Pets can make all manner of noises when they breathe, including snorting, snoring, and heavy panting. While some sounds are normal for cats and dogs—especially dogs—the noise, rate, and effort your furry friend puts into breathing reveals important clues about their respiratory health. Our West Vets Emergency Veterinary Clinic team shares key facts every pet owner needs to know about breathing problems in their four-legged companion.

Common respiratory problems in pets

Many breathing abnormalities can be clues to more serious health problems in pets. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can greatly improve outcomes and promote your pet’s respiratory health and overall well-being, so pay close attention to any abnormalities or changes in breathing patterns, sounds, or accompanying illness. Breathing problems in pets can stem from various common causes, including:

  • Respiratory infections — Dogs are susceptible to kennel cough, characterized by coughing and nasal discharge, while cats often suffer from feline upper respiratory infections, causing sneezing and nasal discharge.
  • Allergies — Environmental allergens, such as pollen or dust, can trigger allergic reactions in pets, leading to sneezing, coughing, and eye discharge.
  • Heart disease — Conditions, such as congestive heart failure, can result in fluid accumulation in the lungs or around the heart, causing pets to cough, become lethargic, or have difficulty breathing.
  • Obesity — Overweight pets may experience respiratory issues because of the strain excess weight places on their lungs and airways, resulting in labored breathing, especially during physical exertion.
  • Foreign body obstruction — Pets may accidentally inhale or ingest objects that obstruct their airways, causing coughing, gagging, and difficulty breathing.
  • Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) — Short-nosed breeds, such as bulldogs and pugs, are prone to BOAS because of their flattened facial structure, which can restrict airflow. BOAS signs include snorting, noisy breathing, and respiratory distress.
  • Trauma or injury — Blunt force trauma to the chest or head can impair breathing by causing lung damage or affecting the respiratory center in the brain.
  • Laryngeal paralysis — Older dogs can develop laryngeal paralysis, leading to difficulty breathing, particularly during exercise.
  • Pneumonia — Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections in the lungs can lead to coughing, fever, rapid breathing, and lethargy.

Respiratory problem signs in pets

Over time, you become familiar with your pet’s normal snorts, snuffles, and wheezes, and any change can indicate an underlying health issue. Monitor your furry friend for the following worrisome breathing difficulties:

  • Labored breathing — If your pet’s chest is moving noticeably more than usual, with visible effort or rapid breathing, this could indicate a problem. Your pet’s abdomen may also contract and expand if they are struggling to breathe.
  • Noisy breathing — Wheezing, rasping, or any unusual sounds during breathing are causes for concern. These noises can suggest airway obstruction, inflammation, or other respiratory issues that require veterinary attention.
  • Breathing rate changes — An abnormally fast or slow breathing rate can signal that your pet is in distress. 
  • Gagging or choking — If your pet appears to be gagging, coughing persistently, or struggling to swallow, they may have an airway obstruction or respiratory infection.
  • Pale or blue gums — Check your pet’s gums. Pale or bluish discoloration can indicate they have inadequate oxygenation, requiring immediate veterinary attention.

When to seek emergency care for your pet’s respiratory problems

Prompt action can save your pet’s life if they are having breathing difficulties. The following situations warrant emergency veterinary care:

  • Severe difficulty breathing — If your pet is gasping for air, has an open-mouthed breathing stance, or is struggling to breathe when at rest, they need emergency veterinary care.
  • Collapse — If your pet collapses and exhibits respiratory distress signs, they are in a critical situation requiring immediate medical intervention.
  • Blue gums or tongue — Cyanosis (i.e., blue or purple discoloration) of the gums or tongue suggests a severe lack of oxygen and requires immediate attention.
  • Trauma or injury — Any trauma to the chest or head that affects breathing should be promptly assessed.
  • Sudden onset — If your pet suddenly develops breathing problems without any history, they may have a serious condition such as anaphylaxis or heart failure.

Recognizing breathing problems in pets early and knowing when to seek emergency care are critical steps every pet owner should be prepared to take. If you notice your four-legged friend exhibiting an alarming change in their breathing pattern or effort, immediately contact our West Vets Emergency Veterinary Clinic team.