Panting or heavy breathing after exercise is quite normal for all pets. However, shortness of breath at other times may indicate an emergency. Here, our Columbia vets discuss the signs of breathing difficulties in dogs and cats and what to do if it occurs.
Labored Breathing in Cats & Dogs
To identify signs of respiratory distress in your cat or dog, it's crucial to distinguish between rapid breathing (known as tachypnea) and genuine difficulty in breathing (known as dyspnea).
Tachypnea (Rapid Breathing)
- Fast breathing is common during exercise. When you take your dog out for a run, they might pant and breathe rapidly, but this doesn't indicate any breathing problems for your furry friend.
Dyspnea (Shortness of Breath)
- Dyspnea is the term for labored breathing in cats and dogs. It means your pet is having difficulties breathing or being short of breath.
Labored breathing is a serious veterinary emergency that demands immediate medical attention. How can you determine if your pet is experiencing difficulty breathing? Read on to learn the causes and signs of labored breathing in cats and dogs.
What causes difficulty breathing in dogs and cats?
While cats and dogs experience different conditions that can lead to difficulty breathing, there are some common causes between both pets. These are:
- Trauma
- Cancer
- Asthma
- Pneumonia
- Infectious diseases
- Growths in the upper airway
- Heart failure
- Metabolic issues
- Exposure to toxins
Signs of Breathing Difficulties in Dogs
When dogs are having difficulty breathing, you are more likely to notice one or more of the following symptoms:
- Constant panting
- Blue-tinged gums
- Foaming or frothing at the mouth
- Stretching the neck out to breathe
- Belly heaving in and out more as they breathe
- Persistent cough, especially at night
- An increased respiratory rate > 40 bpm
- An unusually hoarse-sounding bark
- Sighs of anxiety, such as restlessness or pacing
- Exercise intolerance (most notably, when you take them for a walk)
- Sitting up with a wide stance to breathe (front legs/elbows spread out)
Signs of Breathing Difficulties in Cats
It's quite common for our feline friends to hide when they aren't feeling well. Even the most attentive cat owners may find it challenging to spot signs of breathing difficulties. When a cat is having trouble breathing, it may exhibit one or more of the following symptoms:
- Open-mouth breathing
- Blue-tinged gums
- Hiding in a quiet place
- Increased respiratory rate
- Foaming or frothing from the mouth
- Hacking or persistent coughing
- Body hunched close to the ground with neck extended forward
What steps should I take if my cat or dog has difficulty breathing?
If your cat or dog is showing signs of breathing issues, it's time to head to your vet. If your pet shows labored breathing, it should always be considered a veterinary emergency. To help your pet breathe easily, they must diagnose the underlying condition causing breathing issues.
How are breathing difficulties in dogs and cats treated?
After the examination, your vet will prescribe a treatment plan based on the underlying cause of your pet's labored breathing. Some treatments for labored breathing in dogs and cats can include:
- Oxygen therapy
- IV (intravenous) fluids
- Steroids to reduce airway inflammation
- Bronchodilators (medication to widen airways) expand the airway and increase airflow
- Diuretics (medication to remove fluids) to treat fluid buildup in the lungs
Your pet's breathing difficulties may require additional diagnostic testing to determine the exact cause. Diagnostic testing may involve chest or abdomen X-rays and an electrocardiogram or echocardiogram to assess heart function.
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.