Fast Breathing in Resting Huskies: Is It Normal or Cause for Concern?
Are you wondering why is my husky breathing fast while resting? It can feel scary to see them struggle to breathe. We’ll walk you through common breathing issues huskies experience and what to do.
Fast breathing in dogs is not necessarily a sign of trouble. If they are breathing fast and shallowly and their mouth is wide open with their tongue out, they may be anxious to cool down.
Table of Contents
The dog’s normal breathing rate is 18 to 34 breaths per minute. Calculate your dog’s respiratory rate while resting or sleeping to sort out what is normal and what is not.
Although it is normal to panic after exercise, some symptoms may indicate that your Husky is breathing fast because it is having trouble breathing, or is having respiratory distress.
Why is my Husky breathing fast while resting?
If your Husky is breathing fast while resting or sleeping then you should note that they could be battling some respiratory issues. If you notice any of these signs, nostrils flaring open, excessive panting, or shallow breaths, contact your vet immediately.
Respiratory issues in dogs
The dog’s respiratory system is complex and has many parts, including the lungs, windpipe (trachea), throat, nose, and mouth. Diseases in any part of this system can make it difficult for dogs to breathe.
Difficulty breathing is known as dyspnea, and excessively rapid breathing is called tachypnea.
Breathing problems can occur for any breed or age but are particularly common in flattened nose breeds with narrow nostrils and long soft palates, such as French blood dogs and pugs, and toy breeds, including Yorkshire Terriers and Chihuahuas because they are mostly involved in windpipe problems.
Husky heavy breathing: Recognizing abnormal breathing in dogs
Your Husky may drool more than usual and look as if he is in distress. Rapid breathing in Huskies may also make loud noises such as snorting.
Another common symptom of abnormal breathing is when your Husky is breathing heavily or panting but is not warm and was not exercising.
Even dogs with difficulty breathing (tachypnea in dogs) sometimes stand up or stretch their necks and separate with their elbows. If you try to talk to them, they can get upset.
Check to see if their sides and abdomen are moving more significantly and faster than usual and pay special attention to their tongue and gums. If there is an unusual color, especially if there is a blue or blue-purple color here, see your vet right away.
Dog labored breathing causes
If your dog is breathing hard or has difficulty breathing, often called dyspnea, can prevent your Husky from getting enough oxygen into their bloodstream and is a life-threatening emergency. There are different reasons for dogs to have severe breathing.
The most common in older pets is fluid in the lungs or chest cavity, which makes them difficult to breathe.
It is often associated with heart disease and lung disease. Other less common causes of dyspnea in dogs are foreign objects, lung cancer, infections such as pneumonia, chest wall injury, canal cough, and allergies.
Many others are also responsible for the nose, throat, windpipe, lung, and other diseases of the diaphragm. Abnormal breathing can also be a symptom of other serious underlying problems such as pain or metabolic disorders.
Why Breathing Fast While Resting Occurs in Huskies
There can be many reasons for your Husky to breathe fast while resting. If he has just finished playing hard and is resting, it is normal for him to paint or breathe fast for a few minutes. However, if he does not resolve his breathing without difficulty or takes a deep breath, this may be the underlying cause.
Many factors control dogs’ rapid breathing, and sometimes the underlying problem can be life-threatening, especially when your dog is resting. Rapid breathing in Huskies or dogs while resting is called tachypnea and may be a symptom of the following medical conditions:
- Infection (bacterial, viral, parasitic)
- Trauma
- Bleeding
- Foreign objects
- Structural abnormality (such as elongated soft palate)
- Allergies
- Pain
- Fever
- Diseases that make the belly enlarged or bloated
- Medications
- Tumors
- Heatstroke
- Fluid in the lungs
- Heart failure
- Anemia
- Onion poisoning
The severity of the dog’s tachypnea will depend on the underlying condition, due to which the dog is breathing fast. It is important to bring your dog to the vet to find out how serious the risk is and why your dog is breathing fast.
1. Heat Stroke
Dogs do not have sweat glands and they use their breath to cool themselves. When they get too hot, they will breathe faster and more than necessary.
Symptoms of heatstroke also called hyperthermia, include a body temperature of 104F or higher, drooling, weakness, and seizures. Dogs with flat faces, such as the Pugs, Boxers, Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Lhasa apsos, and Bill Mustafiz, are at greater risk of heatstroke because they cannot pant due to impact.
2. Fluid in the Lungs
Your dog’s rapid breathing may also point out that there is fluid in his lungs. Although there is usually a small amount of fluid in a dog’s lungs, the excessive build-up can be a serious health concern and can indicate other underlying conditions. Other symptoms, such as blue gums, low body temperature, and difficulty breathing can also be accompanied by rapid breathing.
3. Heart Failure
Breathing fast in dogs can lead to heart failure. When a dog’s heart begins to fail, its body does not circulate enough oxygen, and rapid breathing develops to counteract the lower levels of oxygen in the circulation. Breathing will also be difficult, and your dog may show a growing intolerance to exercise.
4. Anemia
Anemia can occur when your dog’s immune system attacks red blood cells as if they were a foreign threat. A low number of red blood cells means less oxygen is circulating, and your dog’s body may react by increasing breathing. Other common symptoms of anemia include weakness, jaundice, yellow gums, and lethargy.
Some species are more likely to develop anemia, such as Cocker Spaniels, Labrador Retrievers, Miniature, and Shih Tzus. Besides, tick-borne infectious diseases have been linked to immune-related anemia.
5. Onion Poisoning
Onions, when eaten in moderation, cause your dog to breathe faster. Your dog may have excessive salivation, vomiting, or diarrhea. Garlic is a more powerful poison than onions and should be avoided.
Signs of dog heavy breathing
- The belly moving as well as the chest moving with each breath
- Nostrils flaring open
- Breathing with an open mouth or excessive panting
- Breathing with the elbows sticking out from the body
- The neck and head are held low and extended out in front of the body
- Noisy breathing (stridor)
- Sounds congested when breathing
- Rapid breathing
- Shallow breaths
- Coughing
What to do if there is rapid breathing in Huskies while resting
It is important that you seek medical help if you have determined that your dog is not breathing fast at the moment due to self-exertion and may have a medical condition.
Heatstroke is a life-threatening condition for your dog that needs emergency care. If you believe your dog is experiencing heat loss, then take him to the clinic. During transport, try to cool your dog using a damp, lukewarm towel and moving air. If it is possible, note your dog’s temperature every five minutes during transportation.
Once in the hospital, the veterinarian will work to stabilize your dog’s breathing and lower his body temperature. In severe cases, your dog needs to be conscious to help with breathing and stability and assist with fluid therapy.
If your dog has vomiting or bloody diarrhea, antibiotics can be given to prevent bacterial sepsis. Heatstroke is a serious illness that requires immediate, quick, and aggressive treatment to protect your dog from organ and system disorders.
Even if you do not suspect a heat stroke, you should take your dog to a veterinarian to find out ‘‘why your dog is breathing fast’’. Your vet will perform a full physical examination and ask you when you first notice signs of rapid breathing. The vet will also ask for a complete medical history, including your dog’s diet and any medications he carries.
Your specialist vet will listen to your dog’s heart and lungs. If you suspect a heart or lung problem as well as an electrocardiogram to measure the electrical activity of the dog’s heart, he may order an X-ray of the dog’s chest.
If you suspect or know that your dog has eaten onions or garlic, your veterinarian may try to induce vomiting in your dog or arrange for charcoal to be absorbed. In severe cases, your vet may provide oxygen therapy and blood transfusions to reduce red blood cells, as onion poisoning can cause anemia.
Prevention of Breathing Fast While Resting
You may not be able to prevent heart failure as your dog ages, but it is important to recognize the early signs of failure so that you can make lifestyle adjustments and avoid further complications. Heatstroke, on the other hand, is completely treatable.
Heatstroke progresses rapidly and can be fatal to your dog. To avoid heatstroke, make sure your dog has water and shade outside and only exercises during the cooler parts of the day. Closed cars, even with cracked windows, can get very hot. Never leave your dog alone in a locked car.
Treatment for breathing problems in dogs
If your dog is having trouble breathing, a vet can give them oxygen to help. In most cases, a blood test will also be needed to check for underlying conditions. The vet may also do an X-ray or ultrasound to examine the lungs and heart.
Treatment depends on the nature of the symptoms and any diagnosis your veterinarian makes for your dog’s breathing difficulties. In most cases, hospitalizations will be needed until your dog’s breathing has improved significantly.
Why is my dog panting at rest?
Painting is important as a cooling mechanism because dogs do not have an efficient system of sweat glands like humans. Instead, dogs cool their bodies by using moisture vapors from the mouth and tongue, and by exchanging warm air from the cold outside air in their lungs.
Is panting a sign of heart failure in dogs?
Coughing at rest or bedtime, excessive panting, persistent loss of appetite, swollen stomach, and yellow or snuffy gums are also symptoms of heart failure. Due to the effects of CHF on other systems of the body, the dog will experience normal weight loss and muscle wasting.
How can I slow down my dog’s breathing?
Take slow, deep breaths, and blink slowly. Wait for your dog to shut up and stop panting for a moment. When he does, say a soft “yes” and calmly bring a smile to his face. Keep rehearsing it until you can say it with conviction and confidence.
Do Huskies breathe fast when they are in pain?
Dogs with pain may have a pattern of breathing faster than normal. They can also suffer. You may even notice changes in the movement of the abdominal muscles or chest. Both sets of muscles are involved in the process of breathing.
Why is my Husky suddenly panting at night?
If your Husky suffers at night and the room is not too hot, this can be less than a lot of things and you should take your dog to the vet for a diagnosis. This can lead to anxiety, especially if your dog separates from you at night, as they may feel stressed about being away from you.
Is it normal for Huskies to breathe fast while sleeping?
For most dogs, breathing fast during sleep is not a problem. They are usually experiencing interesting dreams, in which case the dog’s rapid breathing will change when they wake up.
Cost of Breathing Fast While Resting
The cost of treating acute respiratory failure in Huskies depends on the underlying medical condition. For example, treating onion poisoning can cost about $900, while treating heatstroke can cost about $5,000.
