A cough, difficulty breathing, constant panting… there are symptoms that can indicate that your dog may have problems breathing. Which are the most common causes and how can you realise that they have a problem?

Normal breathing is very important for a dog’s health because, just like you, it is the way in which they get oxygen. When your dog is having trouble breathing, is breathing oddly or very fast, or has a cough for several days, it is very important to consult your vet.

dyspnoea

Troubled breathing

tachypnea

Rapid breathing

dyspnoea

Troubled breathing

tachypnea

Rapid breathing

WHAT IS
DYSPNOEA?

It is the feeling of a lack of air in the lungs.

Often, the appearance of a respiratory problem is because they have something in their airways. If the vet rules this out, they will look for pain, anxiousness, fever or obesity.

Dyspnoea can also be a result of small nasal passages, an infection or asthma, among other things.

WHAT IS
TACHYPNEA?

This is breathing that is faster than usual.

It is distinguished from panting because they have their mouth closed, whereas when panting they keep it open. Panting is the dog’s way of regulating their temperature when they are hot. There is no need to be alarmed if a dog is panting a little, especially if the ambient temperature is high. But if they are breathing very fast and expelling a lot of air, it is important to act quickly, because they could be suffering heat stroke.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY DOG NEEDS TO BE RESUSCITATED?

If your dog stops breathing, you must act quickly. Follow these steps:

  1. Lay them on their side, with their neck extended.
  2. Open their mouth and pull out their tongue. It is better for their head to be on a blanket to protect it.
  3. If they are still not breathing, close their mouth and blow air into them, very carefully, through their nose.
  4. Repeat this action as many times as necessary until the vet arrives.