Dog Breathing and Respiratory Problems

Dog breathing problems are a definite cause for concern. All dogs are susceptible, but Brachycephalic breeds even more so (Brachycephalic breeds are the types of dogs with "snub" noses, such as the Pug, Pekingese, Boston Terrier, Boxer, Shih-Tzu, etc). These dogs should be monitored even more closely for signs of dog breathing problems. Although some of these respiratory conditions may end up being completely harmless, it's still better to be safe than sorry - take your dog to the vet to ensure all is well.

Panting is normal as it allows dogs to cool down. However, excessive panting can be a sign of heatstroke, especially if your dog has a bright red tongue and/or his eyes appear glazed. Pain is another reason why dogs may pant more than usual.
Gasping or coughing can have many causes. Your dog may have swallowed an object that is blocking his airflow. This is an emergency and you will need to take your dog to the vet immediately.
Coughing could also be caused by kennel cough, an illness passed from dog-to-dog. The risk of contagion is higher in situations where many dogs are in contact with each other, such as in a kennel.
Sneezing could indicate that a dog has inhaled a foreign object. Do not attempt to remove an object from the nose - you could cause permanent and serious damage. Bring your dog to the vet instead.
Tumors in the nose can cause both a runny nose and sneezing. The dog might also paw at his nose or rub it against something. If your dog's nose bleeds, take him to the vet right away - nose bleeds are not a common occurrence for pets as they are for people.
Reverse sneezing is caused when dogs quickly pull air into its nose (instead of pushing it out, like in a normal sneeze). The sound of this sneezing / snorting can be scary but the condition will not harm the dog.

There are many causes of respiratory problems, some benign but many serious that cannot easily be diagnosed. Become familiar with your dog's normal breathing patterns, such as how many breaths he takes on average. This can help you determine whether you have an emergency health problem on hand.

Get your dog to a vet immediately if he is having difficulties breathing.

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