Why Does My Dog Breathe Fast While Sleeping? A Complete Guide
Why does my dog breathe fast while sleeping
It is important, as a pet parent, to keep a close eye on your beloved pet. Animals can’t communicate verbally. However, that doesn’t mean that they are unable to communicate at all. You can notice their emotions easily by observing their expressions and behaviors. If something is wrong, they will let you know.
Normal Breathing Rate for Dogs While Sleeping (my dog continued)
Similarly, you need to pay attention to physical signs as well. See if your dog is walking or breathing properly and if they have had puppy hiccups for a long period. Sometimes a minor symptom can be an indicator of something more serious.
It is easy to discern when your dog is breathing at a fast rate. Usually, during sleep, the breathing rate is low. This is the case with all living things, not just dogs. This is because the body is at rest.
The normal breathing rate for dogs is 10 to 35 breaths per minute. Anything above 40 breaths per minute is rapid and requires medical attention. Your dog’s breathing rate may change during sleep. For example, the rate may be higher during REM (rapid eye movement) sleep.
Even during REM sleep, the rate should not exceed 40 breaths per minute. If you think there may be a problem with your dog’s breathing, start counting the time they complete one breath. Track each time they exhale and inhale for a minute. Remember that a rate of more than 30 breathes per minute while sleeping is not normal.
Reasons Why My Dog may be Breathing Fast While Sleeping
Why does my dog breathe fast whilst asleep.
If you notice your dog is breathing too fast while sleeping this could be indicative of a medical problem. Here are some possible reasons why your dog is breathing fast while sleeping:
1. Heart Disease
A fast-breathing rate is an early indicator of heart disease. In dogs, any problem with the normal functioning of the heart results in less oxygenated blood. To fulfill the lack of oxygen the dog’s body tries to breathe in more oxygen.
2. Issues with the Voice Box
Fast breathing may not always be due to problems with the heart. Sometimes trauma to the neck can cause damage to the voice box. The voice box contains flaps that open and close when your dog breathes. If these flaps don’t work properly, your dog will have trouble breathing.
Dogs with a damaged voice box may breathe in and out more frequently to get the oxygen they need. This condition also leads to raspy breathing and frequent panting. So, look out for these symptoms as well.
3. Respiratory Infections
Dogs get respiratory infections, such as pneumonia, just like humans. While a mild infection may lead to the usual symptoms. A runny nose or a cough is not something that requires a visit to the vet. If, however, you notice fast breathing it is time to be concerned.
Fluids can build up in the lungs when an infection spreads. This leads to faster breathing due to compromised lung capacity.
4. Pain
Pain can be caused by fast breathing while sleeping. Your dog can’t vocally express that they feel pain. However, certain behaviors are clear indicators of extreme pain.
Pain can cause your dog to pant and even breathe faster. This shows that even when they are resting they’re not at ease.
Why does my dog breathe fast while asleep continued
5. Heat Stroke
Dogs breathe faster when they are hot. This is why you can notice that your dog pants and breaths at a faster rate during an activity.
Dogs’ thick fur means that they are more prone to heatstroke. If your dog has heatstroke, they will pant and breathe rapidly to bring the temperature down. This is because dogs don’t sweat. This is also why heatstroke can be deadly for dogs.
6. Anxiety
Anxiety can trigger a fight or flight response in humans. It is the same with dogs. Anxiety can cause dogs to hyperventilate and breathe rapidly.
Dogs may pant and breathe rapidly to cope with anxiety. If you notice your dog is breathing fast, it may be anxiety and stress.
There are different reasons why dogs experience stress. Separation anxiety seems to be a leading cause of stress.
7. Anaemia
Much like heart failure, anemia may cause a lack of oxygen. Anemia is marked by lower than necessary red blood cells. Red blood cells play a vital role in delivering oxygen throughout the body.
Dogs with this condition try to compensate for the lack of oxygen by faster breathing. They inhale and exhale more frequently to make up for the decreased red blood cells.
8. Cancer
Not all, but some kinds of cancers can make your dog breathe faster. Cancer that spreads to the lungs can be a reason. Cancer cells disrupt the normal functioning of the lungs. The lungs may become inflamed making it difficult to breathe.
9. Poisoning
Aside from internal physical or psychological problems, sometimes faster breathing can result from other reasons. Onions and garlic are poisonous to dogs. A faster breathing rate may mean your dog ate one of these things and their body is reacting to it.
Takeaway – Why Does My Dog Breathe Fast While Sleeping
If you suspect your dog is not breathing properly, first observe. Do so while they are sleeping because that is the best measure of breathing.
If you notice their breathing is above normal contact your vet. Don’t try to diagnose the problem. Act immediately and go to the vet. Breathing is a basic bodily function. If your dog is not breathing properly this should raise an alarm.
Only once your dog has had a full physical exam can the correct reason be determined. There are several reasons why your dog breathes fast while sleeping. Sometimes even trained experts can’t tell at a glance and need to conduct in-depth tests.
The important thing is to take abnormal breathing seriously. It is not your job to diagnose, but it is your job to act quickly. You might just end up saving your dogs life one day.
Why does my dog breathe fast while asleep lastly
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