Labored Breathing in Dogs

Q: What is labored breathing in dogs? A: Labored breathing in dogs means they are having difficulty moving air in and out of their lungs. Q: What does labored breathing look like? A: Labored breathing may look like rapid or shallow breathing, excessive movement of the chest or abdomen, open-mouth breathing when they are not hot or exercising, flared nostrils, extended neck, or elbows held away from the body. Q: Are there any other visible signs with labored breathing? A: Other signs can include coughing, wheezing, unusual restlessness, weakness, or gums that appear pale, gray, or blue. Q: How do I count my dog’s breaths? A: Count the breaths for 30 seconds and multiply by 2, or count for a full 60 seconds for the most accurate result. A normal resting respiratory rate is generally around 10-30 breaths per minute; consistently elevated rates, especially when accompanied by increased effort or other concerning signs, warrant veterinary attention. Q: When should I seek veterinary care? A: Seek emergency veterinary care IMMEDIATELY if your dog is struggling to breathe, breathing with significant abdominal effort, has blue/gray or very pale gums, collapses, becomes extremely weak, or cannot settle comfortably. Even if the breathing difficulty seems mild but is persistent or unusual for your dog, contact your veterinarian promptly rather than waiting for it to worsen.