- Home
- Dog Symptoms
- Taking Short Quick Breaths in Dogs
Taking Short Quick Breaths in Dogs
Written By hannah hollinger
Published: 06/27/2017Updated: 06/03/2021
Veterinary reviewed by Michele K.
What are Taking Short Quick Breaths?
You may notice your dog taking short, quick breaths after exercising or when they are feeling hot. When there is no apparent reason why your dog is taking short, quick breaths, you need to take a few minutes and assess your dog’s overall condition. Pay close attention to how long your dog has been taking short, quick breaths and also any other abnormal behavior that your dog may be exhibiting to determine if an emergency trip to your veterinary clinic is necessary.
If your dog has just been out running and playing and then comes in breathing fast, you should allow your dog time to calm down and monitor their breathing. If your dog has just been startled or surprised, you may notice a change in their breathing. Watch them to make sure that their breathing goes back to normal. Normal breathing rate for dogs is generally between 12 and 20 times per minute.
Possible causes of your dog taking short, quick breaths include:
- Heart condition
- Pain
- Allergies
- Respiratory infection
- Heat stroke
- Asthma
Why Taking Short Quick Breaths Occurs in Dogs
Heart Condition
When your dog’s heart is failing to pump enough blood to their organs, especially the lungs, it can cause less oxygen to circulate through the organs and lead your dog to breathe faster. You may notice that your dog has more difficulty breathing when they are lying down rather than when they are sitting up. You will be able to tell if your dog is lacking oxygen by looking at their gums or inside the lower eyelid, both should be pink. If the gums or inner eyelid have a bluish tint, your dog is lacking oxygen.
Pain
When your dog is in pain you will notice them breathing much faster than normal. Dogs will generally hide pain, but they cannot hide the fact that they take short, quick breaths when feeling pain. Check your dog closely for any areas on their body that may be painful. Have your veterinarian perform a physical examination to determine the cause of your dog’s pain.
Allergies
Just like with humans, dogs can suffer from allergies of all kinds. When your dog is allergic to something, they may gasp for air or take short, quick breaths. A serious allergic reaction, such as anaphylactic shock, can cause extreme swelling of the air passages and cause your dog to have difficulty getting oxygen.
Respiratory Infection
Respiratory infection, including pneumonia, can cause your dog to not be able to breathe and pull in enough oxygen into their lungs. You may also notice your dog suffering from coughing, sneezing, lethargy, fever and/or eye and nasal discharge.
Heat Stroke
Dogs that are exposed to high temperatures can suffer from heat stroke. Your dog will try to regulate their breathing by taking short, quick breaths. If you suspect your dog is suffering from heat stroke take them to your veterinarian immediately.
Asthma
Most people do not realize that their dog can suffer from asthma just like humans. Asthma in dogs is caused by an environmental irritant and causes your dog to cough, wheeze and breathe by taking short, quick breaths. Sometimes they will breathe with their mouths open. You will need to get your dog to your veterinarian immediately.
What to do if your Dog is Taking Short Quick Breaths
When your dog’s breathing is in question, do not wait to take your dog to see your veterinarian. Many conditions that cause your dog to experience difficulty breathing can be life threatening if not treated quickly. Be sure to tell your veterinarian about any other signs that your dog is experiencing.
Your veterinarian will observe your dog’s breathing and perform a physical examination. They will be looking for any potential causes of pain that may be causing your dog to take short, quick breaths. Other diagnostic tests will be ordered to look for infections, heart conditions, allergies or any other possible cause of your dog’s altered breathing.
Once your veterinarian has determined the cause of why your dog is taking short, quick breaths, they will discuss a treatment plan. When necessary, they will also prescribe medications. Be sure to follow dosing instructions as written for your dog.
Prevention of Taking Short Quick Breaths
While it may be difficult to prevent certain conditions, there are others that you can alter your dog’s environment and help them avoid certain allergens. If your dog has been diagnosed with allergies, remove any allergens that can cause an allergic reaction. Dogs that suffer from asthma will need to have a clean environment and avoid certain things such as fresh cut grass.
Keep a close watch on your dog if you think you notice your dog’s breathing is altered. If their breathing does not regulate within a few minutes, their breathing worsens or there are other signs present do not wait, seek veterinary attention immediately.
Cost of Taking Short Quick Breaths
The cost to treat your dog will vary depending on their diagnosis. Dogs that suffer from asthma or allergies can be treated effectively for around $400. Heart conditions can be treated for $800 to $8000 depending on the severity of the condition. Respiratory infections and pneumonia can cost between $350 and $6000.
Worried about the cost of treating your pet's symptoms?
Pet Insurance covers the cost of many common pet health conditions. Prepare for the unexpected by getting a quote from top pet insurance providers.
Taking Short Quick Breaths Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Golden Retriever
Three Months
19 found this helpful
19 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Noisy Breathing
He has been taking short sharp breaths for most of the day and still at 3am. He has vomited too, he won't settle to sleep either. He will eat, play, poo is normal and has a temperature of 38.14. It cannot be heat stroke as it is-11 outside and 18 inside.
Feb. 12, 2021
Answered by Dr. Linda S. MVB MRCVS
19 Recommendations
I'm sorry to hear this.
Given his age and symptoms, an emergency vet visit would be best.
There are several possibilities here including pneumonia, heart disease, a viral infection etc. and it is important we have him seen. Normally, a dog should breathe no more than 30 times a minute when resting. Anything more than this means they may not be getting enough oxygen and we need to intervene.
Feb. 12, 2021
Was this question and answer helpful?
Bijon shitzu/lab
Eight Years
16 found this helpful
16 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Quick Breaths
My dog has been breathing like she's pumping a tire when she sleeps and I'm rather worried
Sept. 29, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
16 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
Dogs can develop problems with their heart and lungs, and you may be noticing the first signs of something occurring. If you are just noticing this, it would be a good idea to have her seen by a veterinarian, as they can listen to her heart and lungs, and take an x-ray if needed. They will be able to let you know if anything is going on that you need to be worried about.
I hope that all goes well for her!
Sept. 30, 2020
Was this question and answer helpful?
Corgi
Seven Years
2 found this helpful
2 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Low Energy, Short Quick Breaths
She is still eating, but she is declining quickly.
Sept. 25, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
2 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I apologize for the delay, this venue is not set up for urgent emails.
I hope that your pet is feeling better. If they are having problems, It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get any testing or treatment taken care of that might be needed.
Oct. 21, 2020
Was this question and answer helpful?
English Springer Spaniel
Fourteen Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Noisy Breathing
Short rapid breathing
Loss of appetite
Lack of energy
Sept. 25, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I apologize for the delay, this venue is not set up for urgent emails.
I hope that your pet is feeling better. If they are still having problems, It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get any testing or treatment taken care of that might be needed.
Oct. 21, 2020
Was this question and answer helpful?
St Bernard lab mix
Eight Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Pacing And Panting, Will Not Lay Down
My dog will not lay down, she is pacing and panting
Sept. 24, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I apologize for the delay, this venue is not set up for urgent emails.
I hope that your pet is okay. If they are still having problems, It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get any testing or treatment that might be needed.
Oct. 24, 2020
Was this question and answer helpful?
English Bulldog
Bella
2 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Breathing Difficulty
Two yr old English bulldog every now and then she will take se
Veral quick breaths like she can't get her breath. And then it's a while before she does it again.
terrier
Gus
4 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Sneezing
Wheezing
Rapid Breathing
Stomach Breathing
My 4 year old Irish terrier mix on occasion will breathe very rapidly with his mouth closed. Quick breaths and pretty significant movement coming from his whole abdomen. It truly looks like he is panting through his nose! While he can be an anxious dog, this issue usually happens when when he's resting, and often, though not always, after exercise. Aside from being pretty high-strung (he's often hyper-vigilant and reactive toward men), sneezing occasionally, and munching grass, he acts normally. Cheerful, energetic, and alert. There also have been a few, very sporadic incidents where he will take some very labored wheezy breaths for a few seconds and then everything is fine. As if he was hyper-ventilating. Vet check-up was normal, but we forgot to ask about the breathing. A vet-friend said his breathing looked abnormal to her.
Plott Hound
Santa
5 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Rapid Breathing
I live in central Georgia, near Atlanta. We're experiencing temperatures in the upper 80's. The pollen count is also high. In the past few days I've noticed that my dog is breathing at a quicker rate than usual. A week ago, I found a tick on his underside. It took a couple of days for him to stay still enough for me to remove it. He has also been reluctant to eat. He usually sits drooling, while I scoop his kibble. Recently, I've had to command him to eat. I'm concerned. Should I schedule a visit to the vet?
