When a dog at home suddenly starts breathing strangely while resting, it's bound to fill the owner with deep concern. We're used to seeing our dogs healthy and lively on a daily basis, and every move they make tugs at our heartstrings. When we notice abnormal breathing during their rest, we can't help but worry if they're sick or in pain. This worry stems from our deep love for our dogs, and that's precisely why understanding the causes and solutions for abnormal breathing during rest is of great importance.
The normal breathing rate and state of a dog serve as the basis for judging whether its breathing is abnormal. Generally, the breathing rate of a healthy adult dog at rest is approximately 15 - 30 breaths per minute, while that of a puppy may be slightly faster, around 20 - 40 breaths per minute. Normal breathing should be smooth, even, and silent, with the abdomen and chest rising and falling regularly. However, when a dog's breathing rate significantly speeds up or slows down, the breathing sound becomes heavy and rapid, or even symptoms like wheezing and coughing occur, it indicates that its breathing is abnormal.
The physiological structure is an important factor contributing to abnormal breathing in dogs during rest. Brachycephalic dog breeds, such as Bulldogs and Pugs, have short and narrow nasal passages and an overly long soft palate. This special physiological structure makes their airways more prone to obstruction during breathing. Even at rest, they may experience rapid breathing and wheezing. For example, Pugs often make a "huffing" sound while resting, which is a characteristic of their breathing due to their physiological structure. But if this abnormal breathing suddenly worsens, for instance, the wheezing becomes extremely intense and the breathing rate clearly speeds up, extra attention is needed.
Cardiopulmonary diseases are also common causes of abnormal breathing in dogs. Heart diseases can weaken a dog's heart function, disrupt blood circulation, and subsequently cause pulmonary congestion, affecting breathing. For example, dilated cardiomyopathy can make the heart muscles thinner and dilated, preventing the heart from effectively pumping blood, leading to symptoms such as difficulty breathing and coughing in dogs. Lung diseases, such as pneumonia and emphysema, directly affect gas exchange. When a dog has pneumonia, the lung tissue becomes congested and swollen due to inflammation, impeding the intake of oxygen and the exhalation of carbon dioxide. As a result, the dog may show rapid and labored breathing while resting, and may even be accompanied by symptoms like fever and coughing.
Allergic reactions cannot be ignored either. Dogs may be allergic to substances such as pollen, dust, and food. When they come into contact with allergens, their bodies have an allergic reaction, causing the respiratory tract to swell and secrete more mucus, thus affecting breathing. For example, some dogs may sneeze frequently and have rapid breathing in the spring when there is a lot of pollen, which is likely caused by pollen allergy. If a dog suddenly shows abnormal breathing after coming into contact with a certain substance, accompanied by symptoms like itchy skin and red rashes, it's highly likely that the allergy is the cause.
Obesity can also put a burden on a dog's breathing. Nowadays, many dogs become obese due to over - feeding by their owners and lack of exercise. Obesity causes abdominal fat to accumulate in dogs, compressing the diaphragm and restricting the expansion of the lungs, resulting in breathing difficulties. An obese dog may breathe more rapidly than a dog of normal weight while resting, and may pant heavily even with a little activity.
In addition, environmental factors can also lead to abnormal breathing in dogs. High - temperature and high - humidity environments make it difficult for dogs to dissipate heat. To regulate their body temperature, they will increase heat dissipation by breathing faster, manifested as rapid breathing. For example, in hot summer, if a dog stays in an air - conditioned - free room for a long time, this situation is likely to occur. Moreover, irritating gases, such as smoke, perfume, and cleaning agents, may also irritate a dog's respiratory tract, triggering symptoms like coughing and rapid breathing.
When you notice that your dog is breathing abnormally while resting, the owner should first stay calm and not panic. Dogs can easily sense the owner's emotions, and the owner's nervousness may make the dog even more uneasy. You can first carefully observe the dog's breathing, record the breathing rate, breathing sounds, and whether there are other symptoms, such as coughing, fever, and listlessness. Then, take the dog to a pet hospital as soon as possible. The veterinarian will conduct a detailed inquiry, learning about the dog's living habits, recent diet, and activity, and then carry out a comprehensive physical examination, including auscultating the heart and lungs, measuring the body temperature, and examining the mouth and nasal cavity. If necessary, X - rays, echocardiograms, blood tests, etc., will also be performed to accurately determine the cause.
While waiting to see the doctor, the owner can take some simple measures to relieve the dog's discomfort. If it's in a hot environment, quickly move the dog to a cool and ventilated place, avoiding direct sunlight. You can gently wipe the dog's paw pads, abdomen, and other parts with a wet towel to help it dissipate heat. However, be careful not to let the dog directly blow cold air or drink very cold water, as this may cause other discomforts.
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