Aroma Pets

Why is my puppy breathing fast? Vet's guide to causes and abnormal signs

Have you noticed that your puppy is breathing fast and wondered what it could mean? A panting puppy is often a good sign, especially after a good romp in the park or a rousing game of fetch. But what happens when your puppy is panting and he hasn’t been exercising? Or what about when your puppy is breathing fast during sleep? Is it a sign of your dog dreaming or something more sinister? 

The good news is these episodes can be normal, but it’s important to know what to look for that could signal a problem. Breathing fast can be a sign of heart disease or lung disease, so you definitely don’t want to ignore this important symptom.  

So, how do you know when a puppy breathing fast is normal or not?  Read on to learn more about puppy breathing and when to take your puppy to the vet for this potential problem.

Why is my puppy breathing fast?

There are several things that can cause a puppy to breathe faster than normal. Some are normal and no cause for concern, while others can be serious. Some causes of fast breathing in puppies can include:

• Exercise 
• Heat 
• Dreaming
• Stress or excitement 
• Heart disease 
• Lung disease 
• Pain 

In a healthy puppy, a short lived episode of fast breathing that quickly resolves and is not accompanied by any other symptoms is unlikely to be of concern. However, if the fast breathing does not resolve or is accompanied by other changes in health or behavior, it’s best to see your veterinarian for further evaluation. 

Puppy breathing fast during sleep 

Like humans, dogs experience two types of sleep: REM sleep (rapid eye movement), and non-REM sleep. During non-REM sleep, the dog is immobile and does not dream. In REM sleep, the dog may twitch, move the limbs, and breathe heavily as he dreams.  

This is normal sleep behavior and does not indicate any sort of health concern.  If your puppy is breathing heavily during sleep, he is simply dreaming about chasing his favorite ball!  

The heavy breathing should quickly resolve if your puppy is woken from sleep, however, there’s no need to disturb your puppy to check. Breathing heavily during sleep is not a problem and does not mean that your puppy is in any kind of distress.  

Signs of abnormal breathing in puppies 

How do you know when your puppy’s fast breathing is truly abnormal? A normal resting breathing rate in puppies is 15-40 breaths per minute when the puppy is relaxed and quiet.  

The respiratory rate can naturally be higher if the puppy is excited or has recently exercised. Once the puppy calms down, this breathing rate should go back to the normal 15-40 breaths per minute range.  

If the breathing does not return to normal on its own within a short period of time or if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as coughing, increased effort to breathe, changes in the color of the tongue or gums, or other changes in health or behavior, then this is a sign that the rapid breathing is abnormal and should be evaluated by a veterinarian.  

Breathing problems are serious and can progress very quickly, so if you suspect your puppy is having trouble breathing, don’t wait! Seek veterinary care right away.

When to visit your vet 

If your puppy’s rapid breathing is persistent or is accompanied by other symptoms, it may be time to see your veterinarian for an evaluation.  Your veterinarian will perform a full head to tail physical examination, including measuring your puppy’s respiratory rate and listening to his heart and lungs.  

Your veterinarian may also recommend some additional diagnostic testing such as radiographs (x-rays) to evaluate your puppy’s heart and lungs.  Once the cause of your puppy’s rapid breathing is identified, your veterinarian will develop a treatment plan to help get your puppy back to his healthy, happy self.  

Depending on the cause of the breathing problem, treatment could include medications or surgery, or a referral to a specialist for further care.

Summary

Fast breathing in puppies is often a normal occurrence, especially when it happens during sleep. Puppies dream just like we do and they may twitch, move, or breathe rapidly during REM sleep when they are dreaming.  

Puppies can also breathe fast if they are excited or after exercise, such as playing with a favorite toy or running to greet the guests that just arrived at your door!  At these times, it is not unexpected to see your puppy breathing faster than normal.

If your puppy breathes faster than normal when he is calm and quiet, and the episode does not resolve within a short amount of time or is accompanied by other respiratory symptoms, then it may be time to see your veterinarian for further advice and care.  

Fast breathing can be a sign of several illnesses in puppies, including heart disease and respiratory illnesses. As always, if you are concerned about your puppy’s health or behavior, see your veterinarian for further advice. 

Reference: PetRadar: Elizabeth Racine, DVM

Killer flatworms found in UK as public urged to 'kill but don't touch'

Experts have issued a warning after killer flatworms have been found in the UK. The killer worms pose a risk to some native earthworm species as well as the soil ecosystem as they are said to 'wrap around them and dissolve them into pink gloop'.

The hammerhead worms measure around 3cm long and could be a danger to British species that gardeners and farmers rely on. Flatworms can kill common garden insects, including snails and earthworms. Scientists warn they could become an invasive species, reports Glasgow Live.

The trade of imported plants is already said to be responsible for the spread of more than 10 species of flatworms around the world from their native Asia with one type having been found in France and Italy, the other on an island near Africa, said to threaten biodiversity in gardens and farms, according to scientists, reported The Mirror.

small_stories_scotland/Instagram The flatworms could be a risk to snails and native earthworms

Another type of flatworm has reportedly been found in Scotland. Someone shared a photo of a New Zealand flatworm, which can be up to 17cm long. Taking to Instagram, Gabrielle Reith, who lives in Scotland, wrote: "UK folks... if you find a worm in your garden that looks like this, then please kill them!

"They are the invasive New Zealand flatworm and kill our earthworms by wrapping around them and dissolving them into pink gloop!

"They hide under rocks or weedblock during the day so search there and check the bottom of pots when you buy any plants. Kill them by squishing or dropping into salt. Don’t touch with bare hands as the excretion can aggravate skin!

"I don't like killing anything but make an exception for these! We sadly have them in our garden now and the neighbouring farmyard seems to be ground zero."

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) have said there are approximately 17 non-native species of land flatworms in Britain and four that are native.

Flatworms can be found in "shady and wet places" on the soil surface e.g. under pots, containers, tarpaulins, and leaf litter. The lack of earthworms they are responsible for often goes unnoticed.

The RHS have also said that "the majority of the non-native flatworm species prey on earthworms, slugs, snails and other soil organisms". They added: "Australian and New Zealand flatworms are two species that have become established and widespread in Britain and Ireland. Both species specialise on earthworms and they can severely reduce the populations of some earthworm species and consequently affect the soil ecosystem.

"However, several other species had been accidentally introduced including two Kontikia species and there is evidence that non-native flatworms continue to be introduced including the Obama flatworm."

Replying to the comments one Instagram user said: "Found one under a garden pot the other week and didn’t know what it was (thought at first a shell-less snail). Away to see if I can find it again and get rid now I know what it is."

Discussing the New Zealand flatworm, they add: "[The worm] reaches 20cm (8in) in length and is dark brown with a paler margin. It arrived in Britain, probably with imported plants, during the 1960s and it has since become widely distributed. It feeds exclusively on earthworms and is capable of reducing earthworm populations.

"This has undesirable effects on soil structure and also denies earthworms as a food resource for those native animals that feed on them. This flatworm originates from New Zealand and is now thriving in Scotland, Northern England and Northern Ireland." 

Edinburgh Zoo’s one-eyed Queensland koala, Goonaroo, dies at 17 following health problems

The 17-year-old, who had been experiencing age-related health problems recently, was put to sleep on the advice of veterinary staff.

Edinburgh Zoo have announced the death of their Queensland koala Goonaroo. Photo: RZSS

In December last year, he underwent an operation to remove his right eye.

Goonaroo hit the headlines in 2013 after fathering the UK’s first ever joey.

Edinburgh Zoo said in a statement: “Goonaroo was a real character who fathered three joeys as part of the international species breeding programme.

“He will be missed by everyone here at the zoo and our thoughts are with all those who cared for him.”

Goonaroo, whose name is Aboriginal for “wood duck”, was born in 2004 at Duisburg Zoo in Germany and came to RZSS Edinburgh Zoo in 2007.

Koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) are native to eastern Australia and are currently classified as vulnerable by the IUCN Red List.

The main threats facing koala populations are habitat loss, wildfires and climate change. 

Reference: Edinburgh News: Gary Flockhart 

Bexley woman marries pet cat in desperate attempt to stop landlords separating them

A woman has "married" her pet cat in the hopes that future landlords won't separate them. Deborah Hodge, 49, from Bexley says she has had to get rid of pets in the past when threatened with eviction. To ensure the same thing doesn't happen again with five-year-old India, Deborah married her cat in a civil ceremony on April 19. Deborah would "rather live on the streets than be without her".

In a previous property, Deborah claims she had to give up her two huskies, Siri and Starshine, when her landlord threatened her with eviction. On another occasion, she had to give up her cat, Jamal, to move into her current Sidcup home five years ago. Losing her pets was heartbreaking and "absolutely devastating".

Unable to live without her pets, Deborah successfully begged her landlord to let her get another cat in 2017. Black and white moggy India is now very much a member of the family. India lost a leg in 2020 when she was hit by a car, meaning she can now often be seen perched on Deborah's shoulder or carried in her arms during trips to the beach.

James Linsell-Clark / SWNS Deborah is determined not to be separated from another pet

Things were going well until March when Deborah lost her job as a life coach. Now she worries she could be evicted if she can't pay her rent at the start of May. Desperate not to be parted from a pet again, she "married" India.

She said: "I had nothing to lose and everything to gain so I married my cat! I recited vows under the universe that no man will ever tear myself and India apart. I set out my intention that I would never be separated from the animal I adore. I can't be without India.

"She is truly a sensation, she is so friendly and amazing. She is fundamentally the most important thing in my life after my children. By marrying India, I need any future landlords to know that we come as a package and we cannot be separated under any circumstances as she is as important to me as the children. I refuse to be parted with her. I'd rather live on the streets than be without her."

Deborah wore a tuxedo while India donned a bow tie, cape and gold lamé for their civil ceremony, which was officiated by a legally ordained friend. The newlyweds celebrated with their wedding guests by having a picnic in the sunshine.

Deborah said: "I'm on my last pennies, I have nothing to lose and everything to gain, so I married my cat! I'm terrified of losing India. I can barely leave my house with anxiety over what the future holds and I'm just desperate not to lose my cat."

Deborah is set on her decision, but her friends and family aren't so sure. Her friends think she's "bonkers" and her kids think she has "lost the plot", but she remains serious.

She continued: "Although some might think it a stupid idea, I wanted to be able to show physically, by holding the ceremony in front of my friends even though they thought I was bonkers, that I am very serious. I had a group of friends there for the ceremony – they all think I've gone batsh*t crazy but we all had a lovely day. My kids weren't there on the day, they just think that mummy has lost the plot!

"I recited vows under the universe that no man will ever tear myself and India apart. I set out my intention that I would never be separated from the animal I adore."

Reference: My London: Charlotte Penketh-King & Seren Hughes