Infections in the nasal passages can cause your dog to breathe more heavily than usual. Viral infections such as canine distemper, canine adenovirus types 1 and 2, and canine parainfluenza can cause inflammation in the nasal passages, which is also known as rhinitis.
Your dog may be having difficulty breathing through his nose due to several reasons. A physical obstruction in the nose due to a foreign body, nasal tumor, or nasal parasites could cause your dog trouble breathing. Also, being a brachycephalic breed and having narrowed nostrils could make breathing hard for your pet.
Common causes of nasal congestion stem from bacteria, fungal infections, or viral respiratory infections. These diseases can range from mild to severe, if you suspect your dog has an infection take your dog to the vet for a diagnosis and treatment plan. Canine distemper.
Reverse sneezing is exactly what it sounds like: instead of forcefully expelling air through the nose, your dog will forcefully inhale through the nose. This will cause a lot of snorting and wheezing and can be pretty alarming the first time it happens.
Rapid breathing in dogs may simply be down to excitement or exercise. Dogs may also pant when they're in fear, stressed or hot. Panting is one of the most important ways a dog thermoregulates. But beware, heavy or rapid breathing is an early sign of heat stroke and should be closely monitored.
This is often associated with heart disease and lung disease. Other less common causes of dyspnea in dogs are foreign objects, lung cancer, infections such as pneumonia, injuries to the chest wall, kennel cough and allergies. Other diseases of the nose, throat, windpipe, lungs and the diaphragm may also be to blame.
Allergies can affect any breed and any age. Rhinitis and sinusitis can occur when the mucous membranes of your dog's nose and sinuses become inflamed due to a viral infection. The most common culprits causing rhinitis in your dog are canine distemper, adenovirus type 1 and 2, and parainfluenza.
The reality is a little different. Dogs can breathe in through both the nose and mouth, and panting is actually a form of heavy breathing.
It may be normal to see your dog panting after a long run. But dog breathing problems can quickly become life-threatening. Usually caused by lung and respiratory problems, breathing problems can also be indicative of other problems such as obesity, heartworms, tumours, heart problems, allergies, or injury and trauma.
Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) is a serious condition and is fatal if left untreated. Commonly referred to as "bloat," GDV occurs when a dog's stomach fills with gas, food, or fluid and subsequently twists. GDV develops without warning and can progress quickly. It is always an emergency.
In older dogs, labored breathing may be caused by fluid in the lungs or chest cavity that can be related to lung or heart disease. An injury or trauma to the windpipe or chest can cause labored breathing. A foreign object — such as a small toy or food — can block your dog's nose, mouth, or windpipe.
Dogs pant and salivate when they are having trouble swallowing and breathing, which can be a sign of pneumonia or congestive heart failure. Call your vet immediately if the panting gets severe or is accompanied by coughing.