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Why Is My Puppy Breathing So Fast While Sleeping?

To determine why is my dog breathing fast, it’s crucial to know what a normal rate looks like. A healthy dog usually breathes 15 to 35 times per minute when at rest. (Keep in mind that during exercise, this rate increases naturally.) If your dog is breathing more than 40 times per minute while at rest, it’s not typical and should be checked.

Panting, however, isn’t always a sign of trouble. It’s how dogs manage their body temperature by releasing heat and moisture from their upper respiratory system, tongue, and mouth. Since dogs don’t sweat like humans, panting is their main way of cooling off.

Causes of Why is My Dog Breathing Fast?

If your dog is breathing fast, it could be due to excitement, exercise, or heat, but it may also signal stress, pain, or an underlying health issue. Rapid breathing in dogs can sometimes indicate respiratory problems or heart conditions, so it’s important to monitor their behavior closely. If the fast breathing persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, consult your veterinarian for a thorough evaluation.

Some possible causes of fast breathing include:

Asthma
Lung diseases such as cancer
Exercise
Kennel cough
Laryngeal paralysis
Windpipe issues
bacterial respiratory infection
fungal respiratory infection
pressure on the windpipe
Stiffening of airways
Smoke inhalation
Breed characteristics
Pain
Parasites
Pneumonia
Compressed lungs
Hernia
Heatstroke
Anemia
Nausea
Collapsing windpipe
Medication side effects

How Can I Tell If My Dog is Breathing Too Fast?

To find out if your dog is breathing faster than usual, count their breaths for one minute while they’re resting or sleeping. (It’s useful to do this when you’re not worried about knowing what’s normal for your dog.) Normally, anything under 30 breaths per minute is fine. If the count goes over 35, it’s a good idea to contact your vet. Your vet will have a good idea of your dog’s typical breathing rate from previous visits.

When Should I Contact My Vet About My Dog’s Breathing?

If you notice your dog is breathing rapidly while at rest or sleeping, they may be in respiratory distress. Contact your vet if you observe any of the following:

Noticeably labored breathing (using stomach muscles to breathe)
Pale, blue, or brick-red gums
Unwillingness to eat, drink, or move
Open-mouthed breathing while at rest
Excessive drooling that’s unusual for them
Heavy, fast breathing that’s louder or different from normal panting

How Will the Vet Diagnose the Cause of My Dog’s Fast Breathing?

Your vet will perform a thorough examination to determine if the breathing issue is related to the heart, lungs, airways, neck, or other areas. The vet will also consider your dog’s general health and any past medical history.

Diagnostic tests such as X-rays might be recommended to check for issues like lung tumors or broken ribs. The vet will also assess whether anxiety, stress, or emotional factors could be contributing to the rapid breathing.

How Is Fast Breathing In Dogs Treated?

The treatment for your dog’s breathing problem will depend on the underlying cause. Your vet might prescribe pain relief, intravenous fluids, or other medications to help restore your dog’s health.

If stress or anxiety is causing rapid breathing, training with a certified dog behaviorist might be recommended. Your dog may also need rest and oxygen therapy for recovery. While many dogs can be treated at home, severe cases may require hospital care for monitoring and treatment.

When Should You Worry About Your Dog’s Heavy Breathing?

Excessive panting and rapid breathing can often occur after exercise or in hot weather, but they can also be signs that your dog is having trouble breathing. If your dog is struggling to breathe, this is a serious condition, and you should see your vet immediately.

Listen for noisy breathing.

Noisy breathing is a clear indicator of respiratory distress. If your dog suddenly starts making unusual sounds while breathing, it could mean they are struggling to get enough air.

Common breathing noises in dogs include stertor and stridor. Stertor is a low-pitched, snoring sound that may resemble a snort or reverse sneeze. Stridor is a high-pitched wheezing sound.

Watch for excessive panting.

Excessive panting can also be a sign of breathing difficulties. Keep an eye out for the following signs that your dog’s panting may be cause for concern:

Noticeable movement of the stomach muscles while breathing
Fast or shallow breathing
Noisy breathing
breathing with their mouth open
Drooling
Refusal to eat or drink
stretching their head and neck out
pale, dark, or blue-colored gums

Track your dog’s breathing rate.

Another way to monitor your dog’s health is by tracking their breathing rate. A healthy dog typically takes 15 to 30 breaths per minute when resting or sleeping. If your dog’s breathing rate exceeds 40 breaths per minute while at rest, contact your vet immediately.

What Are The Treatments For Fast Breathing In Dogs?

The treatment for your dog’s rapid breathing depends on the underlying cause. Some common treatment options include pain relief, intravenous fluids with calcium, and other medications to address the specific issue.

If your dog’s fast breathing is caused by stress or anxiety, special training with a certified dog behaviorist may be necessary.

Regardless of the cause, oxygen therapy and rest are likely to be needed. While some dogs may recover sufficiently to be treated at home, others might require specialized care or hospitalization. Your veterinarian and their team will closely monitor and support your dog’s recovery and assist with any necessary at-home care.

Rapid breathing during sleep

Although rapid breathing during sleep is usually not a cause for concern, there are a few steps you can take to ensure your dog is okay.

Wake them up: Gently wake your dog to see if the rapid breathing is simply due to a dream. Be careful not to startle or overexcite them, especially if they’re in the REM stage, as this can be disorienting.
Check for other symptoms: Observe for any additional signs, such as stomach issues paired with rapid breathing, which could indicate abdominal pain. Also, check your dog’s gums; pale or discolored gums, along with rapid breathing, might suggest anemia.
Seek a vet’s advice: If your dog shows other concerning symptoms or continues to breathe rapidly throughout the night, it’s best to contact your vet or an emergency veterinarian to schedule an appointment.

Disclaimer: The information in this post is meant for general knowledge and should not be taken as medical advice for pets. For a proper diagnosis of your pet’s condition, please consult your veterinarian.

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Why is My Dog Breathing Fast? Causes And Treatments