Canine Breathing Problems

Trauma/Poison

• The most common reason a dog experiences trouble breathing is a result of trauma to the dog's lungs or body. This can be the result of a physical force (such as getting hit by something or someone) or an item consumed by your dog, like a poisonous substance. In these instances, it's imperative that you take your dog to the vet as soon as possible because waiting to see what happens next could prove fatal for your canine. Although slight trauma or mild poison may fade away, don't risk your dog's life. If a dog has trouble breathing because of a trauma or poison, it will experience low, shallow breaths and may pass out.

Heatstroke

• Another common cause of breathing problems in dogs is a heat stroke, a serious problem that can affect any canine. This problem requires prompt treatment. Fortunately, heat stroke in dogs is easy to recognize and is also easy to prevent. Dogs experience heat strokes because they cannot cool their bodies as quickly or efficiently as humans can. If they are exposed to extremely hot climates without water or relief from the heat, it is likely that they will experience a heat stroke. To prevent this, do not leave your dog in a car during hot weather, do not confine your dog to a place without water/shade and avoid dryers in a grooming parlor. Heat stroke symptoms include rapid breathing that is also noisy and frantic-sounding. The tongue will be bright red in color and saliva will be thick. It is also common for dogs to vomit if they experience a heat stroke.

Pneumonia

• Pneumonia is a common health issue for dogs that often leads to respiratory/breathing problems. It's caused by bacterial, viral, parasitic or fungal infections that inflame the lungs and bronchi and is especially common in younger dogs. Pneumonia is something that should be treated immediately, as it can be fatal to your pup. Symptoms include coughing (most common) with mucous, nasal dripping, shallow/difficulty breathing, wheezing, fever, panting, dehydration and lethargy. Take your dog to the vet if you notice these breathing problems.

Dyspnea

• Dyspnea is the medical term for "respiratory distress" in canines. Dogs who experience dyspnea have great difficulty breathing. Breath is often short, labored and can occur when breathing both in and out. This can result in poor oxygen circulation, which affects the tissues of your dog and can result in heart failure. The leading causes of dyspnea in dogs is lung disease, abnormal fluid accumulation, bleeding into the chest or lungs, tumors or infections. See a veterinarian immediately if you suspect dyspnea.

Pulmonary Fibrosis

• Pulmonary fibrosis (often referred to as PF by veterinarians) is a result of increased scar tissue inside of a dog's lungs. This is often caused by lung tissue injury. While the exact cause of PF is unknown the majority of the time, it's most often onset by inflammation of the alveoli in the lungs and injury and/or congestion of the lungs. A dog's lungs can become inflamed by dust, pollutants and other small particles inhaled. Symptoms include shortness of breath and lethargy. Visit your vet if you notice your dog is experiencing these problems.