What’s the reason my dog is breathing quickly while asleep? If your dog’s breathing is rapid while sleeping It’s not something to be worried about, as your pet may be having vivid dreams. However, it is important to figure out what is causing this type of behavior. Think about her age, her size, and whether it’s happening only during sleeping. If not, talk to your veterinarian since it could be a sign of underlying health issues.
What’s more charming than a tranquility-asleep dog? After a day of running, playing, and being a cherished pet every dog needs some time to relax. After all the exhaustion at the time of bed, We would all like our dogs to get the most peaceful and relaxing sleep they’ve ever had. But, that’s not always the case.
At times, around 20 minutes into your nap you might notice your dog beginning to appear restless during their sleep. If you’ve got dogs or a puppy that is breathing rapidly when they sleep it is your right to be worried. If you are concerned do not be concerned. It’s not a problem that’s unique to you. Dog owners are worried about the same issue.
In this complete guide, we’ll figure out the reasons that cause your dog to be breathing quickly during sleep and when you should be concerned and consult a vet. You might be concerned immediately but we’ll go over the normal and abnormal breathing rates for dogs, and what you can do to help.
Why my dog is breathing so fast when he’s asleep?
Humans and dogs share two sleep states: REM and non-REM state. The rapid breathing of dogs is usually an indication that dogs are in the REM state of sleep.
On average, dogs require approximately 20 minutes before reaching the REM stage of sleep. The REM phase or rapid eye movement happens the moment when your pup is entering deep sleep. In REM sleep, it’s common for pets to take rapid and short breathing through their noses.
According to the VCA Hospitals website states that when your dog is in REM sleep, or the deep sleep of your pet, they are likely to experience rapid eye movements, while their brain waves will be more rapid and less regular. When their muscles are relaxed, their minds are more active, and their eyes are moving quickly under their eyelids.
At this point you might notice your dog’s breathing speed increase, faster, snort, throw around, or even bark gently.
It’s acceptable for dogs to experience higher heart rate and breathing rates as well as temperatures during REM sleep. These reasons can cause increased breathing rates in healthy dogs.
Do you think my dog is dreaming or suffering from seizures?
The signs of a nightmare and seizures during sleep may look the same. Therefore, it is normal to be confused between the two. If you suspect that your dog might be suffering from seizures, look out for these symptoms to confirm:
- Heads will then be pulled forward.
- The dog’s legs can be stiff.
- Your dog could be crying a lot after getting up.
- The dog might vomit or vomit involuntarily in night.
Does it cause harm if my dog’s breathing speed is high while asleep?
If your pet is healthy, breathing quickly at night shouldn’t concern you. Be sure to watch your dog as she awakes. If she behaves normally throughout the day then there’s nothing to be concerned about. If your dog is slow or less active or is generally uncharacteristically different from the norm you should visit a vet.
Older dogs and puppies have a higher chance of breathing fast during sleep.
Older dogs and puppies tend to breathe faster than their counterparts in middle age. Puppy dogs generally have a faster heart rate and high metabolism that demands a higher breathing rate, resulting in faster breathing – even when they’re asleep.
Senior dogs could have diminished lung capacity, requiring the dog to breathe faster to meet the demand for oxygen in the body.
Because of this, the speed of breathing in senior and puppy dogs is less of a problem than in an adult dog in good health. There are however certain situations that could indicate the presence of a health problem.
As a dog’s owner, discover how long rapid or heavy breathing continues. If your pet is breathing rapidly even when asleep for several minutes, it’s normal and not something to be concerned about. However, if it continues then you must consult your veterinarian immediately.
What can you tell whether your dog’s rapid breathing could be a sign of a medical issue or from a deep sleep? Read on to learn more about what vets and professionals advise:
Dog breathing quickly during sleep How can this be considered normal?
In general, the average breathing rate of healthy dogs in the state of rest and sleep is in the range of 15-30 breaths per second. The rate can be greater or less dependent on the breed of your dog.
Within 20 minutes of taking the rest, your dog could be entering REM sleep. When this happens you’ll observe these signs which could be a sign that your dog is in deep sleep.
- Rapid breathing with their mouths or the nose.
- Breathing slowly or deeply.
- Barking, whimpering, or woofing.
- Twitching.
- Kicking.
- Stretching.
- They move their paws as if they’re swimming.
If the reaction only lasts for a short period of time while they’re asleep and they behave as normal in their awake state, then there’s nothing to worry about. Do not touch or shake your dog during his deep sleep. It is possible that they are having an unsettling nightmare and could respond by biting you.
Is it normal to have dogs breathe extremely quickly while asleep?
If you regularly count at least 30 breathings every minute when your dog sleeps this is thought to be abnormal and may be cause for concern. Consult your vet immediately.
How do I let my dog breathe during sleep?
At the beginning of sleep, dogs should be breathing at a normal sleep rate. However, as the sleep process gets longer, the rate of breathing shifts. Particularly in REM sleep the breathing rate rises.
If your dog’s rate of breathing is greater than thirty minutes of breaths, it’s an ideal idea to book the appointment with your veterinarian as this is considered to be unusually rapid breathing. This could mean that your dog is suffering from a medical condition or illness.
What is the best time to see an animal vet if my dog’s breathing rapidly during sleep?
Although a higher rate of breathing in dogs is generally not a reason to be concerned however it could be a sign of problems with dogs’ health. If you notice any of the following signs it is strongly recommended to consult a veterinarian:
- If there is a change in the dog’s behavior while she’s awake, for instance, when she is playing less than she does in the past.
- If your dog suffers from an existing condition or illness like heart disease.
If you suspect that your pet has any previous history of respiratory distress we strongly suggest that you talk to your vet immediately.
The signs of respiratory distress include:
- Breathing loud and hard (your pet may be using the muscles in his abdomen to assist in breathing).
- Breathing through the mouth rather than the nose.
- Breathing sounds are different than a typical panting sound.
- Gums are extremely light, pale, or even pale blue.
- Incapable of moving.
- Not wanting to eat food and drink fluids.
- Drooling uncontrollably.
What can the vet do to correctly determine the reason for my dog’s fast breathing?
If you talk to your veterinarian, she’ll give you a recommendation on whether or not you should take your pet to the vet to have a check-up. Your pet’s veterinarian will carry out physical examinations and a variety of diagnostic tests.
Physical examinations help the vet identify the primary reason for your dog’s breathing issue. It could be caused by many reasons like an issue with the lungs and circulatory system, the neck, head, or the airway. The vet will review of your dog’s overall health and determine the cause of his inability to breathe quickly.
If the diagnostic test is recommended by your vet pet, then your dog might require an x-ray test. The test allows the vet to determine whether your dog is suffering from any issues within the heart, lungs, or abdomen. Sometimes, it’s fractured ribs or tumors within the lungs which are causing your dog to have difficulty breathing.
Why should I be evaluating my pet’s respiratory rate when he is at home?
Examining your dog’s respiratory rate at home can help you spot any signs of illness early. This is particularly important for dogs with chronic ailments and can cause death in some instances.
A rapid breathing pattern through the nose can be a warning indication that your dog could be suffering from heart issues. Visit your vet immediately to determine if there might be a problem and ensure it doesn’t get any worse.
What do I do if my dog’s rate of breathing increases when asleep?
If you see your dog breathing faster, the initial step is to determine the speed of his breathing to confirm the suspicion. If so, take note of your dog’s behavior while awake and look for changes. If there are no changes in behavior, you can check again to determine whether the rate of breathing remains high.
Be sure that the rate of breathing increases is regular. You should be able to count the rate of breathing at least three instances over the next few hours when your dog is asleep. If the increase in breathing persists, call your vet immediately.
How can I create an environment that is comfortable for my dog’s sleep?
There are myriad of methods to provide your dog with an area to rest in comfort. This includes:
- A comfy elevated dog bed is an area that is well-ventilated and dimly lit space.
- Regularly scheduled sleep time Make sure your dog is trained to go to bed at regular intervals. This will dramatically enhance the quality of sleep they receive.
- Involve your dog in physical exercise to let them get tired and get a better night’s sleep.
- If none of the methods above don’t seem to be working then you should consider taking medication after you have seen your veterinarian.
Clinical signs that are associated with heart failure or failure in dogs.
A rapid breathing rate of more than 30 breaths a minute when your dog is asleep is an indication of heart disease in dogs. Other indicators you should look for to confirm if your dog is experiencing heart problems include:
- The feeling of weakness or fatigue.
- Vomiting.
- Reduced tolerance to physical activity can lead to fainting following exercise.
- The person is depressed or calm.
- Breathing in a heavy or labored manner.
- Heartbeat irregularity or arrhythmia.
- Appetite reduced.
- Weight loss.
What are the indications of breathing distress in dogs?
A rise in breathing can be caused by an illness of the respiratory system, like obstructive pulmonary disorder. Other signs of respiratory distress are:
- Breathing difficulties.
- Coughing.
- Nasal discharge.
- Lethargy or weakness.
- Noisy breathing.
How do I count my dog’s rate of breathing while asleep?
The process of determining your dog’s breathing rate isn’t as difficult as you might imagine. The term breathing rate refers to the number of breaths that are taken per minute. So, in order to calculate the rate of breathing all you need to do is determine the number of breaths your dog has to take each minute.
To gauge your dog’s breath rate, you’ll have to monitor her movements around her chest. A breath is counted every time you observe the dog’s chest moving out and in. Set your timer to 30 seconds. Begin by counting the number of breaths. To calculate the breath count each minute, divide the figure by two.
You can also set your clock to 60 seconds, and count the total number of breaths in a minute. In this scenario, you don’t need to divide breathing times by 2. If you can, try taking tests at separate times, to determine the average amount of breathing breaths per minute.
To make this process simpler it is possible to use apps like Cardalis which can assist you to monitor and record the dog’s breathing rate.
Be aware that the resting and breathing rate during sleep tends to be within the same interval, but the rate of breathing at rest could be greater than the sleeping rate. It is also more than a reliable measure of health because the sleep breathing rates fluctuate as we’ve seen.
What is the best way to keep track of this rate of breathing for my pet?
The vet will usually require you to count the rate of breathing your dog at least once a day for the duration of a week. This will make you familiar with this procedure and you as well as your vet will find out what your dog’s typical sleep rate of breathing is.
9 Reasons For Why A Dog’s Breath Rate is High When he’s asleep:
It is common for dogs to breathe fast while asleep, at times, it can be indicative of a condition or problem. The circumstances that can trigger an increased rate of breathing in dogs sleeping are:
#1. Heatstroke
If it is hot outside dogs are able to breathe quickly. The normal temperature of a dog’s body is between 101 and 102.5 (or 38.3 up to 39). In the event that their body temperature climbs to the range of 104 to 105.5 (or 41.3 42 – 43), the dog could suffer from heat stroke.
If you suffer from a heat stroke the dog’s respiratory rate will increase rapidly and then pant vigorously through their mouths in order to cool down. Remember that dogs don’t sweat as much as humans do.
#2. Garlic poisoning and onion
Both garlic and onions are dangerous to dogs. They contain harmful substances like sulfide compounds, which trigger red blood cells to explode. Damaged red blood cells could cause Anemia among dogs. Anemia can affect the flow of oxygen and your dog must be breathing quickly in order to compensate.
If you suspect that your dog has been poisoned by onion or garlic poisoning, look for additional signs and symptoms like:
- Excessive salivation
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Urine that is reddish
- Lethargy
- Heart rate increases
If you are sure that you have been poisoned If you suspect poisoning, contact the poison for pets helpline or your veterinarian immediately.
The symptoms and signs of garlic and onion poisoning can take a while to develop, and it is suggested to observe the progression over a period of time in the event that you suspect it happened.
In the event that your pet is prone to the poisoning of garlic or onion and/or garlic poisoning, you should consult a veterinarian if your dog’s breathing rate is increased after eating garlic or onions.
#3. Anemia
Anemia can be described as a bloodstream disorder in which the dog’s immune system fights their red blood cell. Red blood cells have the responsibility of transporting oxygen to tissues as well as carbon dioxide into the lung, this function can be affected in anemia.
A lack of oxygen results in shallow and rapid breathing as a way to provide more oxygen to the body’s tissues and cells.
#4. Heart failure
The heart plays an important role in carrying carbon dioxide and oxygen from body tissues. If your dog is suffering from heart disease, your dog’s body isn’t getting enough oxygen.
In order to compensate for very insufficient levels of oxygen levels, your dog needs to breathe faster to supply more oxygen to the cells of your body.
Heart failure caused by congestion is common in dogs of senior age, so be sure to keep a check on them if they’re breathing rapidly and low. It is recommended to plan regular visits to your veterinarian so that they will be able to keep an eye on the condition. Heart malfunction could cause fluids to build within the lung and heart.
#5. Lung fluid
The lungs of dogs that are normal have certain amounts of fluid to keep them lubricated and moist. In certain situations such as inflammation, excessive fluid can build up inside the lungs. This can be uncomfortable and poses a health risk. Your dog may be more difficulty breathing.
Similar to anemia and heart failure in order to help compensate for the deficiency of oxygen your dog may try to breathe quickly.
Check your dog’s gum. If the gum appears blue, it could be an indication that your dog is having difficulty breathing. Another indication is if your dog has body temperature is low.
#6. Asthma
If your pet suffers from asthma or another allergy, it might experience difficulties breathing. Even when they’re asleep and resting you’ll see rapid breathing.
#7. Brachycephalic breed
Dogs with flat faces or brachycephalic breeds like Pugs, French Bulldog, Boxers as well as Boston Terriers have noses that are narrow which make it difficult to let air pass through their mouths and noses. They are more susceptible to respiratory issues.
Tachypnea is most prevalent in dogs with brachycephalic disorders, where they cannot breathe normally or receive enough air into their lung. This can happen when they’re asleep or lying down. Furthermore, these dogs can experience rapid breathing throughout their existence.
#8. Vibrant dream
Dogs like humans dream also. When they are in a vivid dream they might breathe extremely quickly. This is normal.
#9. General illness
Apart from the above-mentioned illnesses and other conditions can make your dog breathe more quickly. All diseases take their toll on the human body. For instance, if your pet suffers from a high fever and body temperature is greater than usual. To lower the temperature your dog will breathe quickly and sweat often.
If you notice that your dog doesn’t suffer from any of these conditions, but their breathing is unusually fast, it may be a different illness that has caused the changes. Consult your veterinarian immediately to discover what’s the reason your dog is breathing quickly.
When my pet is suffering from heart failure What is the best time to check the speed of its breathing?
You should be able to observe your dog’s heart rate at least twice a day in case she is suffering from heart failure. This is particularly true when your dog is taking heart medication.
What happens if my dog suffers from an asymptomatic heart condition?
Certain dogs might not exhibit any symptoms of heart disease. In this situation, there is no requirement for continuous monitoring of breathing rate. It is possible to check the rate of breathing in case you suspect that there is a problem. In other cases, there is no reason to keep track of the rate of his breathing.
Final Thoughts
It is crucial to remember that a dog’s breathing rate is quick while asleep is not unusual. A breath rate that ranges from 15-30 breathing per minute is common and shouldn’t cause any anxiety. If the dog’s breathing rate is higher than 30 breaths per min, it’s recommended to consult a veterinarian in the event of an illness or condition like anemia or heart disease.
FAQS
What is the reason your dog who is pregnant breathes so quickly while asleep?
The reason for breathing faster in a pregnant dog could be similar to those in normal dogs. But, there are certain causes that are unique to dogs who are pregnant.
The first one is pain during labor. As the time for the birth is near, your dog could start to pant due to discomfort. Another reason is anemia caused by pregnancy. The need for iron to increase is common during pregnancy. If your dog isn’t getting enough iron, it can lead to an increase in breathing rate.
How can you avoid this from happening again?
If your pet is healthy, there’s no reason to stop rapid breathing. The rapid breathing in a healthy dog is just a sign of a dog’s deep sleep (REM condition of sleeping).
If you have concerns about the rate at which your dog breathes then it’s best to tackle the root cause. For example, if the heat causes your dog to breathe more quickly, lower the temperature to a lower level and offer the dog a cooling mat or elevated dog bed to lie down and rest on.
Are there any solutions for a rapid breathing rate?
It is not necessary for medical intervention If your dog’s breathing quickly while asleep, especially in the case of being healthy. If your dog’s breathing is fast and is due to a particular issue, that is what you need to treat rather than the breathing.
How much time should your dog in bed throughout the day?
Your dog should sleep between 12 and 14 hours per day. This can vary because of factors like age breed, breed, and overall health.
For example, puppies rest longer than dogs of adult age. They can sleep as long as 18 hours per day. A dog with a medical condition may require more rest than an otherwise healthy dog.
Why do dogs sleep so much?
Dogs can sleep because of inactivity. So long as they’re not stimulated, dogs are left with no choice but to rest. If you wish for your dog to be awake, you can engage her with physical exercise to keep her awake.
If your dog is healthy and isn’t sleeping too much, there is no reason to worry. It’s just an indication of boredom. Do not be concerned the dog if it seems unresponsive when awake. In this instance, you should consult your vet right away.
Do dogs dream?
Since dogs cannot affirm or deny this so there is no definitive method of determining if they are dreaming. However brain scans of sleep dogs have similar features similar to humans when they are dreaming. So, it’s reasonable to conclude that dogs also dream.
Do you have to wake up asleep dogs if they’re breathing rapidly during the REM state, or have the dread of having a nightmare?
It is not recommended to wake your dog while in REM or when they are having the course of a nightmare. A dog who is awake in the REM state may cause shock to them. Dogs may not want to attack your body if you suddenly wake up after REM sleep.
It is also important to not let your dog sleep when they are having the time of a nightmare. It is because unlike humans they have a short time to sleep which makes their nightmares and dreams last for a shorter time. The dog will get up quickly, therefore it is best to allow her to sleep , even if she’s experiencing an unsettling nightmare.