Everything You Need To Know About Dog Breathing Problems

Just like in humans, optimal functioning of the respiratory system is crucial for a dog's health. Breathing problems might be a sign of major concern. However, the cause often varies (kennel cough, pneumonia, coronary diseases, foreign objects trapped in the respiratory tract, or anaemia) depending on the age and breed. However, certain breeds are more susceptible to respiratory problems than others. For instance, giant or large breeds of dogs who experience difficulty breathing are at a high risk of congestive cardiac arrest or cardiomyopathy.  

What Are The Symptoms of Dog Breathing Problems

Any potential symptom of breathing difficulty in dogs requires immediate medical care. Some of the common symptoms to look after are:

• Rapid breathing (the breaths are faster than usual) with the mouth partially open or closed, and the breathing remains shallow. 

• The dog tends to heave with every single breath, and the breathing process becomes noisier (congested or raspy), with rapid abdomen movement. 

• The nostrils of the dog widen and flare open during breathing with the body extended while the head and neck remain low. 

• The colour of gum changes from pink to blue or grey and in certain cases, the tongue becomes pale blue. 

Things to Expect at Visit to Vet for Dog Breathing Problems 

A good practice is to seek the help of a qualified and dedicated veterinary specialist to address dog breathing problems. The doctor will examine the dog to understand the possible cause of breathing difficulties. For proper diagnosis, the vet will ask about the onset of symptoms, medical history, and any possible incident that led to the condition. 

After this, the dog's gum is examined to check if oxygenated blood is being circulated across the body. To make breathing easier, the doctor might get the dog to do a dry cough by compressing the windpipe. It helps when any foreign object obstructs the path of the respiratory system. 

Remember, the treatment for dog breathing problems will be dependent on the nature of symptoms and the diagnosis made by the vet. Therefore, consulting with an emergency expert will provide your dog with much-needed relief and improve its breathing significantly.