When you welcome a puppy into your home for the first time, there’s a lot to learn! And one thing new pet parents often find themselves asking is, ‘is it normal for a puppy to breathe fast?’. But don’t panic – the sight of their tiny chest rising and falling rapidly can be worrying, however in most cases it’s perfectly healthy.
Normal puppy respiration
Many things affect a puppy’s breathing rate, from what they’re doing to where they are and how they feel. There’s also some natural variation in breathing speed between different dogs depending on factors like their breed and size. However, as a general guideline, a standard resting respiratory rate for a puppy is approximately 20-40 breaths per minute.
To measure your puppy’s breathing rate, wait until they’re sitting still or sleeping and watch their chest rise and fall. Set a timer for one minute, and each time their chest rises, count one breath. This should give you a good idea of how quickly your pet is breathing.
Is it normal for a puppy to breathe fast compared to adult dogs? Yes. Just like human adults and children, young pups have a quicker respiration rate than grown-up mutts. The average breathing rate for adult pooches is around 10-20 breaths per minute. However, bear in mind that small breeds tend to breathe more quickly than large breeds, so these figures will vary.
Why do puppies breathe so fast? There are a few reasons. For example, they have smaller lungs than older dogs, so take in less oxygen with each breath. In addition, puppies have a higher metabolic rate than grown-up pooches because they’re growing so swiftly. Their body needs more oxygen to support this rapid development, leading to an increased breathing rate.
If your pet is breathing more quickly than the respiration rates given above, it’s not necessarily a cause for concern. It’s natural for certain activities or environmental factors to have this effect. So, when is it normal for a puppy to breathe fast?
Why is my puppy breathing so fast?
Here are some of the most common explanations why your furry friend might be breathing more quickly than usual:
Physical activity
Just as we breathe faster at the gym or out hiking, our pets’ respiration rates go up when they exercise. During a runaround at the park or playtime at home, your puppy’s muscles require more oxygen to give them energy. Breathing more swiftly enables them to take in greater amounts of oxygen and continue playing. This increased breathing rate may last for a while after they stop being active, helping them recover from the exertion. In addition, physical activity raises your mutt’s body temperature. Dogs don’t sweat in the way we do, instead relying mostly on panting to cool themselves down. This is another reason puppies breathe fast when they’re energetic.
Heat
Exercise isn’t the only thing that increases your dog’s temperature. Hot weather will do the same, and may cause a corresponding increase in breathing rate. Our pups primarily sweat through merocrine glands in their paw pads, which isn’t a very effective method of cooling off. Because of this, they need to breathe rapidly with their mouth open to regulate their body temperature. Known as panting, this behaviour helps pooches to cool down by evaporating moisture from their mouth and respiratory tract.(1) Is it normal for a puppy to breathe fast and noisily in warm environments? Yes, it’s their way of lowering their temperature. You can help by giving them access to shady places, providing fresh cold water, and offering them frozen treats.
Excitement
As all pup parents know, our dogs experience a range of emotions, including joy, surprise, and excitement. Many of these have a physiological effect on our pets, such as altering their heart rate and hormone levels. And some emotions can also change their respiration rate. Is it normal for a puppy to breathe fast when they’re excited? Absolutely! This is especially true if they’re playing actively at the same time. Likewise, it may raise their breathing rate if something surprises them. These types of feelings should only result in a short-term increase in respiration. Once they pass, your mutt’s breathing will return to its usual rate.
Do puppies breathe fast when they sleep?
Bedtime is a period of rest and relaxation for our pets, during which their bodies and brains recharge and repair. So we naturally expect their breathing to become slower and deeper while they’re asleep. Because of this, your puppy breathing fast when sleeping might seem like something to worry about. Yet this isn’t necessarily the case.
There are two main stages in your pet’s sleep cycle: REM sleep and non-REM sleep. Non-REM sleep, or slow-wave sleep, is when activities like physical recovery and memory consolidation take place. It’s characterised by slower brainwaves, heart rate, and breathing. REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, on the other hand, is when your dog dreams. Is it normal for a puppy to breathe fast when dreaming? Definitely! They may also whimper, wag their tail, or move their legs as though they’re running.
A dog’s sleep cycle is usually only around 20 minutes long, so you might frequently notice your puppy breathing fast when sleeping. During REM sleep, their respiration could become shallow and irregular too. However, as long as it’s not accompanied by any negative symptoms, this isn’t problematic.
So, when do we need to worry about a puppy’s rapid respiration?
When your puppy breathing fast is a concern
Is it normal for a puppy to breathe fast? Yes, you should expect your baby pooch to have a higher respiration rate than grown-up pups. And any time your mutt is excited, physically active, or warm, their breathing is likely to be swifter. But this doesn’t mean speedy breathing is never a warning sign.
For example, if your dog is panting heavily when resting, this might suggest that there’s a problem. Other troubling indicators to look out for include abnormally loud breathing and visible signs of struggling to breathe. Animals who are suffering with respiratory problems may also cough, stretch their neck, and have blue or grey gums.
And then there are symptoms less obviously linked to breathing. These include lethargy, loss of appetite, restlessness, weakness, and fatigue. You might notice that your pet doesn't want to go out on walks, or their condition worsens after physical activity.
We mentioned above that excitement is a common reason for speedy breathing in pups. Along similar lines, stress and anxiety can also increase your pet’s respiration rate and cause them to pant. These symptoms should stop once the source of the stress has gone and your pooch calms down. For example, your puppy might breathe quickly when at the vet, but be fine once you get home.
However, in some cases – such as separation anxiety – stress is a more persistent problem. If you think your puppy is breathing fast because they’re anxious, there are ways you can help. For instance, stick to a consistent routine and ensure they have a quiet and safe space to retreat to. Plus, of course, give them lots of love!
Possible medical causes of a puppy breathing fast
There are several medical conditions that can make your puppy breathe more quickly. For example, if they have a cough or nasal discharge as well, it might be a sign of respiratory infection. Fever brought on by other types of infection could also increase respiration as your pet tries to cool down. Alternatively, if the rapid breathing comes on suddenly and severely, there’s a chance it could be an allergic reaction. An abnormally high respiration rate may additionally be due to a congenital heart condition, although these are rare in puppies.
A more common issue to consider if your puppy is breathing fast on a hot day is heatstroke. While some panting and increased respiration is normal in warm weather, if it becomes excessive it could indicate a problem. Heatstroke is a very dangerous condition that may lead to serious illness or even death. If you notice symptoms like red or pale gums, drooling, confusion, vomiting, diarrhoea or collapse, seek immediate veterinary assistance.
Is it normal for a puppy to breathe fast because of their breed? Yes, this can have an impact. Specifically, brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds – such as Pugs and French Bulldogs – are prone to quicker breathing rates and respiratory issues.(2) This is because structural abnormalities like narrowed nostrils and an elongated soft palate restrict airflow and make breathing difficult. Some brachycephalic dogs also have narrow windpipes, so it’s a little like they’re breathing through a straw. All of which results in faster, louder, and more laboured respiration.
If you have a brachycephalic pup, you can help them by ensuring they maintain a healthy body weight. Heat often worsens their symptoms, so take extra care to keep your canine companion cool in summer.
What to do if you notice your puppy breathing fast
The best course of action when you spot your puppy breathing quickly will depend on the situation. For example, if your pooch is getting overexcited or hyperactive, take them to a calm area for a timeout. This should return their respiration rate to normal. Conversely, if you think heat is to blame, bring them to a shady place to lower their body temperature. Offer them cold water or an icy treat, then pop them in a cool bath or on a cooling mat. Monitor their breathing and keep an eye out for signs of heatstroke.
If your pet is experiencing any worrying symptoms in addition to rapid respiration, take them to the vet immediately. It’s also sensible to book an appointment if your puppy’s fast breathing continues for an extended period of time. This applies even if you don’t notice any other symptoms. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to the welfare of our beloved pups!
How to support your dog’s respiratory health
There are plenty of ways to support healthy respiration in your puppy. First, take the time to monitor their breathing so you can recognise when it deviates from the norm. Is it normal for a puppy to breathe fast? Yes – but how fast will vary between individual animals, so it’s helpful to know what’s usual for your pet.
Second, provide your pooch with a comfortable environment. What does that look like? Ideally, a home that’s well ventilated, cool in hot weather, and free of air pollutants like dust and cigarette smoke. Keeping their bedding, toys, and other items clean will also help minimise irritants and allergens.
Third, ensure that your dog is physically active and maintains a healthy weight. Obesity can cause or exacerbate breathing problems, for example when fat builds up around the airways and restricts respiration. Studies show that obese dogs have a higher respiration rate, even when they’re resting.(3) At the same time, make sure that your pooch doesn't overheat while playing or out walking when it’s warm.
Feeding your pet a nutritious diet is helpful too. Not only does it lessen the risk of obesity, but it also supports immunity and reduces inflammation and oxidative stress. Some of the most important nutrients for supporting your pup’s immune system include vitamins A, C and E, minerals like zinc and selenium, plus omega-3 fatty acids. Meanwhile, our organic ashwagandha powder might be beneficial for adult dogs who are breathing rapidly due to stress.(4)
Finally, ensure your pet always has access to fresh, clean, cool water to prevent dehydration.
Is it normal for a puppy to breathe fast?
Not only is it normal for a puppy to breathe fast compared to adult dogs, it’s expected. This is because of their smaller size and higher metabolic rate. And dogs of all ages breathe more quickly when they’re warm, excited, or physically active, and even when they’re dreaming. However, in some cases, rapid respiration may be a sign of stress, heatstroke, or other medical conditions. So if you notice any other negative symptoms, a trip to the vet is a wise idea. Aside from that, you can take care of your pet’s respiratory health with good nutrition, regular exercise, and a clean, comfy home.
