If dogs breathe loudly, it can indicate allergies, blocked airways or bronchitis. Anemia, a collapsed trachea, inflammation of the nasal mucous membranes or even heart failure may also be possible factors.
Although noisy breathing is not normal, it is very common. The reasons for this almost always come down to two factors:
- #1 Narrowed airways: When you breathe in and out, there are loud noises or even a rattling sound.
- #2 Lack of oxygen supply: Not enough oxygen reaches the organs, so the dog has to breathe in very deeply. [1]
Young and small breeds generally breathe faster and quieter, while old and large four-legged dogs breathe comparatively slower and louder.
Below you will learn about the 10 most common causes, their symptoms and what you should do in the specific situation.
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#1 Anemia
With anemia, the dog does not have too little blood, but rather a too low proportion of red blood cells. These are responsible for oxygen transport.
The result? Despite enough oxygen-rich air in the lungs, too little oxygen reaches the organs. Affected four-legged friends therefore breathe noticeably deeper than usual.
This labored breathing only serves to maintain oxygen supply. Other typical symptoms of anemia are:
- Loss of appetite
- Dark colored stools
- Dog sleeps a lot
- Lack of energy and listlessness
- Dog breathes loudly
- Whitish gums
- Dog tires quickly
- indifference [2]
In some cases, anemia is genetic and therefore incurable. In this case, medication must be taken for therapy until the end of life.
Other typical causes include viral infections, poisoning, side effects of medication, blood loss due to accidents and hypothyroidism. [3]
Anemia in dogs causes their oxygen supply to suffer. Deep and loud breathing is just an attempt to adequately supply all organs despite the low number of red blood cells. Affected dogs also sleep a lot and are constantly tired.
#2 Brachycephalic syndrome
Many of the most popular dog breeds today are considered to be in the “torture breed” category. Because they have accepted health problems in the past.
And that's just to achieve certain optical characteristics. Dogs with a flat face are a classic example – the so-called “brachycephalic dog breeds”:
- Boston terriers
- Many species of Great Dane
- Chihuahuas
- All types of bulldogs
- Shih Tzu
- pug
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Lhasa Apso [4]
In these breeds, the nostrils are often too narrow and the palate is too long, which means they have a much harder time breathing due to their breeding. Their breathing is also comparatively loud.
You can usually tell if your dog has to breathe quickly with his mouth closed, even when at rest, just to get enough air.
Labored breathing is usually triggered by physical exertion, heat or being overweight. Because extra fat can narrow the airways further.
To treat brachycephalic syndrome, preventative measures are usually taken, a diet is recommended and, if necessary, the nostrils are surgically widened. [5]
Brachycephalic dog breeds with a short muzzle and a flat face often have poor air quality due to their breeding. For this reason, they often breathe unusually loudly, quickly or even start to wheeze during physical exertion.
#3 Airway blockage
Various illnesses and injuries can narrow the airways, causing unusual sounds when breathing. This includes:
Swelling caused by bee, wasp or hornet stings can narrow the throat space. In the case of allergic reactions, this can even be life-threatening.
Not only brachycephalic dog breeds can naturally struggle with breathing problems, but also dogs with respiratory developmental problems. [6]
Both benign and malignant tumors along the airways can make it difficult to breathe in and out and cause noisy breathing.
- Swallowed foreign body
Young dogs in particular are often so curious that they want to chew on everything. Toys that are too small or broken are often swallowed.
This primarily refers to accidents that affect the dog's neck. This can lead to water and blood accumulation, which makes breathing difficult. [7]
Insect bites, swallowed foreign bodies and injuries can block the airways and result in loud breathing. Under certain circumstances, tumor diseases and developmental disorders are also responsible. The vet can help here.
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#4 Allergies
Basically, dogs can be allergic to anything. Genes are crucial here. According to studies, a whopping 20% of all four-legged friends struggle with allergies. [8]
Allergic reactions are triggered by irritants – so-called “allergens”. The most common allergens in dogs include:
- Certain foods
- Soap and other cleaning products
- Chemicals such as insecticides
- Perfumes, home fragrances and cigarette smoke
- Pollen, grasses and leaves [9]
When exactly the symptoms occur often allows conclusions to be drawn about the potential causes. The symptoms can also appear all over the body:
- Frequent sneezing
- Sudden vomiting
- Unusual redness
- Dog breathes strangely
- Diarrhea
- swelling
- Dog breathes loudly
- Restless behavior
- Constant runny nose
- Sudden cough [10]
If you suspect food allergies, I recommend doing a free food check. There you will receive individual recommendations for your dog.
You will also receive a free box with food samples so you can try out the recommendations. Alternatively, an allergy test at the doctor can also help.
Since there is no cure for allergies, it is important to prevent all allergens in the future. Antihistamines can also help with acute breathing problems.
Allergic reactions can affect the dog's breathing and cause rapid, noisy, or irregular breathing. Allergies can usually be recognized by sudden vomiting, diarrhea, a runny nose or constant sneezing.
#5 Laryngeal paralysis
The larynx plays a central role in human speech. In dogs, however, it is primarily responsible for ensuring that no water or food gets into the trachea.
It also has indirect effects on breathing because it connects the throat and the trachea. This can become a problem if you have laryngeal paralysis.
Because if the muscles and nerves in the larynx no longer function properly, constant choking and breathing problems result. Other symptoms are here:
- Coughing while eating
- Higher pitched sounds when barking
- Loud breathing
- Sudden rattle
- Dog is breathing heavily
- Gagging when drinking
- Shortness of breath and fainting
- Bluish mucous membranes [11]
According to statistics, laryngeal paralysis is most common in mountain dogs, setters and retrievers. Genetics is the cause here.
In addition, the symptoms do not appear overnight, but usually gradually over several months. Physical activity and heat are also known triggers. [12]
In the beginning, the larynx can usually be widened with the help of medication, so that breathing difficulties are only minor. In more severe cases, surgery is also necessary.
Laryngeal paralysis can narrow the airways in dogs, making breathing louder and more labored. Whistling and rattling noises are also common here. It can also usually be recognized by the fact that affected dogs constantly choke.
#6 Food poisoning
Dog owners themselves are usually responsible for food poisoning. First-time owners in particular often think that dogs can eat anything without any problem.
The reality looks different. Many common foods are toxic to dogs and can even have life-threatening consequences. Examples of these are:
- Cocoa and chocolate
- hops and yeast
- Coffee and caffeine
- Macadamia and walnuts
- Avocados
- Onions and garlic
- Alcohol and sugar alcohol
- Grapes and raisins [13]
The problem? The symptoms may only occur after a delay. In addition to loud breathing, other symptoms can also occur:
- Sudden diarrhea
- Extreme drooling
- Bright red gums
- Dog runs around restlessly
- Loss of appetite
- shortness of breath
- Nausea and vomiting
- Lack of energy [14]
But other chemical substances, poisonous plants or cleaning agents can also cause poisoning. If you suspect this, I would advise you to see the vet immediately.
Even common foods can cause life-threatening poisoning in dogs. Noisy breathing or general breathing problems are just a few of many possible symptoms. Poisoning can also manifest itself with diarrhea and vomiting.
#7 Bronchitis
The bronchi are the airways that transport oxygen from the trachea to the lungs. If these become inflamed, it is referred to as “bronchitis”.
In most cases, bacteria are responsible for this. However, allergens, viruses, parasites and other irritants may also be possible. [15]
Coughing, loud breathing and constant choking are among the most common symptoms. Other typical signs of bronchitis are:
- Lack of motivation
- Rattling or wheezing breathing
- Sudden vomiting
- Dog gags white mucus
- Fast pulse
- Runny nose
- Fever and lack of energy
- Shortness of breath and fainting [16]
For treatment, it is essential to first determine the cause. Medication is usually used for bacterial and viral infections.
In the case of allergic reactions, the allergens must be identified and avoided. The same applies to other irritants that can affect the bronchi.
Bronchitis can make it difficult for dogs to breathe and can lead to, among other things, wheezing and loud breathing. In addition, affected dogs also cough very often, sometimes vomit and generally appear very weak, tired and listless.
#8 Tracheal collapse
As the name suggests, when the trachea collapses, the trachea collapses, narrowing the airways. Why this happens is still unclear.
However, the statistics show that small brachycephalic breeds in particular suffer from this. So those dogs with a short snout. Typical examples of these are:
- Bulldogs
- Pekingese
- Lhasa…