Difficult Or Labored Breathing In Dogs

Difficult or Labored Breathing in Dogs

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August 2019

Audience: Executive Leadership, Foster Caregivers, Public, Shelter/Rescue Staff & Volunteers, Veterinary Team

Difficult or labored breathing is a very serious and potentially life threatening emergency that requires immediate medical attention.

Signs of Difficult or Labored Breathing

• Open mouth breathing
• Abdomen heaves with every breath
• Fast and short breaths (hyperventilating)
• Breathing is noisy (raspy or congested)
• Nostrils flare open when breathing
• Gum color is grey or blue instead of pink
• Tongue is blue or purple instead of pink

What You Can Do Until an Emergency Veterinary Visit

• Make sure that your dog has a clear airway. Check for objects stuck in the back of the throat, gently wipe away any discharge coming out of the nose, etcetera.
• Dogs who are having trouble breathing are usually very stressed and anxious. Avoid doing anything that might cause additional stress to your dog (e.g., chasing your dog, restraining him/her while he/she is struggling to get away from you).

Common Causes of Difficult or Labored Breathing

• Heart disease
• "Kennel Cough" with severe nasal discharge
• Pneumonia
• Foreign object stuck in the back of the throat
• Anemia (low red blood cell count)

Treatment of Difficult or Labored Breathing

• Treatment of the underlying medical issue.
• Dogs with severe difficulty breathing difficulties may require supplemental oxygen, which will involve a stay at a veterinary hospital.
• Medication to help your dog breathe (e.g., bronchodilators, steroidal anti-inflammatories) may be given.
• Heart medications may be needed if your dog has a heart condition.
• Removal of any foreign bodies obstructing the respiratory tract.
• Activity restriction, at least until the breathing problem is significantly improved.

Helpful Links

• PetMD: Breathing Difficulties in Dogs
• VeterinaryPartner.com: When Your Pet Cannot Breathe
• PetPlace: Dyspnea (Trouble Breathing) in Dogs

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