Why Does a Catahoula Dog Breathe Hard?

The Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog is an athletic and active breed. Owners of a Catahoula dog will occasionally notice labored breathing in their pet. These concerns can be allayed by an understanding of the canine respiratory system and the genetic predispositions of the Catahoula dog. While dogs are susceptible to various respiratory ailments, Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dogs are a relatively healthy breed with no genetic predisposition for any disease that would cause labored breathing.

  1. Breed Characteristics

    • The Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog is a medium-size dog with a broad head and short, brown or tan patterned coat. It is the official state dog of the state of Louisiana. Its origins are unclear, but in modern times the breed has been used as a work and sport dog. Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dogs are ideal for hunting wild pigs and rounding up livestock because of their fearlessness and strong pack instinct that allows them to cooperate well with a team of other work dogs.

    Canine Respiratory Problems

    • While Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dogs are not prone to respiratory illness, there are several dangerous diseases that labored breathing could indicate. Owners of dogs who are having difficulty with breathing should familiarize themselves with the symptoms of the following conditions: respiratory cancer, pneumonia, fungal infections, tracheal collapse, laryngeal paralysis and canine asthma. As with all diagnosis of potentially life-threatening illness, it is important to seek the advice of a qualified veterinary doctor.

    Issues to Consider

    • Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dogs are known for their deep chest, which allows for greater lung capacity than many other breeds. This means that Catahoula dogs are less prone to hereditary conditions that would cause labored breathing. All dog breeds release excess body heat primarily through panting. Panting, a type of rhythmic, heavy breathing, can be mistaken for breathing difficulty by someone unfamiliar with canine anatomy.

    Emergency Response

    • When determining whether to seek medical treatment for your dog because of difficulty breathing, check first to see whether overheating may be causing excessive panting. If you are unable to adjust the room temperature, keep your dog calm and make sure that plenty of drinking water is available. A dog's undercoat of fur, along with the panting reflex, are built-in systems to regulate body temperature. If there is a rasping or wheezing sound, or if labored breathing goes on for more than a few minutes, seek the advice of your veterinarian or a 24-hour veterinary clinic.