Why Is My Dog Breathing Fast While Sleeping
If your dog is sleeping, he should be breathing normally. If you notice that his breathing is fast, it’s time to pay better attention. If your dog’s breathing is fast while sleeping, it’s usually nothing to worry about. However, if you are concerned or if the fast breathing continues for a long time, you should always consult your vet
Sleeping problems
- Sleep is important for your dog’s health.
- The most common sleep disorders in dogs are narcolepsy and sleep apnea.
- Other animals, including humans and babies, also suffer from sleep disorders.
Obesity
Obesity can cause breathing problems in dogs. For example, weight gain puts extra pressure on the diaphragm, which can make it harder for your dog to breathe. Obesity also increases the workload of the heart, which can lead to heart disease over time.
Fever
As your dog’s body temperature rises, his breathing rate increases. If the fever is caused by an infection or inflammation, then it’s likely that the dog will be panting as well.
A high fever could be a sign of cancer in dogs and cats, so if you notice this behavior in your dog and he does not have another health problem that would explain it (such as being overweight or diabetic), make sure to see your veterinarian for further examination.
Elevated body temperature
If your dog’s temperature is elevated, it could be a sign of a serious illness. If you notice that your dog is breathing fast while asleep and his temperature is elevated, you should consult with a vet immediately. You should also take him to the vet as soon as possible if his temperature is elevated and he’s not sleeping (or doesn’t sleep much).
Anemia
If your dog is breathing fast while sleeping, it’s possible that he has anemia. Anemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough red blood cells. It’s caused by a number of factors, including a lack of iron in the diet.
Anemia causes dogs to breathe rapidly because they are trying to get enough oxygen through their lungs. This process can increase your dog’s heart rate and cause him to feel fatigued or dizzy if he doesn’t get enough sleep throughout the night.
Bronchitis
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchi, which are the tubes that carry air to and from your dog’s lungs. It can be caused by viruses, bacteria and parasites. Viral infections like kennel cough or influenza can act as triggers for this condition. The same is true for bacterial infections such as Bordetella bronchiseptica and Mycoplasma.
Bronchitis can also be caused by inhaling smoke, dust or fumes (such as from cleaning products). If you suspect your dog has been exposed to these substances recently—or if his symptoms seem worse after being outdoors for long periods of time—you should take him to see a veterinarian immediately.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is a bacterial or viral infection that affects your dog’s lungs. While pneumonia is common in all dogs, it’s especially prevalent in senior pets. Symptoms of this condition include fever, rapid breathing and coughing. If your dog is experiencing these symptoms while sleeping, or if you notice any changes in her behavior at all while asleep—such as not waking up when she normally would—it’s important to visit a veterinarian immediately to rule out pneumonia as the cause of her difficulties.
Bacterial and viral pneumonias are both treatable with antibiotics, but both types can be fatal if left untreated for too long because they cause severe damage to the lungs and surrounding tissue structures over time.
Heart disease
Heart disease is a common cause of fast breathing in dogs. It can be caused by heartworm, hypertension, or a heart murmur. In some cases it’s due to an arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat).
Heart disease can also lead to shortness of breath and fatigue because the heart needs more energy to pump blood around your dog’s body. If you notice these symptoms in your dog while he’s sleeping, it might be time to take him to see the vet for an examination.
When your dog is sleeping, he should breathe normally. If you notice that his breathing is fast, it’s time to pay better attention. If your dog’s breathing is fast while sleeping, it’s usually nothing to worry about. However, if you are concerned or if the fast breathing continues for a long time, you should always consult your vet.
