Dogs pant to cool down by exhaling heat from their bodies. If your dog is breathing rapidly and shallowly with its mouth wide open and tongue hanging out, they are likely trying to regulate its body temperature.
However, if your dog’s breathing is rapid and excessive when compared to the situation, with their mouth shut or only partly open, it might be an indication of a more serious problem. It may be an indication of a critical or even life-threatening condition. Keep an eye on your dog’s breathing and look for additional indicators that something is wrong.
This post will answer the question: how long can a dog live with labored breathing? We’ll also provide some information on what you should do if your dog is showing signs of difficulty breathing.
How Long Can a Dog Live With Labored Breathing?
There is no easy answer to this question since it depends on the underlying cause of labored breathing. If your dog is having trouble breathing due to a build-up of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema), it may only live for a few hours without treatment.
However, if the cause is something less serious, such as allergies, your dog may only experience difficulty breathing for a short period of time.
In general, the prognosis is better if the cause of labored breathing is treatable. If your dog is having trouble breathing due to a life-threatening condition, such as pneumonia, immediate treatment is essential. The sooner you seek treatment, the better the chances are for a successful outcome.
What Does Labored Breathing Look Like in Dog?
There are several signs that may indicate your dog is having difficulty breathing. If your dog is showing any of the following signs, it is important to seek veterinary attention immediately:
-Gums that are pale or blue in color
-An increased heart rate
-A bulging thoracic cavity (the area between the shoulder blades)
-Retractions of the intercostal muscles (the muscles between the ribs)
– Difficulty walking or moving
-Exercise intolerance
-A change in vocalization (e.g., a decrease in barking)
If your dog is showing any of these signs, it is important to seek emergency veterinary care immediately. The delay could be fatal.
What Should You Do If Your Dog Is Showing Signs of Difficulty Breathing?
If you notice your dog is having trouble breathing, it is important to seek veterinary care immediately. Do not wait to see if the problem goes away on its own, as this could be fatal.
When you take your dog to the vet, they will likely perform a physical examination and order some diagnostic tests, such as chest x-rays or bloodwork. Once the underlying cause is determined, treatment can be initiated.
If your dog is having trouble breathing due to an obstruction, such as a foreign body or tumor, surgery may be required. In other cases, medical treatment, such as oxygen therapy or medication, may be all that is needed.
No matter what the cause of your dog’s labored breathing is, it is important to seek veterinary care right away. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a big difference in the outcome.
How Is Labored Breathing Diagnosed?
Your veterinarian will likely start with a physical examination and take a history of your dog’s health. They will then use this information to form a working diagnosis. In some cases, additional testing may be required to confirm the diagnosis or rule out other potential causes.
Common tests that may be used to diagnose labored breathing include:
-Complete blood count (CBC)
-Biochemical profile
-Urinalysis
-Thoracic radiographs (x-rays)
-Echocardiogram
-Pulse oximetry
Treatment for Labored Breathing in Dogs
The treatment for labored breathing will depend on the underlying cause. In some cases, such as when the cause is an allergy, treatment may be as simple as giving your dog antihistamines. However, in other cases, such as when the cause is pneumonia, more intensive treatment may be required.
Common treatments for labored breathing include:
-Oxygen therapy
-Intravenous fluids
-Diuretics
-Antibiotics (if there is an infection present)
-Corticosteroids (to reduce inflammation)
-Surgery (in some cases)
Your dog will likely need to be hospitalized for treatment. The length of hospitalization will depend on the severity of the condition and how well your dog responds to treatment.