Your dog or cat may be panting, but that doesn't necessarily mean they are having difficulty breathing. Below, our Seattle vets explain what labored breathing in dogs and cats is, and what to do if your pet is having difficulties breathing.
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, shallow breathing we all experience when exercising. If you take your dog out for a run, or play with your cat for a while, 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 breathing.
Labored breathing is a veterinary emergency that requires immediate action.
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?
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 emergency 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.
Our Seattle vets see emergency and urgent care cases during our regular business hours. For help outside of those hours, contact one of our partner agencies.
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:
- 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. Diagnostic testing could include chest or abdominal x-rays and electrocardiogram or echocardiogram to check 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.