the lungs, trauma, ingestion of a foreign object.

• mixed type – acute condition, inhalation and exhalation are difficult, breathing attempts are accompanied by strangled sounds, spasms, coughing. Possible causes -, acute inflammatory process, pulmonary edema, progressive pneumonia.

O serious problems health is indicated by shortness of breath in a dog that occurs with little physical exertion or at rest. If your breathing becomes faster after a long run or weight training, you should not worry.

Symptoms of shortness of breath

As a rule, breathing goes astray in three parameters at once (frequency, depth and rhythm) - this is how the body signals an oxygen deficiency.

Signs of respiratory failure:

• noticeable efforts on inhalation or exhalation;
• the appearance of additional sounds (wheezing, whistling);
• breathing with an open mouth;
• excitation replaced by oppression;
• unusual posture (a worried animal stretches its neck and spreads its front paws, but cannot lie down);
• blanching or cyanosis of the gums and lips.

Important! Gotta know what external respiration is closely related to the activity of the circulatory system: that is why the failure of breathing always leads to increased work of the heart muscle.

Causes of shortness of breath in a dog

They are grouped into 3 large categories, within which there is already a more detailed classification:

• respiratory;
• cardiogenic;
• CNS pathology.

Respiratory

These are injuries, diseases (including infectious ones), as well as violations of the functions of internal organs.

Catalysts for this kind of shortness of breath are:

• mechanical damage, for example, a fracture of the chest;
• pneumonia;
• pleurisy;
• neoplasms (benign / malignant);
• fluid accumulated in the chest.

Shortness of breath of a respiratory nature does not always indicate that the body is running pathological process. Sometimes the culprit is foreign object stuck in the airways.

Breathing problems also occur with anemia, when all the tissues of the canine body receive less oxygen. When the hemoglobin level is low, it is difficult for the dog to breathe even at complete rest.

Cardiogenic

This group includes all causes related to weak heart or poor circulation. This kind of shortness of breath occurs when walking (the animal often sits / lies down, he does not have enough air) and running (in the vast majority of cases, running is impossible).

Cardiogenic shortness of breath is caused by various ailments, including:

• heart failure (acute or chronic);
• heart disease;
• cardiomyopathy.

Important! Often, pulmonary edema becomes a provocateur of cardiogenic dyspnea, the appearance of which is to blame (according to vicious circle) weakness of the heart muscle.

Pathologies of the central nervous system

Some breeds (so-called brachycephalic) suffer from shortness of breath due to anatomical structure muzzle. Brachycephalic syndrome has been noted in dogs with flattened noses, such as, and. Hinder them correct breathing becomes the position of the tissues of the soft palate.

A natural flaw can be superimposed at any time additional factor risk in the form of exercise, stress, heat or inflammation, resulting in poor health and even death of the dog.

In addition, shortness of breath due to the fault of the central nervous system often occurs as a complication after:

• hematomas;
• electric shock;
• head injury;
• brain tumors.

The central nervous system is also to blame for postpartum dyspnea, which is acceptable and goes away by itself. If difficulty breathing is accompanied by bleeding, fever, loss of coordination and vomiting, urgent help is needed.

Responsibility for respiratory failure is also assigned to the central nervous system if the animal has:

• severe stress;
• obesity;
• pain shock;
• high body temperature.

AT stressful situation(fight, threat to the life of the owner, any danger) adrenaline (fear), cortisol (anxiety), norepinephrine (rage) and other hormones are released into the blood, causing the heart to contract faster. It is logical that the acceleration of blood flow requires oxygen replenishment - this is why dogs begin to breathe rapidly with their mouths open.

First aid for shortness of breath

If the breath is lost from strong emotions (stress), the animal should be taken to a cool quiet place and try to calm down. When moistening the coat, wipe it soft cloth Don't forget to stroke your chest.

Important! A deeply stressed dog should not be laid down and forced to eat/drink against its will. Cool drinking can cause pneumonia, edema or collapse of the lungs (due to the temperature difference between the water and the “hot” internal organs).

If the dog cannot be laid down, do not insist: perhaps his lungs are oversaturated with oxygen, and the prone position threatens to rupture the lung tissue. If shortness of breath is due to other causes, the inflow fresh air and peace also do not interfere ( open window, fan, split system).

Experienced dog breeders, especially those whose pets have difficulty breathing, have medications in their first aid kit for emergency assistance. Sample algorithm:

1. Give any decongestant medicine, for example, suprastin at the rate of half a tablet per 5-8 kg of dog weight. It is crushed and rubbed under the tongue.
2. Rub vigorously on back, chest and ears.
3. Enter an immunostimulant (gamavit or another), determining the dose according to the instructions. The solution is injected into 4 paws (intramuscularly).
4. If potassium chloride is available, give 3-15 ml IV (based on the size of the dog). This injection is done very slowly and carefully.
5. AT extreme cases(if you can) do indoor massage hearts.

If there is a noticeable deterioration, a doctor will be needed. Call him at home or take the dog to the clinic. To restore breathing, the doctor removes foreign bodies, applies an oxygen mask, and sentences more severe patients to artificial ventilation lungs or operates.

Many dog ​​owners sometimes notice that the dog breathes rapidly. This can be considered as a completely normal phenomenon, but may also indicate serious illnesses. 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 off, the dog often breathes with its mouth open. It can also be fear, stress or joy.

Diseases

Another thing is when the dog breathes frequently for no apparent reason (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 giving birth, 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 should attach heating pads or bottles of warm water to the dog's paws and ensure the pet is calm.

Heart failure

The above lists all the main possible causes when a dog breathes quickly. 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.