Dog Breathing Problems: Signs, Causes and Treatment

✓ Veterinarian Reviewed
Reviewed by Dr Gloria Ebeyer (BAVBS, DVM, Grad Cert SAECC, MANZCVS [Veterinary Practice])
Last reviewed: July 2026

Hearing your dog breathing in a way that sounds unnatural can be a real cause for concern. You may wonder whether wheezing or rapid breathing is normal for your dog’s breed and feel unsure what to do next.

Some breeds naturally breathe more noisily because of physical characteristics such as their facial structure.

So, what’s considered normal and when is it time to have your dog’s breathing checked out?

What's considered normal breathing in dogs?

Normal breathing can vary depending on factors such as your dog’s breed, physical characteristics, activity level and the weather.

As a rough guide, a healthy adult dog at rest typically takes between 10 and 35 breaths per minute. Breathing should be quiet, even, and without effort. You shouldn't see their chest or belly working hard to pull air in.

It’s normal to notice your dog breathing heavily after exercise or in hot weather. Panting is a dog's main way of regulating body temperature, so a bit of heavy breathing after a run around the park or on a warm day isn't usually a cause for concern. This should settle back to a normal rate once your dog has rested and cooled down.

Another factor that can affect breathing is whether your dog is excited or stressed. Panting is a perfectly natural response, as it can help them cope with adrenaline surges.

Knowing what's normal for your dog makes it much easier to spot when something doesn’t seem right. To get a baseline for your own dog, it’s best to count their breaths while they're sleeping or fully relaxed. The way to do this is to count each breath over a 60-second period. If the result falls outside the standard range of 10 to 35 breaths per minute, it may be worth having your dog checked by a vet.

Signs of breathing problems in dogs

Difficulty breathing in dogs can show up in different ways, and some signs are more urgent than others. Keep an eye out for the following:

• Rapid breathing at rest (above 35 breaths per minute) with no obvious triggers like heat or exercise
  
  
• Laboured or heavy breathing, where you can see their chest or belly working hard while they’re resting or sleeping
  
  
• Noisy breathing that sounds like wheezing, snorting, rasping, or a honking cough
  
  
• Open-mouth breathing in a dog that isn't hot or hasn't been active
  
  
• Blue or pale gums and tongue
  
  
• Restlessness, an inability to settle, or a reluctance to lie down
  
  
• Persistent coughing, especially if it's worse at night or after exercise
  
  
• Collapse or extreme lethargy that is unusual for your dog

If your dog is showing any of the more severe signs, particularly blue or pale gums, collapse, or extreme distress, this is an emergency. Contact your vet or nearest emergency animal hospital immediately.

Common causes of breathing problems in dogs

Breathing difficulties can affect any dog, although some breeds are more susceptible because of their physical characteristics or genetics. Common causes include:

Some common issues and symptoms relating to breathing can include:

• Brachycephalic airway syndrome: a structural issue affecting flat-faced breeds (more on this below)
  
  
• Allergies: environmental or seasonal allergies can cause airway inflammation
  
  
• Kennel cough or other respiratory infections: this often comes with a dry, hacking cough
  
  
• Heart disease: this can cause fluid build-up in or around the lungs
  
  
• Collapsed trachea: common in small breeds, causing a distinctive honking cough
  
  
• Laryngeal paralysis: more common in older, large-breed dogs
  
  
• Heatstroke: a veterinary emergency that requires immediate cooling and treatment
  
  
• Foreign object: something lodged in the throat or airway
  
  
• Obesity: excess weight puts pressure on the chest and restricts lung capacity. Petstock offers free nurse weight checks that members can take advantage of
  
  
• Anxiety or stress: can cause temporary rapid breathing or panting

If you’re concerned about your dog’s breathing, visiting your vet is the safest way to determine what’s wrong. A qualified professional can assess their health rather than leaving you to guess or worry.

Brachycephalic breeds and breathing problems

Flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds such as French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, Pugs, Boxers, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, are particularly susceptible to breathing problems because of their skull shape.

The features that give them their unique appearance can also contribute to breathing abnormalities. Their shortened airways, narrowed nostrils, and elongated soft palates can restrict airflow, a combination known as brachycephalic airway syndrome.

This is why these breeds often snort, snore, and breathe more loudly than others. Most of the time, these are typical sounds you can expect to hear from these dogs, even when healthy. While some noisy breathing is considered standard for these breeds, it's important not to dismiss every sign as just part of being one of these brachycephalic breeds.

Excessive snoring, fainting, frequent overheating, or struggling during mild exercise can indicate the condition is more severe and may require surgical correction.

Treatment for dog breathing problems

Treatment depends entirely on the underlying cause, which is why an accurate diagnosis from your vet is the essential first step. They may recommend one or more of the following:

• Medication: for infections, allergies, or inflammation
• Weight management to reduce pressure on the chest and airways
• Surgery: particularly for brachycephalic airway syndrome
• Environmental changes: reducing exposure to allergens, smoke, or extreme heat
• Emergency stabilisation: oxygen therapy or cooling for severe or heatstroke-related cases

Never try to diagnose or treat breathing problems at home. What looks like simple heavy panting can sometimes mask a more serious issue, and delaying treatment can make the situation worse for your dog.

When to see a vet

Book a vet visit if your dog's breathing seems different from their normal pattern, especially if it's persistent, worsening, or paired with other symptoms like coughing, lethargy, or a reduced appetite. If they're not acting like themselves, it's worth having them checked by a vet. If you notice blue or pale gums, extreme distress, or breathing that doesn't improve with rest and cooling, treat it as an emergency.

Remember, this guide provides a general overview of common canine breathing problems. Your vet can assess the underlying cause and recommend care tailored to your dog.

Need to have your dog's breathing checked out? Book a consultation with your local Petstock Vet for expert advice and peace of mind.