Panting in dogs is very common, as it is their method of relaxing. But if you notice certain changes in the breathing pattern, or there is excess panting, then your dog has some problem in the respiratory tract. Similar to humans, even dogs can have breathing problems. The reasons are several, from mild and acute causes like sneezing, to chronic and severe ones like asthma. Hence, breathing problems in dogs should not be neglected.
Respiratory problems in dogs can be due to a problem in any part of the respiratory tract. These reasons include a sneeze due to a tickle in the nose, and even a painful condition in the chest or lungs. Thus, any problem in the respiratory system of the dog will lead to changes in the breathing pattern. Some of the common symptoms are as follows.
- Labored breathing
- Panting excessively
- Nasal discharge
- Rapid breathing
- Shallow breathing
There are a wide array of reasons that lead to breathing difficulties in dogs. Many of the problems are quite serious and require a quick diagnosis so that appropriate treatment is provided. Heart failure, infection in the lungs, lung collapse, allergic reaction, injury to the chest, pneumonia, etc. are some of the major causes. Certain dog breeds are susceptible to breathing problems due to their small faces. Pugs, Boston terriers, English Bulldogs, etc. are some examples. Snoring and snorting noises are common in such dogs. Given below is a brief description of each breathing problem.
Coughing is due to some damage or inflammation in the windpipe. Sometimes, coughing also takes place when your dog has swallowed something. Other causes include pollution, allergy, infection, poison ingestion, etc. If your dog coughs for more than one day, then you should take it to a veterinarian at the earliest.
This can be a very serious health condition and needs to be diagnosed soon. Rapid breathing is also noticed along with this symptom. Lung disease, tumors, torn diaphragm, and pleural effusion, are some of the causes of labored breathing.
Wheezing is not usually observed in dogs and hence, is a cause of concern. This breathing problem is usually associated with problems in the lungs, bronchi, etc. These problems can be serious and hence, need to be checked by a vet immediately.
Sneezing in itself is not a breathing problem, but it is a result of some other problem in the nasal passage. If it gets intense, then it can cause bleeding in the nose.
If the breathing problem in your dog goes unnoticed, your dog may not recover from it. Since it will not receive the immediate required treatment, its health can worsen further. Thus, it is necessary for dog owners to keep a regular watch on the breathing pattern of their pets. If any abnormalities are observed, then a trip should be made to the veterinarian soon.
Since there are many reasons for the occurrence of breathing problems in dogs, it is necessary to find out the exact cause that is making your pet uncomfortable. You can find out the average breaths that your dog takes every minute, so that you can easily figure out the problem.