Seeing your dog breathing heavy can be unsettling, especially when it seems to come out of nowhere. Is it just panting, or could something more serious be going on? While a dog’s heavy breathing can be an urgent or emergency case, there are also times when it isn’t a problem.
This Sploot Vets guide explains what’s normal for dogs, what can signal health issues, and how to know when it’s time to take them to the vet.
What’s Considered “Normal” Dog Breathing?
Typical Resting or Sleeping Breathing Rates in Dogs
When dogs are at rest, they typically take around 15 to 30 breaths per minute. Meanwhile, a study shows that sleeping dogs have a respiratory rate of 13 to 23 breaths per minute. While these are helpful guidelines, Sploot Vets Medical Director Dr. Marissa Sallee reminds pet parents: “Respiratory rates can vary depending on the individual dog and any underlying health conditions, and your veterinarian can help you learn how to count your dog's sleeping respiratory rate if needed.”
Here are a few other factors to consider:
- Size of the dog – Typically, the smaller the dog, the faster their breathing rate is; however, it should still roughly fall into the above normal ranges.
- Brachycephalic dog breeds – Dogs with flat faces (e.g., Pugs, French Bulldogs, Boxers) are more likely to take shallower breaths due to their facial anatomy; however, their breathing rate should still fall within the above normal range.
- Age – Puppies can breathe faster than adult dogs, due to their faster metabolism as they grow. Puppies take around 15 to 40 breaths per minute while at rest.
Note: If your dog is taking more than 30 breaths per minute (or 40 breaths per minute for puppies), pay attention to other accompanying symptoms. Seek urgent vet care if your dog appears to be struggling to breathe or is showing signs of distress, weakness, or pain.
Normal Panting & Heavy Dog Breathing
Because dogs do not sweat, they pant to cool themselves down and regulate their body temperature. A dog’s heavy breathing or panting is fine as long as it meets the following criteria:
- Occurs after exercise and/or warm weather – after strenuous exercise (e.g., swimming, hiking with a dog), dogs can take around 100 to 300 breaths per minute (or slightly more) to cool down. Similarly, a dog’s breathing rate is elevated in warm weather, even if they are at rest.
- Occurs due to excitement, stress, fear, or pain – a dog may also pant when experiencing excitement or stress due to an increase in cortisol in their system.
- Resolves after cooling and calming down – while the above situations can elevate a dog’s breathing rate, their breathing should normalize after resting or being moved to a cooler spot after 10 to 15 minutes.
Note: If your dog is not cooling down and starts showing other concerning symptoms (e.g., struggling to breathe, lethargy, blue gums), call an urgent care or emergency vet clinic for next steps
When Heavy Breathing is Abnormal [When to Call The Vet]
Urgent Symptoms: Signs It’s More Than Just Panting
Here are signs that it’s more than just panting, and it is recommended to contact a same-day urgent care veterinarian promptly:
- Heavy breathing with no obvious trigger
- The dog is breathing heavy while resting or sleeping
- Fast and shallow breathing that doesn’t slow after rest
- Increased abdominal effort to breathe
- Wheezing, coughing, or gagging
- Restlessness or inability to get comfortable
Emergency Symptoms to Watch For
If your dog’s heavy breathing is accompanied by any of these symptoms, it’s best to contact an emergency vet clinic, as these could be signs of life-threatening respiratory distress in dogs:
- Blue, gray, or pale gums or tongue
- Open-mouth breathing with the neck stretched forward
- Collapse, weakness, or unresponsiveness
- Extreme effort to breathe or gasping
Note: If you need urgent care or emergency vet services, Sploot Vets is open 365 days a year, with vet clinics in Denver, Colorado Springs, Chicago, and more. Call us at (720) 770-8656 to schedule a same-day urgent care appointment.
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Why Is My Dog Breathing Heavy? [Common Reasons]
While it’s normal for dogs to breathe heavily temporarily after exercise, playtime, or being exposed to warm weather, the following can cause abnormal dog heavy breathing:
1. Anxiety, Stress, & Pain
A dog breathing heavy and shaking could be a sign your dog is in pain, anxious, or stressed. In such cases, their bodies release stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones trigger a fight-or-flight response, which naturally increases heart rate and breathing.
2. Dehydration & Overheating
Dogs rely on panting to cool themselves down. Overheating or dehydration in dogs can cause heavy breathing in dogs as their body works harder to regulate temperature. Dehydration also reduces normal cooling efficiency, forcing the dog to breathe even more rapidly to compensate, which highlights the importance of proper canine hydration.
Dr. Sallee notes: “Overheating is a particular concern for brachycephalic dogs, who can overheat even when we don't think it's hot outside or from panting heavily due to stress. It is important to AVOID exercising them in warm weather and to let them cool off immediately if they start to look like they are breathing heavily.”
3. Respiratory Issues
Conditions affecting the lungs or airways, such as respiratory infections, inflammation, fluid buildup, or airway obstruction, reduce how much oxygen the body can absorb. To make up for this, dogs breathe faster and with more effort, which can appear labored or noisy.
4. Heart Issues
A dog breathing heavy even while sleeping is a common symptom of heart issues. The heart and lungs work closely together to deliver oxygen throughout the body. When the dog’s heart isn’t pumping efficiently, due to heart disease or heart failure, oxygen delivery drops. In response, the body increases breathing rate to try to meet oxygen demands.
5. Metabolic Issues
Metabolic conditions, like Cushing’s disease or thyroid imbalances, affect how a dog’s body regulates hormones, processes energy, and maintains internal balance. When these systems are disrupted, the body may increase breathing rate as it tries to cope with physiological stress.
6. Breed-Specific Challenges
Certain breeds, especially brachycephalic (short-nosed) dogs like Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, and Pugs, have narrowed airways that restrict airflow. Because it’s physically harder for them to move air in and out, they may breathe heavily with exertion, mild heat, or stress. These dogs are also more prone to overheating, making heavy breathing more common and more dangerous for these dog breeds.
First-Aid Tips While You Head to the Vet
If your dog is breathing heavily, your goal is to reduce stress and prevent symptoms from worsening. Move your dog to a cool, quiet space, limit activity, and handle them gently. If traveling to the vet, transport them calmly and avoid anything that could restrict breathing, such as tight collars or harnesses.
Note: Avoid forcing food or water, which can increase stress or risk aspiration. Don’t overhandle or restrain your dog unless necessary, and don’t delay care if breathing appears labored or abnormal.
How Sploot Vets Treats Abnormal Dog Heavy Breathing
Urgent Vet Care & Fear Free Approach
At Sploot Vets, dogs with breathing concerns are assessed quickly in a low-stress, Fear Free environment. Our veterinary teams prioritize respiratory cases and provide immediate supportive care as needed.
In-House Veterinary Diagnostics
To identify the cause of heavy breathing, your vet may recommend tools such as X-rays to evaluate the lungs and heart, blood work to assess underlying illness, and oxygen monitoring to measure breathing effectiveness. These veterinary diagnostics help guide fast, targeted treatment.
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How Preventive Care Can Help Catch Issues Early
Regular pet wellness exams, a key part of routine care for dogs can detect early signs of heart disease, respiratory conditions, weight-related strain, or chronic illness. Preventive care helps reduce the risk of emergencies and supports your dog’s long-term health and well-being.
Final Thoughts on Dog Heavy Breathing
Heavy breathing in dogs isn’t always an emergency, but it’s never something to ignore. Understanding what’s normal, recognizing warning signs, and acting early can protect your dog’s health and give you peace of mind.
If you’re concerned about your dog’s heavy breathing, Sploot Veterinary Care is always here to help. With vet clinics in Colorado Springs, Denver, and Chicago, extended hours, and locations open 365 days a year, Sploot makes it easier than ever to get convenient, top-tier vet care.
Easily book your appointment online or through the Sploot Vets app! You can also call us at (720) 770-8656 for urgent concerns.
