Respiratory Emergencies in Dogs

Many pet owners think of emergency vet clinics as a place to take dogs who are injured after-hours. Indeed, a lot of what emergency vets do is deal with injuries. However, they also deal with other medical emergencies that just can't wait until the usual vet's office opens. Many of the dogs that come in are actually dealing with emergency-level respiratory symptoms and problems. As a dog owner, it's important to be aware of respiratory problems that warrant a trip to the emergency vet.

Shallow Breathing

If you notice that your dog is taking a lot of tiny, shallow breaths, then you should take them to the emergency vet. Shallow breathing may look like they are hyperventilating, or like they are breathing only into their mouth and not into their full chest. It's different from typical panting because when a dog pants, they are taking big, deep breaths, and their whole chest moves.

Shallow breathing can indicate anything from fluid in the lungs to an allergic reaction. But regardless of the cause, your dog won't be getting enough oxygen to their body if they're breathing like this. An emergency vet can administer medication to open up their airways, and then they can take a closer look to figure out what's wrong.

Bleeding From the Nose or Throat

Sometimes dogs do develop nose bleeds, and not every nose bleed is an emergency. However, if the bleeding continues on for more than a couple of minutes, or if your dog loses more than a few teaspoons of blood, you should take them to the vet ASAP. They may have a respiratory infection or injury that has resulted in the bleeding, and these are problems that need to be addressed promptly before your dog loses too much blood. The emergency vet will probably take X-rays to see what's going on inside and then go from there.

Wheezing

Periodic sneezing and coughing are not an emergency, although you should probably take your dog to the vet within the next day or two. Wheezing, however, is a much bigger deal. This indicates that your dog's airways are narrowing, probably due to either allergies or an infection. Your dog's breathing may sound raspy or scratchy. It is often only a matter of time until the airways close so fully that your dog can't breathe, so you should get them to the emergency clinic before that happens.

The above respiratory symptoms are all indicators that your dog requires prompt vet care. Visit an emergency clinic like South Seattle Veterinary Hospital to help care for your pet.