The respiratory system of a pet is complicated, with multiple sections including the lungs, windpipe, throat, nose, and mouth. Diseases in any component of this system might cause breathing difficulties in your pets. Breathing difficulties can occur in any breed or age, but they are more prevalent in canine flat-faced breeds with narrower nostrils and extended soft palates, such as French bulldogs and pugs, and some toy breeds, such as Yorkshire Terriers and Chihuahuas, due to windpipe abnormalities. Dyspnoea, for example, refers to difficulty or strained breathing, whereas tachypnea refers to extremely quick breathing.
SIGNS
It's tough to tell whether your pet is breathing normally. Some dogs breathe at a pace of 20 to 34 breaths per minute, and their breathing should never be heavy or difficult since fast breathing in dogs can be caused by excitement or exertion. When a pet is afraid, agitated, or overheated, it may pant. One of the most significant ways a furry buddy controls his or her temperature is by panting.
However, be aware that fast or heavy breathing is an early indicator of heat stroke and should be regularly watched. Your pet may drool more than usual and appear to be choking or in pain. They may also create loud sounds like snorting or rasping. Another indicator of irregular breathing is when your pet is panting or breathing excessively, but isn't warm and hasn't been active. Heavy breathing in dogs should be taken seriously if their mouth is open wide and/or you can see their nostrils moving.
It's important to note that many respiratory disorders have similar symptoms, making them difficult to differentiate. These signs and symptoms include:
- Snorting,
- Sneezing
- Discharge from the nose and eyes
- Foaming at the mouth
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Coughing
- Gagging
The cause of your pet's respiratory illness might be viral or bacterial. If your pet's cough is dry and deep, he or she may have caught a bacterial illness such as kennel cough. This is especially possible if he has lately been confined in close quarters with other animals, as the term indicates. A range of different microorganisms might be the perpetrators.
TREATMENT
Treatment and prognosis can be highly diverse, just as there are many distinct causes and degrees of severity of respiratory distress. In the end, at Franklin Veterinary Hospital in Franklin, NC, veterinarians will know how to best care for your pets. When it comes to illnesses, remember that prevention is always the best therapy. Unvaccinated animals are more susceptible to diseases, so make sure your pet is up-to-date on their vaccinations.
Labored breathing difficulties in dogs may rapidly become life-threatening, so if your pet is breathing quickly or is experiencing respiratory distress, you should check some indicators to determine if something is wrong. Don't allow a respiratory illness to endanger your pet's comfort, health, or even life. To schedule an examination or to discuss preventative care choices with Franklin, NC, call us today!
