5. Increased Body temperature
The breathing rate also increases at night when the dog has an elevated body temperature. On the one hand, this can be the case Fever indicate, for example due to an infection. During this time the animal is rather weak and will want to sleep a lot.
If your four-legged friend shows any other symptoms or continues to suffer from them over a long period of time, it is advisable to go to the vet quickly.
Fever in dogs
Attention: Dogs have a higher normal temperature than humans: It's only at around 40 degrees that we speak of fever, Temperatures above 41 degrees are life-threatening.
Another reason for increased body temperature is one Dog overheating. This especially occurs on hot summer nights. The animal then tries to cool itself down by increasing its breathing rate.
Relief for hot nights
Cooling mats for dogs are a proven solution to overheating on warm days.
6. Diseases of the Respiratory system
Respiratory diseases are also often responsible for rapid breathing at night. The spectrum is then very large and can range from a harmless cold to severe pneumonia.
Chronic cough (“kennel cough”), tumor diseases such as lung cancer, pulmonary edema, canine asthma, foreign bodies or inflammation of the nasal mucous membranes are also among the possible clinical pictures.
If the abnormally rapid breathing persists for a long time and/or the dog has other problems getting air, you should go to the vet. This is particularly appropriate if other symptoms also occur.
7. Allergies
Allergic reactions can also speed up breathing. The allergen then constricts the airways, which is why the dog increases the frequency.
The list of possible allergens is very long: In addition to typical representatives such as pollen, house dust mites, cleaning products or house plants, feed intolerance can also play a role. Often a supposedly chronic cold also occurs at the same time.
8. anemia
Some dogs also suffer from anemia, so one Anemia. Then they lack red blood cells. These are primarily responsible for the transport of oxygen in the blood. If this is disturbed, the animal tries to compensate for the deficiency by breathing quickly.
Anemia can Symptom of many diseases such as tumors, metabolic diseases or a disorder of the immune system. Dogs usually experience other abnormalities such as apathetic behavior, pale mucous membranes or loss of appetite.
If you suspect anemia, you should definitely go to the vet, as the underlying diseases need to be treated professionally. A diagnosis can be made using one blood count be provided.
9. Sleep apnea
If your dog breathes not only quickly but also irregularly during his slumbers, he is most likely suffering from one Sleep apnea. He usually snores quite loudly.
The breathing muscles relax briefly. Brachycephalic breeds are very often affected, but overweight dogs also struggle with it more often than average.
10. Injuries
However, breathing too quickly is sometimes a sign of an injury. These include, for example, rib fractures or bruises, laryngeal paralysis or trauma that causes internal bleeding.
If you witness an accident involving your pet and he subsequently has trouble sleeping, you should go to the vet immediately. What is typical for injuries is that… Sleep change very sudden occurs, the dog also moves less when awake and often takes one protective posture a.
11. stress
But it's not always just physical causes that contribute to the dog breathing too quickly at night. Those too psyche can play a role. Four-legged friends who are exposed to a lot of stress tend to have an increased breathing rate.
Some dogs are just naturally nervous. For others, however, the behavior has solid reasons. These include, for example, problems with other four-legged friends in the household, lack of sleep or a lot of noise.
12. Poisonings
If your darling suddenly starts breathing like crazy at night, it could also be a problem poisoning be responsible for it. Unfortunately, there are many substances that have a toxic effect on four-legged friends: not only certain plants, but also foods such as some fruits and vegetables, caffeine or chocolate are pure poison for dogs.
Poisons that are used to combat pests are particularly treacherous. These usually have a delayed effect and cause severe internal bleeding. It often takes several days for symptoms to appear.
In addition to significantly faster breathing, poisoning usually also occurs other symptoms on. These include, for example, (bloody) diarrhea, violent nausea, apathetic behavior/unconsciousness and cramps. If you suspect anything, you should not hesitate and go to a vet immediately – even at night!