Labored Breathing in Dogs and Cats

Your dog or cat may be panting, but that isn't the same thing as labored breathing. Labored breathing actually means that your pet is struggling to breathe properly. Here, our Avon vets explain what labored breathing is in cats and dogs and what to do if your pet is showing signs of labored breathing.

What is Labored Breathing in Dogs and Cats?

In order to recognize when your cat or dog is having trouble breathing, it's important to understand the differences between breathing quickly (called tachypnea), and actually struggling to breathe (called dyspnea). 

Tachypnea

• Tachypnea is the fast breathing we all experience when exercising. If you take your dog out for a run, they may pant and breathe quickly but this does not mean that your dog is having difficulties breathing.

Dyspnea

• Dyspnea is the term for labored breathing in cats and dogs. This term means that your animal is actually having difficulties taking breaths, or is short of breath.

Labored breathing is considered to be a veterinary emergency and requires immediate medical attention. But, how can you tell if your pet is struggling to breathe properly? When dogs and cats experience difficulties with their breathing, they will generally exhibit quite different symptoms. 

What are the signs of labored breathing in dogs?

When dogs are having difficulty breathing, you are more likely to notice one of more of the following symptoms:

• Constant panting
• Blue-tinged gums
• Foaming or frothing at the mouth
• Stretching the neck out to breathe
• Belly heaving in and out more as they breathe
• Persistent cough, especially at night
• An increased respiratory rate > 40 bpm
• An unusually hoarse sounding bark
• Sighs of anxiety such as restlessness or pacing
• Exercise intolerance (most notably, when you take them for a walk)
• Sitting up with a wide stance to breathe (front legs/elbows spread out)

What does labored breathing in cats look like?

It's quite common for our feline friends to hide when they aren't feeling well. This means that spotting the sign of breathing difficulties may be challenging for even the most tuned-in cat owners. All of that being said, when a cat is experiencing difficulties with breathing, they may show one or more of the following symptoms:

• Open-mouth breathing
• Blue-tinged gums
• Hiding in a quiet place
• Increased respiratory rate
• Foaming or frothing from the mouth
• Hacking or persistent coughing
• Body hunched close to the ground with neck extended forward

What causes labored breathing in dogs and cats?

Cats and dogs aren't always susceptible to the same conditions but some of the most common health issues that can lead to breathing difficulties in either type of animal include:

• Trauma
• Cancer
• Asthma
• Pneumonia
• Infectious diseases 
• Growths in the upper airway
• Heart failure
• Metabolic issues
• Exposure to toxins

How is labored breathing in pets treated?

After going through the examination process, your vet will prescribe a treatment plan based on the underlying cause of your pet's labored breathing. Some treatments for labored breathing in dogs and cats can include:

• Oxygen therapy
• IV fluids
• Steroids to reduce airway inflammation
• Bronchodilators to expand airway and increase airflow
• Diuretics to treat fluid in lungs

Additional diagnostic testing may be required in order to pinpoint the precise cause of your pet's breathing difficulties. Diagnostic testing could include chest or abdominal x-rays and electrocardiogram or echocardiogram to check heart function. 

Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.