What is Labored Breathing in Dogs and Cats?
In order to be able to recognize when your dog or cat is having trouble breathing, it's important to distinguish between breathing quickly (tachypnea) and actually struggling to breathe (dyspnea).
Tachypnea
- Tachypnea is the fast breathing we all experience when exercising. If you take your dog out for a run, or play with your cat a little harder than usual, they may pant and breathe quickly but this does not mean they are having difficulties breathing.
Dyspnea
- Dyspnea is the term for labored breathing in cats and dogs. This term means that your animal is actually having difficulties taking breaths, or is short of breath.
Labored breathing is a veterinary emergency that requires immediate action. Our Pine Grove vets see emergencies during regular business hours. For after-hours help, visit one of our partner agencies.
But how can you tell if your pet is struggling to breathe properly? When cats and dogs are experiencing breathing difficulties the symptoms they will exhibit may be different.
What are the signs of labored breathing in dogs?
Healthy dogs have a breathing rate of between 15 and 30 every minute, When a dog is having difficulty breathing, you are likely to notice one or more of the following symptoms:
- Exercise intolerance (most notably, when you take them for a walk)
- Persistent cough, especially at night
- An increased respiratory rate > 40 bpm
- Stretching the neck out to breathe
- An unusually hoarse sounding bark
- Sighs of anxiety such as restlessness or pacing
- Constant panting
- Sitting up with a wide stance to breathe (front legs/elbows spread out)
- Belly heaving in and out more as they breathe
- Foaming or frothing at the mouth
- Blue-tinged gums
What does labored breathing in cats look like?
It's very common for cats to hide when they aren't feeling well, which can make spotting the signs of labored breathing challenging for cat owners. That said, when a cat is experiencing difficulties breathing they may show one or more of the following symptoms:
- Hiding in a quiet place
- Increased respiratory rate
- Body hunched close to the ground with neck extended forward
- Hacking or persistent coughing
- Open mouth breathing
- Blue-tinged gums
- Foaming or frothing from the mouth
What should I do if my pet is having difficulties breathing?
If your dog or cat is displaying any signs of breathing difficulties it's time to head to the vet. Labored breathing should always be considered a veterinary emergency. In order to help your pet to breathe easier your vet will need to diagnose the underlying condition that is causing your pet's breathing issues.
What causes labored breathing in dogs and cats?
Cats and dogs aren't always susceptible to the same conditions but some of the most common health issues that can lead to breathing difficulties in either type of animal include:
- Asthma
- Infectious diseases
- Growths in the upper airway
- Heart failure
- Cancer
- Metabolic issues
- Pneumonia
- Exposure to toxins
- Trauma
How is labored breathing in pets treated?
After your pet has had a thorough examination the treatment prescribed by your veterinarian will depend upon the underlying cause of your pet's breathing difficulties. Some treatments for labored breathing include:
- Chest and/or abdominal x-ray
- Echocardiogram
- Blood work
- Oxygen therapy
- IV fluids
- Steroids to reduce airway inflammation
- Bronchodilators to expand airway and increase airflow
- Diuretics to treat fluid in lungs
Additional diagnostic testing may be required in order to pinpoint the precise cause of your pet's breathing difficulties.
What is the prognosis for my pet when they have labored breathing?
Unfortunately, if the labored breathing isn't caused by a lodged object or some kind of acute illness or trauma, it is probably caused by some more serious underlying condition. How advanced the condition is will determine your pet's prognosis.
Sometimes, you will see labored breathing in your cat or dog before death. This is usually coupled with some kind of terminal illness, or very old age. If you believe your animal is near the end of its life, contact your veterinarian to see what can be done to make them more comfortable.
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.