18 common causes & solutions

If a dog Breathing problems It is usually due to serious health problems. So you should take it very seriously if your loved one is having difficulty breathing.

There are many possible causes – some are not that worrying, but many are so serious that the dog needs to be treated by a vet immediately.

So that you know what it could be, I have written in this article 18 common reasons for shortness of breath in dogs together with appropriate solution strategies.

18 reasons for shortness of breath in dogs

1. Respiratory tract infections

A very common reason why a dog is unable to breathe is a Respiratory tract infection. This is usually caused by viruses, but there are also bacteria that can contribute to the disease.

These are often typical ones Cold viruses. But it can also be an infection of the bronchi – i.e. a bronchitis – or even one pneumonia be.

In addition to the restricted breathing, there are also problems other typical symptoms added. These include, for example, loss of appetite, cough and runny nose, wet eyes, fever or general listlessness.

Solutions:

Dog drink a lot and cure leave, no burden. In severe or long-lasting cases, show your four-legged friend to the vet.

2. Allergies & Intolerances

Also Allergies often cause the dog to breathe heavily. The body then overreacts to an actually harmless substance – the allergen. The organism then wants to protect itself: the mucous membranes swell and breathing becomes constricted.

Dogs can be allergic to virtually any substance. Are widespread Pollen, grasses, cleaning products and Cigarette smoke. Also allergies to certain ones food are possible. However, it is often an intolerance: the symptoms are very similar to an allergy, but it is acquired and not congenital.

Solutions:

Avoid allergens if possible; if you have food sensitivities, switch to a different type, such as hypoallergenic dog food. In severe cases, veterinary treatment, including antihistamines.

3. asthma

Dogs can also suffer from symptoms such as: asthma are equivalent to. However, if you look closely, this is not really an independent clinical picture, but rather a chronic form of one of two conditions.

• On the one hand, you can constant allergic reactions lead to the dog being permanently unable to breathe
• On the other hand, one also leads chronic and unrecognized bronchitis too frequent shortness of breath.

Many “asthma attacks” in dogs also manifest themselves strong cough. In severe cases, shortness of breath can even become life-threatening.

Solutions:

Veterinary treatment is essential, including oxygen in an emergency. Therapy e.g. with anti-inflammatory medications, antihistamines and inhalation sessions. Lifelong treatment is often necessary to relieve symptoms.

4. Cardiovascular problems

Also Cardiovascular diseases occur in dogs, and older four-legged friends are particularly affected. The most widespread are defects in the heart muscles and heart valves.

This disrupts blood circulation, causing the lung can no longer work properly. The result is shortness of breath; affected dogs tend to cough, especially at night (“Cough of the heart”).

Solution:

Long-term veterinary treatment with medication and, if necessary, surgery is essential; the dog must not be placed under excessive strain.

5. polyps

polypn are mostly benign tumors, which can occur in dogs, among other things, in the nose and ear area. They are often promoted by injuries, chronic inflammation or foreign bodies.

Polyps often grow unnoticed and do not cause any symptoms. If it gets too big, it affects breathing. Some dogs then “only” suffer from a constant runny nose and a cold, but others also develop shortness of breath.

Solutions:

In simple cases, anti-inflammatory medications can help. If the symptoms are more severe, one is surgical removal the best option.

6. Tumors

Dogs can also stay there Cancer suffer – probably for both genetic reasons and as a result of environmental influences.

Some tumors also affect breathing and make it difficult for the dog to breathe. These include, for example: Lung, thyroid, throat and Nasal cavity tumors.

Solutions:

Diagnosis & treatment only possible by a veterinarian, prognosis varies greatly from case to case. Sometimes surgical removal, chemotherapy or radiation can help, in other cases only palliative treatment is possible.

7. anemia

If the dog has anemia too few red blood cells. This clinical picture is therefore also popularly referred to as: “Anemia” designated. She actually always appears as Symptom of an underlying disease e.g. due to internal bleeding, malnutrition, parasite infestation, infections or tumors.

If there are too few erythrocytes, the Oxygen transport disrupted in the bloodstream. Therefore, the lungs cannot work properly, the dog gets less air and therefore breathes more heavily. Affected four-legged friends also appear weak; fever, increased heart rate, pale mucous membranes and loss of appetite are also often observed.

Solution:

Veterinary diagnosis via blood count; therapy depends largely on the underlying disease.

8. Foreign body

Young, curious four-legged friends in particular like to take one Foreign body on. These are indigestible objects that are not intended for consumption. Often these are small parts, such as toys. Textile remains, coins, stones, wood or tree fruits such as chestnuts also belong to this group.

If a foreign body is too large or poorly shaped, it can get stuck in the body. This is also possible in the respiratory tract, then the dog can no longer breathe.

Video on first aid for dog choking attacks. Source: Animalia Tierschutz / https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wG2X8NL9O9M .

Solution:

First aid by picking up the dog by its hind legs while swinging its head downwards (see video). If this is unsuccessful, go to the vet immediately and diagnose using an x-ray. Possibly administration of emetics, in severe cases endoscopic removal or surgery.

9. Dog has himself swallowed

But even with food that is actually easy to digest, it is possible for the dog to choke. Then there is a risk that the… Trachea completely or partially blocked becomes. The dog then has massive breathing problems and, if he is unlucky, is in danger of suffocating.

Most four-legged friends then try to get along severe coughing and/or choking to provide a remedy.

Veterinarian Dr. Andrew Linklater demonstrates the “Heimlich grip” on dogs. Source: HighTechPet / https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAIz3zD2l60 .

Solution:

First aid is the same as for foreign bodies; for larger dogs, the “Heimlich grip” can also be used in a life-threatening emergency (see video above). If breathing problems persist, go to the vet immediately: a tracheostomy is often a life-saving measure.

10. Brachycephalic syndrome

The “brachycephalic syndrome” affects so-called short-headed breeds, which have a very short snout. These dogs have more problems with breathing for genetic reasons. Not only do they tend to be short of breath, but they also often wheeze. In general, these breeds are less resilient, especially on warm days.

The characteristics are not the same for every representative of a breed. Animals that have been bred to exaggerated standards, for example with a disproportionately large head, have a particularly difficult time breathing.

Solutions:

Select breeders in advance who cross responsibly. Symptoms can sometimes occur surgical procedures (e.g. shortening of the soft palate, expansion of the nostrils, removal of bulging laryngeal sacs).

11. Tracheal collapse

A Tracheal collapse is also widespread in brachycephalic breeds. The cartilage of the trachea slowly fails, causing it to narrow and collapse over time.

Affected four-legged friends first begin to wheeze more and then have more and more breathing problems. Chronic coughing, unproductive choking and increased mucus production are also typical symptoms.

In addition to genetic reasons, tracheal collapse, as experts call it, can also be caused by constant pressure, such as pulling on a leash and/or a tight collar.

Solution:

Switch from collar to harness to minimize pressure. If detected early, veterinary treatment with medication. In advanced stages, a (comparatively risky) operation with the insertion of plastic braces or a stent can help to stabilize the trachea.

12. Laryngeal paralysis

From one Laryngeal paralysis However, larger breeds in particular are affected. The causes are often hormonal diseases such as thyroid disorders or nerve problems.

If the larynx no longer works properly, the Trachea at least partially blocked. Breathing is then very difficult. A very deep, hoarse bark from the four-legged friend is also typical for this disease.

Solution:

Take the dog to the vet immediately. Diagnosis by endoscopy. The larynx is surgically expanded with suture plastic.

13. Lungworms & others Parasites

Almost every dog ​​suffers from this at least once in their life Parasitic infestation. Animals that are left outside unattended are particularly at risk.

Most of the time this is about endoparasites, that affect the digestive tract. Not only do they cause gastrointestinal problems, but they can also lead to internal bleeding. Due to the lack of red blood cells, the oxygen supply suffers, which in turn makes breathing more difficult.

“Specialized” parasites are even more dangerous and treacherous. This is particularly the case with dogs Heart and lungworms. The latter directly affect the lungs and make breathing difficult. Animals often become infected while traveling abroad, but there are increasing reports of lungworms, which have also been found in German-speaking countries.

Solution:

Regular deworming of the dog, as an alternative professional stool inspection. If you suspect heartworm or lungworm, go to the vet immediately, as ordinary antiparasitics are usually not enough.

14. Pleural effusion

At a Pleural effusion Fluid accumulates in the dog's chest area. This then fills the pleural cavity, an area that is actually intended to serve as a “protective zone” for the heart and lungs.

These accumulations are usually caused by organic diseases. Possible reasons include, but are not limited to, chronic heart disease. kidneys, liver and lungs. But also malnutrition, parasite infestation, tumors, rheumatoid diseases or genetic…