Take a Class Resources Learn Pet First Aid First Aid for Dogs Dog Breathing Problems
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  • Dog Breathing Problems

    Dog experiencing breathing problems on blanket.

    A dog that is having trouble breathing may move her abdomen when breathing, cough, have an increased breathing rate and/or effort, have loud, noisy breathing, and have pale or blue gums.

    What Causes Breathing Problems?

    The most common causes of breathing problems in dogs are:

    • Lung infections (such as pneumonia)
    • Heart disease/congestive heart failure
    • Upper airway disease
    • Trauma
    • Electrical shock
    • Inhaled objects or vomits
    • Clots to lungs
    • Cancer
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    Learn lifesaving skills in just 35 minutes! Sign up for our online Cat and Dog First Aid Online course today.

    Emergency Steps

    1

    Check the dog’s ABC’s (Check Airway, Check Breathing, Check Circulation) and perform CPR if needed.

    2

    Immediately take the dog to a veterinary hospital.

    • Allow the dog to assume the most comfortable position for breathing.

    Dog Breathing Problems FAQs

    What are the signs of a breathing problem?

    A dog that is having trouble breathing may:

    • Move her abdomen when breathing
    • Cough
    • Have an increased breathing rate and/or effort
    • Have loud, noisy breathing
    • Have pale of blue gums

    How can I determine my dog’s breathing rate?

    Watch your dog and count the number of times the chest rises and falls in one minute.

    Normal breathing rates (not breed/size specific): 10-30 breaths per minute, up to 200 pants per minute (breathing with mouth open and tongue out).

    Download the FREE Red Cross Pet First Aid App

    Pet First Aid App. The free Pet First Aid App provides guidance on your pet's health, what to do in emergencies and how to include your pets in your preparedness plans.

    The American Red Cross Pet First Aid app puts veterinary advice for everyday emergencies in the palm of your hand. With videos, interactive quizzes, and simple step-by-step advice it’s never been easier to know pet first aid. Get the app and be prepared to act when called upon. iOS App, Google Play, or text "GETPET" to 90999.

    Help Save Pet Lives with an American Red Cross Pet First Aid Class

    Be prepared for any pet emergency! Sign up for our 35-minute Cat and Dog First Aid Online course. Learn the basics in caring for cats and dogs through a variety of topics – from understanding and checking your pet's vital signs, to preventative care for cats and dogs, to caring for the most critical emergency situations - including breathing and cardiac emergencies, wounds, bleeding, and seizures.

    Our pet first aid online course can be good for: Pet Owners, Pet Sitters, Dog Walkers, and Dog Trainers, Animal Shelter Staff & Volunteers, Groomers, Pet Retail Employees, Other Pet Care Providers, and more!

    Register Now!

    You love your pets and want to keep them happy - heart. Our Cat and Dog First Aid Online Training can help. Learn how to provide a healthy lifestyle and deliver first aid to your pet. Register today! American Red Cross

    Information Provided Deborah C. Mandell, BS, VMD

    Dr. Debbie Mandell

    Pet First Aid information provided by Dr. Debbie Mandell, Professor of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine at the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania; American Red Cross National Pet Care Advisor for the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council. Visit redcross.org/take-a-class/scientific-advisory-council to see how we work, members, sub councils, scientific reviews, and recent research.

    About Red Cross Training Services

    More than 4.6M people turn to us, the trusted training provider for First Aid, CPR, BLS and more, every year to gain lifesaving skills. Trust us to deliver unmatched lifesaving training that will provide you the confidence and skills to act when moments matter. Training Services is a division of the American Red Cross with the mission to spread knowledge and educate as many members of the national community in lifesaving procedures. Our services include training courses for CPR and AED, First Aid, BLS (Basic Life Support), Babysitting, Caregiving, Lifeguarding Water Safety, and more.