Dog owners have a tendency to be worried when their pets begin breathing heavily. But like most natural processes, when breathing is too fast, too loud or odd, it can be an indicator of stress, poor health, or mere responses to the surroundings. The list of causes that lead to heavy breathing is long, not all of them are medical emergencies, but every dog parent should be aware of what to do about it. Awareness of what causes this condition will allow you to keep your pet safe and comfortable and will inform you about the time to seek professional assistance.
Normal Reasons for Heavy Breathing in Dogs
There are a lot of instances when dogs breathe heavily and the reason is perfectly natural. One of the most wide-spread causes is the panting after exercise. As the dogs play, run or walk in hot environment, panting helps them to regulate temperature. Dogs do not have sweat by letting it out the skin as humans have. Instead, they dissipate heat with the rapid shallow breathing and the so-called heat-stroke posture (tss), the tongue out. This also aids them to cool fast Rough breathing in such a situation is natural and it predominantly ceases when the dog is relaxed.
Another benign cause is excitement/stress When the dogs are anxious, nervous or happy dogs breathe quickly. An example could be when a dog is seeing new people, hearing loud sounds, or experiencing the terrifying sounds of fireworks, heavy breathing may occur. When the situation that provoked the stress is over, the breathing resumes its normal pattern.
Environmental Factors That Affect Breathing
The ambiance is significant in the way your dog inhales. One of the principal triggers is hot weather. Dogs are prone to excessive heating up in case they stay out in the sun too long. This triggers breathing and panting as such as the body attempts to release excessive heat. Likewise, canines living in high-humidity areas may not be able to breathe conveniently since the air has more moisture, which does not allow them to cool off well.
It also depends upon the indoor factors Lack of air circulation, cigarette smoke, dust or strong perfumes can aggravate a dog and cause it to breathe heavily. Some dog breeds are more environment-sensitive than others, and short nosed breed dogs such as pugs, bulldogs, and boxers usually have more of a problem in such conditions due to their make.
Health Problems Linked to Heavy Breathing
In some cases breathing heavier may indicate a hidden health problem. Kennel cough or pneumonia are the causes of respiratory infections that can make dogs breathe more than usual. These conditions are accompanied by other symptoms such as sneezing, coughing and nasal discharge. The combination of these with forceful breathing causes the need of a vet checkup.
Congestive heart failure may also be a cause There are some methods which can help this situation It is extremely important to avoid stressing yourself The inability of the dog to pay attention to the flow of blood due to the blockage of the heart of the dog causes a lot of fluid collection in the lungs causing difficulty in breathing. Dogs with heart diseases are also likely to exhibit tiredness, fainting or swollen stomach. This is a severe condition that needs the services of a qualified doctor.
The other reason could be obesity Dogs with overweight tendencies find themselves breathing with heavy gasps even when they are not doing anything. Having excess weight strains the lungs and heart as they are required to work extra. This may reduce their life span and lead to other health conditions.
When Heavy Breathing Becomes Dangerous
Pet owners should know when the heavy breathing may be beyond normal. When your dog rapidly breathes in rest without any exercise or heat, it is an indicator of a medical problem. Equally, blue or pale gums, wheezing or open-mouth breathing during resting are also signs of distress. In these instances, you are not supposed to wait but rush to a veterinarian.
Older dogs are particularly susceptible as well as puppies. A puppy can get infections in a short time whereas older dogs have issues with their heart and lungs. Be sure to pay special attention to the risks depending on age, as this will allow you to act on time.
Helping Your Dog at Home
In case your dog is taking steady breaths due to some common reasons, then you can make them comfortable by taking action. When it gets hot, make fresh drinking water and a cool shaded place available. Avoid excessive walking in scorching weather and/ or low temperatures and where possible exercise in mornings or evenings. Inside, make sure there is adequate ventilation and you should not smoke in the presence of your pet.
In nervous or distressed dogs, a quiet environment will help decrease hyperventilation. Careful reassurance, safe zones and gradual exposure to new things can help make them feel less anxious. To alleviate the pressure on lungs and the heart, the best remedy with over weighted dogs is the use of controlled food in conjunction with performing regular exercises.
When to See a Veterinarian
Although most of the cases are non-homicidal, it is best to be on guard. Heavy breathing that goes on long after it has begun without an apparent cause should not be overlooked in your dog. A vet may be able to simply run some basic tests such as chest X-rays or blood work or heart scan to identify the cause. It is always better to detect something early instead of late treatment, particularly, such conditions as heart disease, infections, or heatstroke.
Final Thoughts
Dogs having a hard breathing rate is not necessarily an illusion to be alarmed, although it should never be disregarded. Some of the most frequent causes are exercise, stress or hot weather, but in some cases, it might also be the symptom of a severe health issue. As a good pet parent, it is important to be aware of your dog and the way that this animal behaves. In case you notice certain changes, it is necessary to seek professional assistance as soon as possible. Your pet is relying on you to care and protect them and being spiteful and in the know is the best way to ensure they are safe and sound.