Fast Breathing in Puppies: What’s Normal and What’s Not

It’s hard not to watch every move a puppy makes. These little balls of fur can make anything look cute, and they provide hours of entertainment for pet owners. Since we tend to spend so much time watching them, though, it means we might notice things that could seem alarming without more information. If you’ve ever spent time with a puppy, you might have noticed fast breathing. How can you tell if this is normal, or if a puppy breathing fast could be a sign of an underlying health issue? The team at Coal Creek Animal Hospital is here to help with just that.

Normal Puppy Respiratory Rate

Puppies typically breathe between 15 and 40 times per minute. This can speed up or slow down a little bit based on your puppy’s behavior or current mood. Those include:

• Dreaming: If your puppy is deep in a REM cycle and dreaming about fetch, his breath rate could increase. This is usually normal and not anything to worry about.
• Excitement: When your dog gets excited about something, you might notice that he starts breathing faster. 
• Anxiety/Stress: Similarly, negative emotions like anxiety or stress could lead to increased breath rates in dogs. If your dog is regularly anxious, you might want to talk to your veterinarian about help for calming your pup.
• Temperature Regulation: If your puppy gets a little overheated, he might start to pant to try to regulate his body temperature. 

Abnormal Puppy Respiratory Rate

There are certain instances when your puppy’s fast breathing is a sign of a health issue. Abnormal puppy respiratory rates include:

• Above Average Respiratory Rate: If your puppy’s respiratory rate soars about 40-60 breaths per minute while at rest or asleep, it is time to schedule a veterinary visit. 
• Respiratory Distress: When puppies have trouble breathing, they might start to open their mouths wide, use stomach muscles to try to breathe, or gasp loudly. These are all signs of breathing issues that need veterinary attention. 
• Change in Gum Color: If your puppy is not getting enough oxygen, his gums might turn pale, gray, or tinged blue. 
• Additional Symptoms: Have you noticed your puppy breathing quickly while also coughing, lacking interest in food, or fatigue? If so, you should schedule a visit with your veterinarian. 
• Sudden Change in Breathing Habits: If your puppy is suddenly breathing fast when he doesn’t normally, that could be a sign of an underlying health issue.

Monitoring Your Pet’s Breathing

While we aren’t expecting you to watch your puppy’s breathing every second, try to notice his normal behaviors. Whenever you notice anything out of the ordinary, your friends at Coal Creek Animal Hospital are happy to answer any questions about your pet’s overall health. If it’s time for a checkup, you can request an appointment here.