Difficulty Breathing

A pet that is having trouble breathing is always in an emergency situation. A pet that is having trouble breathing should be seen by a veterinarian immediately. It is VERY IMPORTANT not to stress a pet that is having trouble breathing. Transportation should require minimal activity from the pet and hot environments should be avoided.

Rapid breathing is called tachypnea and should not be confused with panting which is a normal response to heat and stress. There are many different illnesses which can cause pets to have difficulty breathing, and in most cases, diagnostic tests must be delayed until the pet can be stabilized. Causes of breathing abnormalities include heart disease, fluid in or around the lungs, lung disease, airway obstructions, anemia and/or blood loss, head trauma or other neurologic disorders, and metabolic diseases (fever, diabetes, etc.).