If dogs start to wheeze when breathing, this is usually due to narrowed airways. Typical triggers include inflammation, viral diseases, parasites, lung diseases, colds and brachycephalic syndrome.
First of all, a definition: A rattle is a rustling noise that can occur when you breathe in and out. There is therefore no sneezing, no wheezing or no coughing.
Many illnesses that cause rattling are also accompanied by a gagging sensation. In addition, dogs with a short snout are particularly affected.
If your dog is struggling with acute shortness of breath, you should lie him down, calm him down and prepare to transport him to the emergency veterinary service.
Any excitement, panic or activity increases the need for oxygen, can worsen breathing problems and even become life-threatening. [1]
Here you will learn about the 12 most common causes of sudden rattling when breathing, their triggers and symptoms.
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#1 Tracheal collapse
If the cartilage in the trachea is too weak, the trachea can gradually collapse. The cause of this is still unclear.
In practice, however, it leads to a narrowing of the airways, making breathing more difficult. Small dogs with a flat face are particularly affected by this:
- Pekingese
- pug
- Boston terriers
- Maltese
- Affenpinscher
- English bulldog
- Shih Tzu
- French bulldog
- Yorkshire Terriers
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
- Lhasa Apso [2]
Heavy breathing with increasing rattling is one of the most common signs. Other typical symptoms are:
- Dry cough
- Mucous membranes become bluish
- Fast breathing rate
- Sudden fainting
- Dog tires quickly
- Gagging and vomiting [3]
The symptoms become more severe as the disease progresses. To make a diagnosis, the veterinarian usually carries out an ultrasound examination.
While the trachea can initially be widened with medication, surgical widening is sometimes necessary if there are severe breathing problems.
If small breeds with a short snout begin to wheeze more frequently and loudly when breathing, then this may be due to a collapsed trachea. Rapid exhaustion, sudden choking and a dry cough can also indicate this.
#2 Kennel cough
When it comes to kennel cough, many first-time owners assume that it must be due to a kennel. For this reason, veterinarians usually refer to this as “dog flu”.
This disease of the upper respiratory tract is usually caused by viruses or bacteria and is accompanied by a severe cough. Other typical symptoms are:
- Frequent gagging
- Constant sneezing
- Increased body temperature
- Rattling when breathing
- Listless behavior
- Heavy breathing [4]
In most cases, kennel cough clears itself within 3 weeks and does not require medical attention. However, antibiotics can speed up healing.
There are also vaccines that help against certain causes of kennel cough such as the parainfluenza virus and the bacterium “Bordetella bronchiseptica”.
When viruses or bacteria attack the dog's upper respiratory tract, it can become known as a sudden rattle. Kennel cough also usually results in loud breathing, constant sneezing and a dry cough.
#3 Laryngeal paralysis
The larynx is the connection between the trachea and the pharynx. It ensures that neither food nor drink gets into the windpipe.
In the case of laryngeal paralysis, the nerves in the larynx suddenly stop responding. Retriever, mountain dog and setter species in particular struggle with this more often. [5]
Such paralysis can usually be recognized by a whistling and rattling noise when breathing. Other typical symptoms are:
- Constant choking
- Higher barking
- Coughing when drinking
- Dog breathes loudly
- shortness of breath
- Blue mucous membranes
- Frequent gagging [6]
What is also striking about such paralysis is that the symptoms appear very gradually. The process can potentially take years.
When it becomes severe enough, laryngeal paralysis can cause breathing problems that are so severe that it becomes life-threatening during physical activity or in the heat.
In simple cases, medication to widen the larynx may be sufficient. In severe cases, surgery may also be necessary. The vet can help here.
If the nerves in the muscles in the dog's larynx suddenly stop working, it often causes a rattling sound when breathing. Affected four-legged friends cough constantly, often choke or choke and usually have trouble breathing.
#4 Inflammation of the nasal mucosa
If the dog's nasal mucosa or sinuses become inflamed, doctors also speak of “rhinitis” and “sinusitis”.
According to statistics, border collies, Australian shepherds, greyhounds, pugs, Shetland sheepdogs, German boxers and all types of bulldogs in particular suffer from this. [7]
In most cases, such inflammations are triggered by allergens, bacteria or fungi. The most common symptoms include:
- Excessive sneezing
- Discharge from the nose
- Rattling when breathing
- Bad breath
- Loss of appetite
- Nosebleeds
- Breathing with your mouth open
- Frequent coughing [8]
If there are allergies behind it, then it is important to identify them using an allergy test and then avoid them. However, there is no cure.
It becomes a problem when allergens such as dust or pollen cannot be removed from the dog's everyday life. Antihistamines can help here.
Dogs with nasal mucosal inflammation often have difficulty breathing through their noses. Affected dogs therefore usually breathe through their mouths and make rattling noises when breathing. In most cases, allergies are responsible for this.
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#5 Asthma
Asthma is a chronic disease of the lungs that is primarily caused by heat, physical activity and allergies. Asthma is currently considered incurable.
Among other things, the disease causes the airways to become inflamed, making breathing relatively difficult. Other typical signs of this are:
- Increased pulse
- Frequent choking
- Loud breathing
- Sudden shortness of breath
- Pale colored gums
- Rattling when breathing
- Loss of appetite and energy
- Excessive panting [9]
If allergies are behind the attack and the dog goes into anaphylactic shock, then asthma can also be life-threatening.
Since there is still no cure for this, it is important to prevent such attacks as best as possible. To do this, all triggers should first be identified by the doctor. [10]
Asthma can cause dogs to experience shortness of breath and gasp for air relatively suddenly. In addition, this usually results in a high pulse, pale gums and sometimes even a gagging sensation. Prevention is the key here.
#6 Bronchitis
The lower respiratory tract is also called the “bronchi” by veterinarians. If these become inflamed, then we are talking about “bronchitis”. Typical triggers for this are:
- bacteria
- Allergens
- Viruses
- Irritants
- Parasites [11]
Bronchitis can usually be recognized by loud breathing, wheezing and constant coughing. Other potential signs of this include:
- Dog vomits mucus
- Loss of desire and appetite
- Mild fever
- Labored breathing
- Dog tires quickly
- Fast breathing rate [12]
If the bronchitis is caused by allergens that cannot be removed, then it can also become chronic. Although this type can be treated, it is considered incurable.
In the case of bacteria and viruses, however, anti-inflammatory medications such as antibiotics can bring about improvement. The vet should be consulted here.
Dogs with inflamed bronchi tend to wheeze when they breathe. Comparatively heavy and rapid breathing can also indicate bronchitis. Affected dogs also become exhausted very quickly and appear listless.
#7 Allergies
According to studies, almost every fifth dog struggles with allergies. [13] The most common triggers or “allergens” include:
- Dust mites and fleas
- Soap and detergents
- Grasses, leaves and pollen
- Insect bites
- Home fragrances and perfumes [14]
Around 2% of all dogs are also said to suffer from food allergies. Certain proteins, gluten, soy or dairy products usually cause the symptoms.
How strong the allergic reaction is depends on the individual genes. In severe cases, allergic shock can also occur.
The most common symptoms include breathing problems, skin redness and swelling. Other typical signs of this are:
- Excessive sneezing
- Rattling when breathing
- Runny nose
- Dog breathes strangely
- Physical restlessness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sudden diarrhea [15]
If you suspect food allergies, I recommend doing a free food check. This gives you individual food recommendations as well as free food samples.
If you have other allergies, an allergy test can help. In addition, certain medications, so-called “antihistamines,” can help against acute symptoms.
If dogs suffer from allergies, contact with the allergens can cause breathing problems. Sudden nausea, restless behavior and gasping for air are typical. Prevention is the most effective strategy for allergies.
#8 Cold
When viral infections affect the upper respiratory tract in dogs, it is colloquially referred to as a “cold”. It is usually transmitted from other sick animals.
The symptoms can vary greatly depending on the virus in question. However, a sudden cough and constant sneezing are typical. Other classic signs include:
- Discharge from the nose
- Loss of appetite and energy
- Dog wheezes
- Mild fever
- Heavy breathing
- Watery eyes
- Blocked nose [16]
In strays or unvaccinated puppies, distemper can also be the cause. It is a chronic viral disease that is often fatal.
For diagnosis it is usually enough to measure the dog's body temperature. In most cases, dogs recover from a cold on their own.
Drinking plenty of fluids can speed up the healing process. If the symptoms are persistent or very severe, the vet can also help with medication. [17]
When dogs have a cold, their upper respiratory tract often swells, which can lead to breathing problems and wheezing. About it…