Help! My Dog is Hyperventilating
You’ve heard of hyperventilation in humans. Did you know that the same thing can happen to our canine companions? That’s right—your dog can hyperventilate. Sometimes, the cause of this is nothing to worry about. And other times, it’s a serious medical issue. Read on as your animal hospital San Jose Jacksonville, FL tells you more.
What does hyperventilation in dogs look like?
Hyperventilation in dogs is characterized by short, rapid, shallow breaths and an inability to draw a deep, normal breath. It may appear as though your dog is struggling to breathe normally. Note that hyperventilation is not simply heavy panting or heavy breathing. Ask your veterinarian San Jose Jacksonville, FL to explain the difference in more detail.
You might see other symptoms accompanying the breathing issues in a case of hyperventilation. Drooling, blue or pale lips and gums, general lethargy, and collapse are a few examples. You’ll want to take your dog to your vet San Jose Jacksonville, FL immediately if you spot these signs.
What causes hyperventilation in dogs?
Dogs might hyperventilate for a variety of reasons. One of the most common is overexcitement. When your dog gets excited because company is over, or you’re about to go to the park, they might start breathing rapidly and hyperventilating. Reverse sneezing, particularly common in brachycephalic pups like pugs and Boston terriers, could also lead to hyperventilation. Talk to your vet clinic San Jose Jacksonville, FL for more insight into these causes.
In some cases, the cause of hyperventilation is more serious. Overheating is one such cause. If your pup spends too long in the hot sun, they might begin hyperventilating in an attempt to get more oxygen. Without treatment, heat stroke could set in, potentially leading to collapse, organ failure, and worse. Your vets San Jose Jacksonville, FL can tell you more about heat stroke in dogs.
Medical issues like laryngeal paralysis, anaphylaxis, metabolic acidosis, and Cushing’s disease could cause hyperventilation, too, although it’s far less common. Your pet clinic San Jose Jacksonville, FL can tell you more about these medical problems.
What should I do if my dog is hyperventilating?
Responding appropriately to your dog’s hyperventilation depends on what’s causing it. If you’re aware that Fido is excited or prone to reverse sneezing, for example, the episode will probably pass momentarily. If it’s a hot day, bringing your dog indoors to cool off will allow them to calm down and breathe normally. Ask your veterinarians San Jose Jacksonville, FL for more advice on dealing with the most common causes of hyperventilation.
If you can’t determine a “normal” cause for hyperventilation like excitement, something more serious could be an underlying cause. It’s time to call your veterinary clinic San Jose Jacksonville, FL to set up an appointment. You’ll want to have any serious medical issues ruled out, and then you and your vet can work together to find a solution. When it comes to your pet’s health, there’s no reason not to play it safe!
Would you like to learn more about hyperventilation in dogs and why this happens? Does your dog need a veterinary exam? We can help with all of the above. Give your vets San Jose Jacksonville, FL a call right away to schedule your dog’s office appointment. We can’t wait to see you!
