Witnessing your dog stop breathing is a terrifying experience. Knowing exactly who to call and what immediate steps to take can make the difference between life and death. This guide provides comprehensive information on recognizing respiratory distress, performing basic first aid, and contacting the appropriate emergency resources.
Recognizing Respiratory Distress in Dogs
Before you can act, you need to recognize the signs that your dog is struggling to breathe or has stopped breathing altogether. Don’t panic, but act quickly and decisively.
Signs of Breathing Difficulty
Several subtle signs can indicate your dog is having trouble breathing before it escalates to complete respiratory arrest. Recognizing these early warnings is crucial for timely intervention.
Pay attention to:
- Rapid breathing (tachypnea): A healthy dog typically breathes 12-24 times per minute at rest. If your dog is breathing significantly faster than normal, especially if accompanied by other signs, it’s cause for concern.
- Labored breathing: This is characterized by exaggerated movements of the chest and abdomen while breathing. You might see your dog using extra effort to inhale and exhale.
- Noisy breathing: Wheezing, gurgling, or raspy sounds during breathing can indicate airway obstruction or fluid in the lungs.
- Coughing or gagging: While occasional coughing is normal, persistent or forceful coughing, especially if accompanied by gagging, could signal a respiratory problem.
- Blue or pale gums (cyanosis): This is a critical sign of oxygen deprivation. Normal gums should be pink. Blue or pale gums indicate that the blood is not carrying enough oxygen.
- Open-mouth breathing (in dogs not panting): Dogs typically only breathe through their mouths when panting to cool down. If your dog is breathing through its mouth when not hot or stressed, it could be a sign of respiratory distress.
- Anxious or restless behavior: Dogs struggling to breathe may become agitated, restless, or unable to settle down.
- Extended head and neck: Some dogs will stretch their head and neck out to try to open up their airway.
- Nostril flaring: The nostrils may widen with each breath as the dog tries to take in more air.
Signs of Respiratory Arrest (Dog Stops Breathing)
Respiratory arrest is when breathing completely stops. This is a medical emergency requiring immediate action. The signs are stark and unmistakable:
- Absence of chest movement: You will not see any rising or falling of the chest.
- No air movement from the nose or mouth: You will not feel or hear any air coming from your dog’s nose or mouth.
- Unresponsiveness: Your dog will be unconscious and unresponsive to stimuli.
- Blue or pale gums (cyanosis): As mentioned before, this is a critical sign of oxygen deprivation.
Immediate First Aid for a Dog That Has Stopped Breathing
If your dog has stopped breathing, immediate action is crucial. Performing rescue breathing (artificial respiration) can help keep them alive until you can reach veterinary care.
Checking for Obstructions
Before starting rescue breathing, quickly check for any obvious obstructions in your dog’s mouth or throat.
- Carefully open your dog’s mouth and look for any foreign objects, such as a toy, bone, or piece of food.
- If you see an object, try to gently remove it with your fingers or tweezers. Be careful not to push the object further down the throat.
- If you can’t easily remove the object, do not persist. You could cause further injury.
Performing Rescue Breathing
Rescue breathing involves manually forcing air into your dog’s lungs. Here’s how to do it:
- Position your dog: Lay your dog on its side.
- Extend the neck: Gently extend your dog’s neck to straighten the airway.
- Close the mouth: Hold your dog’s mouth closed.
- Seal your mouth over the nose: Create a tight seal with your mouth over your dog’s nose. If your dog is too large, you can try covering both the mouth and nose.
- Give two breaths: Give two breaths, watching for the chest to rise. Each breath should last about 1-2 seconds.
- Check for a pulse: After the two breaths, check for a pulse. You can feel for a pulse on the inside of the thigh, near the groin area.
- Continue breathing: If there is no pulse, continue rescue breathing at a rate of 10-12 breaths per minute (one breath every 5-6 seconds). If there is a pulse, continue rescue breathing at a rate of 8-10 breaths per minute.
- Transport immediately: Continue rescue breathing during transport to the nearest veterinary emergency clinic.
Who to Call When Your Dog Stops Breathing
Time is of the essence when your dog is not breathing. Knowing who to call in advance can save precious minutes.
Your Primary Veterinarian
Your primary veterinarian should be your first point of contact, especially during regular business hours.
- They have your dog’s medical history and can provide the best advice and care.
- Keep their phone number readily available in your phone and posted in a visible location in your home.
Emergency Veterinary Clinic
If your dog stops breathing outside of your veterinarian’s regular hours, or if you cannot reach them immediately, contact an emergency veterinary clinic.
- Emergency clinics are equipped to handle critical cases and have staff available 24/7.
- Identify the closest emergency veterinary clinic to your home and save their contact information in your phone and in a visible location.
Pet Poison Helpline (If Applicable)
If you suspect your dog’s breathing problems are related to poisoning, call the Pet Poison Helpline or ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately.
- These services can provide expert advice on how to manage the poisoning and may recommend specific treatments.
- Keep their phone numbers readily available:
- Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435
Local Animal Control
In some cases, local animal control may be able to provide assistance, especially if you are unable to transport your dog to a veterinary clinic yourself.
- They may have resources available to help transport your dog to emergency care.
- Keep their phone number readily available.
Preparing for a Veterinary Emergency
Preparation is key to ensuring the best possible outcome in a veterinary emergency. Taking proactive steps can save valuable time and reduce stress when your dog needs immediate care.
Assemble a Pet First Aid Kit
Having a well-stocked pet first aid kit can help you address minor injuries and stabilize your dog until you can reach veterinary care.
A basic pet first aid kit should include:
- Bandage material (gauze pads, tape, self-adhering wrap)
- Antiseptic wipes or solution
- Sterile saline solution for flushing wounds
- Hydrogen peroxide (for inducing vomiting, only as directed by a veterinarian)
- Digital thermometer (rectal)
- Lubricant (for taking temperature)
- Scissors
- Tweezers
- Latex gloves
- A blanket or towel
- Muzzle (use with caution, only if your dog is not vomiting or having difficulty breathing)
- Pet carrier or leash
Know Basic Pet First Aid
Taking a pet first aid course can equip you with the knowledge and skills to handle common pet emergencies.
Topics covered in a pet first aid course typically include:
- CPR and rescue breathing
- Controlling bleeding
- Treating wounds
- Managing poisoning
- Recognizing signs of illness
- Transporting an injured pet
Keep Important Information Readily Available
Having your dog’s medical information readily available can help the veterinary team provide the best possible care.
This information should include:
- Your dog’s name, age, and breed
- Your dog’s medical history (including any pre-existing conditions, allergies, and medications)
- Your veterinarian’s contact information
- Your contact information
Plan Your Route to the Emergency Vet
Familiarize yourself with the route to the nearest emergency veterinary clinic.
- Do a practice run during off-peak hours to identify the fastest and easiest route.
- Consider alternative routes in case of traffic or road closures.
Common Causes of Breathing Difficulties in Dogs
Understanding the common causes of breathing difficulties in dogs can help you be more aware of potential risks and take preventive measures.
Foreign Object Obstruction
This is a common cause of sudden breathing problems in dogs, especially those who tend to chew on things. Toys, bones, and other small objects can become lodged in the throat or trachea, blocking the airway.
Allergic Reactions
Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) can cause the airways to swell, making it difficult for dogs to breathe. Common allergens include insect stings, vaccines, and certain medications.
Heart Disease
Certain heart conditions, such as congestive heart failure, can cause fluid to build up in the lungs (pulmonary edema), leading to breathing difficulties.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that can cause inflammation and fluid buildup, making it difficult for dogs to breathe.
Tracheal Collapse
Tracheal collapse is a condition in which the trachea (windpipe) weakens and collapses, making it difficult for air to pass through. This is more common in small breeds.
Laryngeal Paralysis
Laryngeal paralysis is a condition in which the muscles that control the larynx (voice box) become paralyzed, making it difficult for dogs to breathe, especially during exercise.
Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome
Brachycephalic breeds (such as Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boxers) are prone to breathing problems due to their shortened snouts and flattened faces. This condition includes stenotic nares (narrowed nostrils), elongated soft palate, and tracheal stenosis.
Trauma
Injuries to the chest or lungs can cause breathing difficulties.
After the Emergency: Ongoing Care
After your dog has received emergency veterinary care, it’s important to follow your veterinarian’s instructions carefully to ensure a full recovery.
Follow-Up Appointments
Schedule and attend all follow-up appointments with your veterinarian. These appointments are essential for monitoring your dog’s progress and making any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.
Medications
Administer all medications as prescribed by your veterinarian. Do not stop or change the dosage without consulting your veterinarian first.
Rest and Recovery
Provide your dog with a quiet and comfortable environment to rest and recover. Limit physical activity and avoid stressful situations.
Monitor for Complications
Carefully monitor your dog for any signs of complications, such as recurring breathing difficulties, coughing, or lethargy. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice any concerning signs.
Preventative Measures
Depending on the cause of your dog’s breathing problems, your veterinarian may recommend certain preventative measures to reduce the risk of future episodes. This might include avoiding certain allergens, managing underlying health conditions, or making changes to your dog’s lifestyle.
What are the immediate signs that my dog is struggling to breathe and needs emergency intervention?
The most obvious sign is a complete cessation of breathing. However, before breathing stops entirely, you might observe other distress signals like gasping for air, exaggerated chest movements, open-mouth breathing (especially if your dog doesn’t typically pant heavily), a blue or pale tongue and gums (cyanosis), noisy breathing (wheezing or gurgling), and extreme restlessness or panic. These signs indicate severe respiratory distress and the need for immediate veterinary attention.
Pay close attention to your dog’s posture. A dog struggling to breathe might stand with its elbows out, neck extended, and mouth open, trying to maximize airflow. They might also be reluctant to lie down or appear panicked and unable to settle. Any combination of these symptoms warrants a call to your emergency vet or the nearest animal hospital immediately. Don’t hesitate – time is of the essence.
Who should I call first if I find my dog not breathing?
Your first call should be to your emergency veterinarian or the nearest 24-hour animal hospital. Every second counts in a situation where your dog is not breathing. Emergency vets are equipped to handle critical cases and provide immediate life-saving care, including oxygen therapy and resuscitation.
While contacting your regular veterinarian might seem like a natural first step, they may not be available immediately, especially outside of regular business hours. Having the number for a local 24-hour animal hospital programmed into your phone is a crucial preparedness measure. Provide the emergency vet with a brief description of the situation so they can prepare for your arrival and offer any immediate instructions.
What information should I have ready when I call the emergency vet?
When calling the emergency vet, be prepared to provide concise and crucial information about your dog. This includes your dog’s breed, age, weight, and any known medical conditions or medications they are currently taking. Describing the circumstances leading up to the breathing cessation can also be helpful, such as if they were choking, had a pre-existing respiratory issue, or experienced trauma.
Clearly and calmly explain the symptoms you are observing, specifically that your dog is not breathing. Provide your location and estimated time of arrival at the clinic. Having this information readily available will allow the veterinary team to prepare for your dog’s arrival and provide the most efficient and effective care possible upon arrival.
What can I do while waiting to transport my dog to the emergency vet?
While awaiting transport, assess your dog’s airway. Gently open their mouth and check for any visible obstructions, such as a foreign object or excessive saliva. If you see something, attempt to carefully remove it. Be cautious not to push the obstruction further down the throat.
If no obstruction is visible, consider performing rescue breathing. Extend the neck slightly, close your dog’s mouth, and gently breathe into their nose, watching for chest rise. Perform 2-3 breaths, then check for a pulse. If there is no pulse, chest compressions are also necessary, but this should ideally be done by someone trained in canine CPR. Only attempt rescue breathing if it’s safe for you to do so, and prioritize getting your dog to the emergency vet as quickly as possible.
How can I safely transport a dog that isn’t breathing to the vet?
Prioritize your safety and the safety of others while transporting your dog. Use a crate or secure your dog with a harness or leash to prevent them from moving around the vehicle and potentially causing an accident. If possible, have someone else drive so you can focus on monitoring your dog and providing any necessary first aid during the journey.
Keep the car windows open slightly to provide fresh air. Keep the drive as smooth and calm as possible, avoiding sudden stops or sharp turns. Alert the emergency vet that you are en route and provide your estimated arrival time. Upon arrival, calmly explain the situation to the staff so they can immediately provide the necessary care for your dog.
What are some common causes of breathing difficulties in dogs?
Breathing difficulties in dogs can stem from various underlying issues. These include foreign object obstruction in the airway, allergic reactions causing swelling, pneumonia or other respiratory infections, heart disease leading to fluid build-up in the lungs (pulmonary edema), and trauma to the chest or lungs. Certain breeds, particularly brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds like Bulldogs and Pugs, are predisposed to breathing problems due to their anatomical structure.
Other potential causes include exposure to toxins or smoke inhalation, tumors in the lungs or airway, and conditions affecting the diaphragm, such as a diaphragmatic hernia. Identifying the underlying cause is crucial for effective treatment, which is why prompt veterinary intervention is so important when a dog experiences respiratory distress.
How can I prevent breathing emergencies in my dog?
Prevention is key to minimizing the risk of breathing emergencies. Regularly monitor your dog for any signs of respiratory distress, such as labored breathing, coughing, or wheezing. Ensure your dog is up-to-date on all vaccinations and receives regular veterinary check-ups to detect and address potential health issues early. Keep small objects and potential choking hazards out of your dog’s reach.
For breeds prone to breathing problems, avoid strenuous exercise in hot or humid weather and maintain a healthy weight. If your dog has a known respiratory condition, adhere to the veterinarian’s treatment plan and keep necessary medications readily available. Learning basic pet first aid, including canine CPR, can also equip you to respond effectively in an emergency situation.