Why is my dog Breathing - Abnormal

Introduction

As a responsible pet owner, it's natural to be concerned about our canine companions' health and well-being. One area that often sparks concern is the way our dogs breathe. Normal breathing in dogs is usually quiet and unnoticeable, but when symptoms arise, it can be a cause for worry. In this article, we'll delve into the world of abnormal breathing in dogs, its common causes, preventative measures, and when to seek veterinary attention.

Understanding Breathing - Abnormal

Before diving into the specifics, let's understand what defines abnormal breathing in dogs. Normal canine respiration rates range from 10-35 breaths per minute (bpm), depending on factors like age, size, and activity level. Any marked deviation from this range or the presence of specific signs and symptoms can be considered abnormal.

Some indicators that suggest abnormal breathing include:

Rapid breathing: Taking more than 60 bpm
Panting: Breathing rapidly with an open mouth
Noisy breathing (Stridor or Wheezing): Making high-pitched sounds while inhaling or exhaling
Coughing: This might precede or accompany abnormal breathing
Difficulty breathing (Dyspnea): Struggling to take deep breaths

Not all dogs that breathe abnormally are sick, but persistent changes in breathing patterns should not be ignored.

Common Causes of Breathing - Abnormal

While the absence of a definitive diagnosis often leads owners down a path of uncertainty, several common medical conditions can cause abnormal breathing:

Anxiety or Stress: While less severe and often temporary, extreme anxiety in dogs can manifest as rapid breathing.
Allergies: Both environmental (pollen, dust) and food allergies can trigger severe respiratory symptoms.
Asthma: Different from human asthma, dog asthma also affects the upper airways, leading to wheezing or coughing sounds during exacerbations.
Cardiac Conditions: Heart failure or issues with the rate at which heart valves close (mitral valve dysplasia) can slow circulation and consequently breathing patterns
Kidney Disease: Fluid buildup can cause difficulty breathing
Mouth, Dental Or Sinus Diseases: Respiratory infections can cause rapid breathing rates.
Spinal Cord Issues: Certain conditions can impact the nerves that control chest and rib motion.
Lung Conditions (e.g., tracheal collapse, bronchitis): These often cause coughing or difficulty in deep breaths.

In some instances, medical investigations uncover other underlying reasons like respiratory obstructions caused by tumors near major airways.

When to See a Vet About Breathing - Abnormal

Any sudden change or unusual breathing pattern, however mild it seems at first glance, should raise your concern. Consult with a vet:

Immediate: If breathing rapidly, especially in dogs unable to walk, coughing and showing signs of distress.
Soon After Noticing Symptoms: Monitor for changes over several hours. If the symptoms worsen or don't improve within 12 hours, it's time to consult your veterinarian.

Be sure to have on hand a recent history of feeding (including medications), any current health issues, or previous surgeries in order to get correct diagnosis.

Preventive Breathing - Abnormal in Dogs

While some factors cannot be changed, taking the appropriate steps may help prevent issues related to breathing:

Maintain Good Oral Health: Brushing your dog's teeth regularly helps to prevent gum and respiratory diseases.
Control Stress and Anxiety: Regular exercise, early training, socialization can greatly reduce the risk of mental health problems.
Nutrition Matters: Provide a balanced diet tailored for your pet's breed and age group. Proper feeding will prevent over/under weight which also cause problem in respiratory system

In certain conditions such as allergic asthma proper management through lifestyle changes (reducing pollen exposure) along with medication might be necessary.

Conclusion

It is imperative that you, the responsible dog owner, monitor your pet's breathing for any unusual patterns. Knowing what causes and potentially prevents abnormal breathing will not only give you peace of mind but also significantly improves life in case condition requires intervention. Consult with veterinarians without delay if any symptoms emerge to get earliest possible solution from professional expert