Is your puppy breathing fast? Puppies naturally breathe faster than adult dogs. Their little bodies are working harder, and everything runs a bit quicker when they’re young. Most of the time, that faster breathing is completely normal. That said, it isn’t always something to ignore. There are times when rapid breathing can suggest a problem, and it helps to know what to look for.
In this article, I’ll walk you through what’s normal, what isn’t, and how to tell when your puppy’s fast breathing is something you should take seriously.
Is It Normal for Puppies to Breathe Fast?
The Animal Emergency Clinic reports that mature dogs typically breathe 10-30 times per minute, which is completely normal. The fact that puppies can breathe at higher rates (15-40 breaths per minute) should reassure you.
Puppies tend to breathe quickly because they are full of excitement and energy. However, it can still cause anxiety since young dogs are more likely to get pneumonia or respiratory infections; these problems can lead to rapid or difficult breathing.
As dog owners, our top priority is to monitor our pets’ behavior at all times. We need to monitor for any additional symptoms that may suggest a medical issue. This approach is especially important during the first few nights with puppies, as they may feel anxious about acclimating to their new surroundings.
Key Takeaway:
It is quite normal for puppies to breathe between 15 and 40 breaths per minute.
Monitoring Fast Breathing in a New Puppy
Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an amazing experience, for sure. But what is the most important thing to ensure calm, soft breathing? Ensuring they feel comfortable and at ease in their new surroundings.
Putting your new dog in a warm crate next to your bed, furnished with plush blankets, is an excellent approach to help them settle in. Doing this will ease their longing to be back with their mother and littermates. Providing toys to amuse and distract them can also help the transition (and strengthen their sense of belonging).
The First Night
During the first night in their new home, they may feel uneasy and cry. This issue can often trigger some quick breathing due to anxiety. To stop your dog from whining, it helps to ignore their cries first rather than immediately giving in to them. (It’s not easy, but they should soon calm down and settle in.)
But if they wake up in the middle of the night, making a significant amount of noise, they likely feel anxious about their new surroundings. Try taking them outside to go potty. Doing this should help to calm them down before placing them immediately back in their crate.
Besides adjusting to their new home, you may notice rapid breathing in other situations, such as while sleeping, while awake but not active, or after receiving shots at the vet. These scenarios may have different reasons behind them, so let’s look at some things you can do to help.
Why Puppies Breathe Fast While Sleeping
Suppose your 8-week-old puppy is breathing fast while sleeping with no concerning symptoms. In that case, it is likely due to their high metabolism and small size, which require more oxygen intake.
What Happens During REM Sleep?
During the REM (rapid eye movement) phase, puppies dream as we do. Their breathing may become irregular as they dream about running after squirrels and catching frisbees. You may also see whimpers or leg twitches, typical behaviors during this phase.
Why Is My Puppy Panting While Resting?
Dogs pant at night for many reasons. Panting is a natural mechanism that dogs use to lower their body temperature. Like humans sweat to cool down, dogs pant to allow moisture to evaporate from their mouths and respiratory systems, regulating their body temperature.
Puppies are particularly susceptible to overheating due to their high energy levels and excitement. When puppies breathe fast while resting, it is usually a temporary and harmless phenomenon that should not overly concern you.
But What About During the Daytime?
My first puppy breathed rapidly during the day when I first brought her home, even when she wasn’t playing or sleeping. I remember being concerned that something was wrong, but my vet assured me that panting is normal for puppies, even if they aren’t moving around.
Important!
If you have concerns about your puppy’s breathing patterns, the right approach is always to call your vet and talk the situation over with them. Excessive fast or shallow breathing can sometimes be a sign of an undiagnosed or untreated health issue, such as respiratory distress or heart disease.
Why Is My Puppy Breathing Fast After Vaccinations?
Many puppies will pant and breathe heavily after receiving vaccinations. I remember when my pup received her first shots, and she panted for hours afterward because her body was working vigorously to combat the effects of the vaccine.
Typically, a reaction like this subsides within 24 hours, and then dogs start to calm down. But sometimes they may seem more sluggish than usual, have a slight fever, or seem a little uncomfortable. These are normal responses to immunizations and should only last a day or two.
Although rare, puppies sometimes experience intense breathing after vaccinations, indicating a possible allergic reaction. If you notice shivering, shaking, or vomiting, please seek immediate emergency veterinary assistance.
It’s always wise to be cautious and check with your vet if you aren’t sure. That way, your pet will receive the necessary care.
When Should I Worry About My Puppy’s Breathing?
While most cases are normal and harmless, there are some situations where you should be concerned and contact your vet as soon as possible.
The number one concern with a puppy breathing fast is respiratory distress (a condition where the animal has difficulty breathing or getting enough oxygen). Various characteristics, like infections, allergies, injuries, or foreign objects in the airway, can cause respiratory distress in a puppy.
What Are the Signs of Respiratory Distress in a Dog?
Please get in touch with a vet right away if you notice any of the following alarming symptoms:
- Gasping for air
- Persistent coughing or gagging
- Bluish or pale gums (or tongue)
- Noisy or wheezing breaths
- Increased respiratory rate or effort
- Restlessness or agitation
- Not hungry or having little energy
Treatment for respiratory issues must be started right away because they can potentially be fatal.
What Does Labored Breathing Look Like in a Puppy?
Labored breathing describes a type of respiratory distress where a puppy breathes with difficulty or pain. Factors like trauma, inflammation, or fluid accumulation in the lungs or chest cavity can be to blame. You might notice:
- Shallow or rapid breaths
- Flared nostrils or mouth
- Extended neck or head
- Abdominal or chest movements
- Hunched or crouched posture
- Lethargy or weakness
If you notice any of these signs, please take your pup to an emergency veterinary clinic. Labored breathing typically indicates a severe underlying problem that needs prompt diagnosis and treatment.
The Difference Between Fast and Shallow Breathing
When monitoring your puppy’s breathing patterns, it’s helpful to know the difference between fast and shallow breathing—both types can be normal or abnormal, depending on the context and the presence of other symptoms.
- Fast breathing refers to an increase in the rate of breaths taken per minute. You might expect this when a pup gets excited, anxious, overheated, or dreams. However, rapid breathing can be problematic if the dog has a fever, infection, injury, or allergy because they may struggle to get enough oxygen.
- Shallow breathing refers to a reduction in the depth of each breath; this can happen when puppies are relaxed or asleep, which is fine as long as no signs of distress or discomfort accompany it. The time to worry about shallow breathing is in the case of a respiratory or cardiac problem, such as pneumonia, asthma, or heart failure. In these cases, shallow breathing may suggest inflammation in the lungs or chest cavity.
How Can I Calm My Dog’s Breathing?
If your puppy is breathing fast due to excitement, anxiety, or overheating, the following natural techniques can help them relax and settle down:
- Providing them with fresh water and a cool, shaded area to rest
- Giving them a gentle massage or stroking their fur
- Playing soothing music or white noise
- Offering them a chew toy or a treat
- Speaking to them in a calm and reassuring voice
- Avoiding loud noises or sudden motions that might startle them
- Calming dog collars are helpful to keep puppies relaxed because they mimic how mother dogs release pheromones, creating a more comfortable environment. Although I usually recommend Adaptil for adult dogs, the ETEVIVO brand is sometimes more effective at calming puppies’ breathing.
Final Thoughts
When young dogs are excited and breathe quickly, it’s usually normal and nothing to worry about. However, if your puppy breathes beyond 40 breaths per minute or seems distressed, it’s wise to check with your veterinarian as to what’s going on. If your pet appears reluctant to move or drink water, it is a clear indication to seek medical help.
Remember that puppies are fragile and may become ill or injured easily. It’s always best to be proactive and vigilant regarding their health. By paying attention to your pet’s breathing and other symptoms, you can identify and address potential issues early.
Sources and Further Reading
- Should You Be Worried if Your Puppy Is Breathing Fast While Sleeping? | Service Dog Training School
Watching our puppies sleep can be very helpful, as we can recognize any breathing issues that may be present. - Why Is My Puppy Panting So Much? | Vet Help Direct
Your puppy pants for several reasons. From being too hot to showing signs of stress. Find out more about excessive panting in puppies. - Why Is My Puppy Breathing Fast While Sleeping? | Great Pet Care
If you’ve noticed your puppy breathing fast while sleeping, the cause is usually nothing to worry about. A vet explains what’s going on.
