Why dogs breathe heavy

A full physical examination will be performed by your vet, to determine whether your dog's breathing issue stems from a problem in the heart, circulatory system, lungs, airway, neck, head, or other area. Your pet's overall general health condition may also be causing an issue. Your vet will need to know about any previous medical issues that your pooch has experienced and may recommend diagnostic tests such as X-rays to check the heart, lungs and abdomen for issues such as lung tumors or broken ribs.

The veterinarian will also watch your dog for any signs of anxiety, stress or other psychological factors that could be causing the fast breathing. Ultimately the underlying cause of your dog's breathing difficulties will determine the best treatment. Your vet may prescribe pain relief, intravenous fluids, or other medications to help restore your dog to good health. If your dog is breathing fast due to stress or anxiety, special training with a certified dog behaviorist may be recommended.

Rest and oxygen therapy will likely be needed to start your dog along the road to healing. While most dogs will be well enough to be treated at home, in some severe cases hospitalization may be required to monitor the dog's breathing, and to treat the underlying health condition.

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.

We're always accepting new patients, so contact our veterinary hospital today to book your pet's first appointment. Constipation is one of the most common digestive issues our Davidson County vets see in dogs, and it can be a sign of a life-threatening health issue. Here's why In today's article, our Davidson County vets discuss the possible side effects of dog vaccinations for Bordetella and answer other frequently asked questions surrounding optional shots for dogs.

If your dog is booked to have an x-ray radiograph you may be wondering how the appointment will work and how you can prepare.

Below, our Thomasville vets share what you can expect when you bring your dog to us for an x-ray. Periodontal disease and tooth decay are as problematic for dogs as they are for people.

That's why caring for your dog's teeth is an important element of caring for your dog's overall health. If you have questions or comments about one of our chambers, please reach out to us today. Search - Optional. Combined Shape Created with Sketch.

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Shop AeroHippus. How We Help Your Pet. When dogs are breathing faster than circumstances warrant, they are said to be tachypneic, or suffering from tachypnea. Panting can be a normal way for dogs to cool themselves in response to exercise or high temperatures, or it can be an indication of a breathing problem. Panting in dogs is characterized by:. Some dogs will develop a combination of breathing problems e. Difficulty breathing can be a life-threatening emergency, and your dog should be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible.

You will need to give a thorough history of your dog's health, onset of symptoms and possible incidents that might have preceded this condition. During the examination, your veterinarian will carefully observe how your dog is breathing and listen to his chest for specific sounds that might help pinpoint the problem. Your dog's gum color will be evaluated as well, since the color of the gums can indicate whether your dog has adequate blood flow and oxygenation.

Your veterinarian may try to get your dog to cough by pressing on his windpipe. If your dog is having extreme difficulty breathing, the veterinarian will give him oxygen before doing any tests. Initial diagnostic testing for dogs who are having trouble breathing can involve a complete blood count, biochemical profile, fecal examination, urine analysis and chest X-rays.

Additional procedures and testing may also be necessary. Treatment will depend on the final diagnosis a veterinarian makes for your dog's breathing problems. Your dog will probably be given oxygen to help him breathe. Any prescription pet medications and procedures that your dog needs will depend on the cause and severity of the breathing problem.

Your dog's activity will be restricted until the breathing problem is sufficiently under control. Give all of the medications as directed, and stick to the scheduled progress checks. Your veterinarian may repeat some of the tests that were done when your dog was diagnosed to determine how your dog is responding to treatment.