Dog Respiratory

Respiratory problems in dogs range from mild coughing to life-threatening breathing distress. Because dogs rely heavily on efficient airflow to regulate body temperature and oxygen levels, any respiratory issue should never be ignored. Early treatment can prevent serious conditions like pneumonia, bronchitis, or tracheal collapse.

Dog respiratory issues affect the nose, throat, lungs, or airways.
Causes include infection, allergies, foreign objects, or structural defects.
Small breeds are more prone to airway collapse.
Chronic coughing, wheezing, or heavy breathing signals a problem.
Early diagnosis prevents complications like pneumonia or organ failure.

Why Does My Dog Has Respiratory Problems?

Respiratory issues occur when the airways become blocked, inflamed, or infected. Common causes include viral or bacterial infections (such as kennel cough or pneumonia), allergies, inhalation of smoke or dust, or anatomical problems like narrow nostrils in brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds such as Pugs and Bulldogs. Heart disease, parasites like lungworms, or tumors in the chest can also cause breathing distress.

Types of Dog Respiratory Problems

Upper Respiratory Infection (URI)

Affects the nose, throat, and windpipe. Symptoms include coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, and mild fever. Often caused by viruses or bacteria like Bordetella bronchiseptica.

Lower Respiratory Infection (LRI)

Involves the lungs and bronchi. Includes conditions like bronchitis and pneumonia. Dogs may have difficulty breathing, a wet cough, and fatigue.

Tracheal Collapse

Common in toy breeds. The windpipe becomes weak and narrows, causing a honking cough, especially during excitement or exercise.

Allergic or Environmental Respiratory Problems

Triggered by dust, smoke, pollen, or perfumes. Dogs sneeze, cough, and rub their faces due to airway irritation.

Pneumonia

A severe lung infection that causes rapid breathing, fever, lethargy, and sometimes blue gums. It can result from untreated URIs or aspiration (inhaling food or liquid).

Laryngeal Paralysis

Common in older large breeds. The larynx (voice box) doesn’t open properly, making breathing noisy and labored, especially in hot weather.

Symptoms of Dog Respiratory Problems

Coughing or Wheezing

A persistent cough whether dry and harsh like a “goose honk” or wet and mucousy indicates airway irritation. Chronic coughing could signal kennel cough, bronchitis, or even heart disease. Wheezing or whistling sounds often mean inflammation or partial blockage in the lungs or windpipe

Labored or Noisy Breathing

If your dog breathes heavily, with raspy or snoring sounds, it suggests airway narrowing. Open-mouth breathing or flared nostrils while resting means oxygen intake is compromised and needs urgent attention.

Nasal Discharge & Sneezing Fits

Clear discharge may be from mild irritation, but yellow or green mucus points to bacterial infection. Frequent sneezing or bloody discharge could mean foreign bodies, fungal infection, or nasal tumors.

Blue or Pale Gums

This is a red flag for oxygen deprivation (cyanosis). Dogs may appear weak, disoriented, or collapse if oxygen levels drop too low.

Loss of Appetite & Lethargy

When breathing is difficult, dogs lose energy quickly. They may stop eating or drinking because every breath feels like effort.

Fever and Shivering

Often present in pneumonia or viral infections like influenza or distemper. Fever signals the body fighting infection.

Prevention & Dog Care

Vaccination Protection

Keep up-to-date with vaccines for kennel cough, distemper, and influenza.

Post-Recovery Care

After infection, let your dog rest for at least a week. Avoid intense play until fully recovered.

Proper Ventilation

Ensure good airflow indoors and avoid dusty bedding or cleaning sprays.

Monitor for Relapse

Watch for recurring coughs or wheezing these may signal chronic conditions needing long-term management.

Vet Checkups

Regular exams and chest X-rays for high-risk or older dogs ensure early detection of respiratory problems.

Dog Respiratory FAQ

Infections, allergies, airway collapse, or heart disease are the main causes. Some breeds are genetically predisposed.

Persistent coughing, noisy breathing, or tiring easily during walks are common signs. Blue gums or collapse require immediate vet care.

Yes, infectious conditions like kennel cough and pneumonia can spread between dogs through droplets or shared air.

It can be. Severe infections or airway collapse can stop breathing without quick treatment.

No. Dogs need proper diagnosis and care. Home remedies often delay treatment and worsen the condition.

Cold, damp weather can worsen symptoms but usually doesn’t cause them directly. Weak immunity makes dogs more vulnerable.

Yes. You can explore more about dog problem and treatment on our dog page to stay informed and prepared.