A typical healthy dog will take between 10 to 35 breaths per minute while at rest. While puppies may breathe faster than adult dogs, if the breathing rate is consistently over 35 breaths per minute or your dog is breathing rapidly and heavily, it could be an indication of an underlying illness or injury and should be evaluated by your veterinarian.
Why is my dog breathing fast while resting?
There are several potential causes for rapid breathing in your dog when resting. These can include lung diseases such as cancer, parasitic infections or pneumonia, compressed lungs, hernia, heatstroke, anemia, stomach issues, heart failure, and laryngeal paralysis. It is important to take your dog to the vet to get a proper diagnosis and treatment, as some of these conditions can be serious and require immediate medical attention.
How can you tell if a dog is breathing too fast?
To tell if your dog is breathing abnormally fast, count your dog’s breaths for a minute while they are resting or sleeping. A breathing rate over 30 breaths per minute is considered too fast. Other signs that your dog may be breathing too fast include using their stomach muscles to help with breathing, reluctance to drink, eat, or move, and pale, blue-tinged, or brick-red gums. If you notice any of these symptoms or your dog’s breathing rate is too high, contact your veterinarian immediately.
How fast should a dog breathe while sleeping?
A typical healthy dog will take between 15 to 35 breaths per minute while at rest or sleeping. However, puppies will typically breathe faster than adult dogs while sleeping, and can range from 40 to 120 breaths per minute depending on their age, size, and activity level. If your dog’s breathing rate is consistently higher than this, it could be a sign of an underlying issue and you should consult your veterinarian.
Why is my dog breathing fast but not panting?
There are a few possible reasons why your dog may be breathing fast but not panting. These include asthma, lung diseases such as cancer, exercise, kennel cough, laryngeal paralysis, windpipe issues, bacterial or viral infections, allergies, and heart or kidney failure. In many cases, the cause of the fast breathing can be determined by a physical examination, lab tests, or other diagnostic tests. If your dog’s breathing is labored or if you are concerned, it is best to take your dog to a veterinarian for evaluation in order to determine the cause and get proper treatment.