Normal Respiration Rate for Dogs

Ever wondered what the normal resting respiration rate for your dog should be? What about when it's hot or he's been exercising? Would you know what to look for if you were worried that your dog was having trouble breathing? If you've asked yourself any of these questions, you are in the right place.

  1. Normal Respiration Rates

    • The regular resting rate of respiration for an average, healthy dog is 10 to 30 breaths per minute. You can expect this rate to vary slightly for dogs that are in top athletic shape, dogs that are advanced in age or have experienced some sort of disease or trauma that has diminished lung capacity.

    Panting

    • Panting occurs when a dog's internal thermostat has reached a higher than normal temperature and needs to cool down. Regardless of the reason for the increased temperature, the average rate of respiration for an overheated dog is usually between 300 to 400 respirations per minute. This rapid breathing allows heat to be released into the outdoor air while bringing cooler air into the dog's system quickly.

    Signs to Look For

    • Abnormal breathing includes anything audible such as wheezing, coughing or gasping. These sounds will indicate that there is something more serious going on. A dog that pants while resting in a cool environment is experiencing respiratory distress and should be checked by a veterinarian.

    Causes

    • Abnormal respiration can be caused by a number of things such as viruses, trauma or congenital defects. In the case of a virus, labored breathing is usually brought on by a secondary bacterial infection like pneumonia. Trauma such as being hit by a car, falling or fighting can cause defects in the diaphragm or lungs causing breathing difficulties as well as anatomical abnormalities such as tumors. Other things that can cause respiratory difficulties are asthma, fungi, air pollution, etc.

    Treatment

    • If your dog is breathing abnormally, no matter the cause, it is important to get him to a veterinarian without delay. Most conditions that affect respiration are life threatening and can claim the life of your pet in minutes if treatment is not begun immediately. Treatments are based on cause, but can include X-rays, oxygen tank, surgery, antibiotics, etc.