While you can expect some labored breathing right after serious exercise, it can be a concern if it happens while resting or relaxing. Here, our emergency vets in Nashua share the signs of difficulty breathing in dogs and cats and what to do if it occurs.
Difficulty Swallowing & Shallow Breathing in Dogs & Cats
To identify signs of respiratory distress in your cat or dog, it's crucial to distinguish between rapid breathing (known as tachypnea) and genuine difficulty in breathing (known as dyspnea).
Tachypnea (Rapid Breathing)
- Fast breathing is common during exercise. When you take your dog out for a run, they might pant and breathe rapidly, but this doesn't indicate any breathing problems for your furry friend.
Dyspnea (Shortness of Breath)
- Dyspnea is the term for labored breathing in cats and dogs. It means your pet is having difficulties breathing or being short of breath.
Labored breathing is a serious veterinary emergency that demands immediate medical attention. How can you determine if your pet is experiencing difficulty breathing? Read on to learn the causes and signs of labored breathing in cats and dogs.
What causes difficulty breathing in dogs and cats?
While cats and dogs experience different conditions that can lead to difficulty breathing, there are some common causes between both pets. These are:
- Trauma
- Cancer
- Asthma
- Pneumonia
- Infectious diseases
- Growths in the upper airway
- Heart failure
- Metabolic issues
- Exposure to toxins
What are the signs of difficulty breathing in dogs?
If your dog is experiencing respiratory distress, you may notice one or more of the following symptoms:
- Constant panting
- Blue-tinged gums
- Foaming or frothing at the mouth
- Stretching the neck out to breathe
- Belly heaving in and out more as they breathe
- Persistent cough, especially at night
- An increased respiratory rate > 40 bpm
- An unusually hoarse-sounding bark
- Sighs of anxiety, such as restlessness or pacing
- Exercise intolerance (most notably, when you take them for a walk)
- Sitting up with a wide stance to breathe (front legs/elbows spread out)
What are the signs of difficulty breathing in cats?
It's quite common for our feline friends to hide when they aren't feeling well. Even the most attentive cat owners may find it challenging to spot signs of breathing difficulties. When a cat is having trouble breathing, they may exhibit one or more of the following symptoms:
- Open-mouth breathing
- Blue-tinged gums
- Hiding in a quiet place
- Increased respiratory rate
- Foaming or frothing from the mouth
- Hacking or persistent coughing
- Body hunched close to the ground with neck extended forward
Why does my dog or cat seem to be gasping for air?
There are several reasons why your dog may be experiencing episodes of gasping for air. Allergens can affect your dog, causing them to gasp as the mouth and throat go into a spasm. More severe cases may be from viral infections that cause rhinitis. Nasal mites, which are microscopic in size, may irritate your dog’s nasal passage and cause spasms that lead to gasping for air.
Why is my cat breathing weird?
Breathing difficulties in cats can have many different causes. These may include infection, trauma, bleeding, foreign objects, asthma, allergies, fever, medication side effects, tumors, and more.
What should you do if your dog or cat has breathing difficulties?
If your cat or dog is showing signs of breathing issues, it's time to head to your vet. If your pet shows labored breathing, it should always be considered a veterinary emergency. To help your pet breathe easily, they must diagnose the underlying condition causing breathing issues.
How will your vet address your pet's breathing difficulties?
After the examination, your vet will prescribe a treatment plan based on the underlying cause of your pet's labored breathing. Some treatments for labored breathing in dogs and cats can include:
- Oxygen therapy (oxygen given through the nose, using a mask)
- IV (intravenous) fluids
- Steroids (medication) to reduce airway inflammation
- Bronchodilators (medication) to expand the airway and increase airflow
- Diuretics (medication) to treat fluid buildup in the lungs
Your pet's breathing difficulties may require additional diagnostic testing to determine the exact cause. Diagnostic testing may involve chest or abdomen X-rays and an electrocardiogram or echocardiogram to assess heart function.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.