Dog Breathing Heavily Through Nose

Dogs serve as more than just faithful companions; they excel as remarkable communicators, conveying their emotions and unease through a range of actions. Among these actions, there's the notable behavior of pronounced nasal breathing. Despite its seemingly ordinary nature, this conduct holds substantial importance as it can serve as a noteworthy gauge of your beloved canine's condition. Grasping the reasons behind a dog's heavy breathing through its nostrils can furnish a vital understanding of both its overall health and emotional state.

Normal Dog's Nose Anatomy

Here's an overview of the normal anatomy of a dog's nose:

The external part of a dog's nose includes the visible structure that protrudes from the face. It consists of skin, cartilage, and bone. And the two nostrils, one on each side of their nose. The nostrils are the openings through which air enters and exits the nasal passages. Dogs use their nostrils not only for breathing but also for their highly developed sense of smell. Located in the roof of a dog's mouth behind the incisors, Jacobson's organ is a specialized olfactory structure. It enables dogs to detect pheromones and other chemical signals from other animals, assisting in various social and reproductive behaviors.

Dogs have frontal, maxillary, and ethmoidal sinuses, which are air-filled cavities located within the bones of the skull. These sinuses play a role in humidifying and warming inhaled air, as well as affecting the resonance of vocalizations.

What Does Normal Dog Breathing Look Like?

Before delving into the reasons behind heavy nose breathing, it's essential to understand the basics of canine breathing. Dogs primarily breathe through their noses, unlike humans who often rely on mouth breathing. Normal dog breathing is relatively steady and unobtrusive. Dogs typically take 10 to 30 breaths per minute, depending on factors like breed, size, and activity level.

Is It Normal for My Dog to Breathe Heavily?

Heavy breathing in dogs can be normal in certain situations, but it can also indicate an underlying problem. Such as:

• Dogs tend to breathe heavily after exercise or play. Just like humans, they need more oxygen to fuel their muscles during physical exertion.
• Dogs don't sweat like humans do, so they release heat by panting. Heavy breathing can be a sign of overheating, especially in hot weather.
• Dogs may pant heavily when they're anxious, excited, or stressed.

Why Is My Dog Breathing Heavily? 

In addition to the above reasons, heavy breathing in dogs can be the result of the presence of an underlying health condition that requires prompt attention and treatment, and the following are not normal causes of heavy breathing.

1. Parasites

The parasites are affecting the respiratory system of the dog. One possible scenario could involve parasites such as lungworms or nasal mites.

Lungworms (Angiostrongylus spp.): Lungworms are parasites that can infect the respiratory system of dogs. Dogs become infected by consuming intermediate hosts such as snails and slugs. Once inside the dog's body, the lungworms can travel to the lungs and airways, causing inflammation and breathing difficulties. Heavy breathing can occur as a result of the inflammation and irritation caused by these parasites in the respiratory tract.

Nasal Mites (Pneumonyssoides caninum): Nasal mites are tiny parasites that can infest a dog's nasal passages. These mites can cause irritation, inflammation, and discomfort, leading to heavy breathing. Dogs can become infected with nasal mites through direct contact with infected dogs.

2. Nasal Tract Infections

Nasal tract infections, including those caused by diseases like canine distemper, can lead to heavy breathing or respiratory distress in dogs.

Canine distemper is a highly contagious viral disease that affects dogs. It can lead to a range of symptoms, including respiratory issues. The virus primarily targets the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. If a dog is infected with canine distemper, it might exhibit a variety of symptoms, and the severity can vary. Apart from respiratory symptoms, canine distemper can also lead to fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, neurological symptoms, and more.

3. Abdominal Distension

When the abdomen becomes distended, it can exert pressure on the diaphragm and reduce the available space for the lungs to expand during breathing. This can result in difficulty breathing or heavy, labored breathing.

There are several potential causes of abdominal distension in dogs, including:

• Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus, GDV): Bloat is a life-threatening condition where the stomach becomes distended and can twist upon itself. This condition can rapidly lead to restricted blood flow, difficulty in breathing due to pressure on the diaphragm, and shock. It requires immediate veterinary attention.
• Fluid Accumulation: Fluid accumulation in the abdomen (ascites) can occur due to various reasons, such as heart failure, liver disease, or certain cancers. The buildup of fluid puts pressure on the diaphragm and affects breathing.
• Enlarged Organs: Enlarged organs like the liver or spleen can cause abdominal distension and impact breathing.
• Tumors: Abdominal tumors or masses can lead to distension and discomfort, affecting breathing patterns.
• Pregnancy: In pregnant dogs, the growing uterus can cause abdominal distension and impact breathing.
• Obesity: Excessive weight can lead to a distended abdomen, potentially affecting breathing.

4. Allergies

Allergies can cause respiratory symptoms in dogs, including heavy breathing. Dogs can suffer from various types of allergies, and their symptoms can mimic those of human allergies, such as hay fever.

Seasonal Allergies: Seasonal allergies in dogs are often triggered by environmental factors like pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds. These allergens can lead to allergic reactions in sensitive dogs. The allergic response can cause inflammation of the nasal passages, leading to symptoms like difficulty breathing through the nose, increased nasal discharge, sneezing, and coughing. This inflammation and irritation can result in heavy or labored breathing.

Other Allergic Reactions: Dogs can also be allergic to other substances such as dust mites, mold spores, certain foods, and insect bites. Depending on the type of allergen and the dog's sensitivity, the respiratory symptoms can vary in severity.

5. Pain or Discomfort

Dogs might breathe heavily if they are in pain or experiencing discomfort. It could be due to an injury, illness, or other medical condition. If heavy breathing is accompanied by other signs of distress or behavioral changes, it's important to consult a veterinarian.

6. Brachycephalic Syndrome

Breeds with short noses and flat faces (brachycephalic breeds) like Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boston Terriers are prone to breathing difficulties due to their anatomy. They often pant heavily and can struggle to breathe in certain situations.

7. Obesity

Overweight dogs can have difficulty breathing properly due to excess weight putting pressure on their chest and lungs. This can result in heavy panting, especially after physical activity.

8. Foreign Objects or Choking

If a dog has ingested something they shouldn't have or if there's an obstruction in their airway, they may exhibit heavy breathing, gagging, or coughing.

9. Heartworm Disease

This is a serious condition caused by parasitic worms that can affect a dog's heart and lungs, leading to heavy breathing, coughing, and other symptoms.

10. Poisoning

Ingesting toxic substances can lead to various symptoms, including heavy breathing. If you suspect your dog has ingested something poisonous, seek immediate veterinary help.

When to Seek Veterinary Care

It's important not to jump to conclusions based solely on heavy nose breathing. Other symptoms and behaviors should be considered to assess the overall health of your dog. If you notice any of the following signs alongside heavy breathing, consult a veterinarian promptly:

• Rapid, shallow breathing
• Persistent coughing or wheezing
• Bluish or pale gums
• Excessive drooling
• Lethargy and weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Inability to lie down comfortably

Treatment For Heavy Breathing In Dogs

The treatment for heavy breathing in dogs depends on the underlying cause of the issue. Since heavy breathing can be caused by a variety of factors, it's important to identify the specific cause through a thorough veterinary examination and appropriate diagnostic tests. 

1. Allergies

Allergy management, which may include antihistamines or corticosteroids. Identifying and avoiding allergens, if possible.

Some common antihistamines used in dogs include:

• Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
• Cetirizine (Zyrtec)
• Loratadine (Claritin)
• Fexofenadine (Allegra)
• Chlorpheniramine

Remember, even though these antihistamines are available over-the-counter for humans, it's important to consult your veterinarian before giving them to your dog. Dosages can vary significantly between species, and your vet will consider your dog's weight, overall health, and specific condition to determine the appropriate medication and dosage.

2. Infections (Bacterial, Viral, Fungal)

Antibiotics or antifungal medications to treat the infection.
Supportive care, such as fluids and rest, to help the dog recover.

3. Respiratory Diseases (e.g., Canine Distemper, Kennel Cough)

Symptomatic treatment to relieve respiratory distress, such as oxygen therapy.
Supportive care and medications to manage symptoms and aid recovery.
Vaccination is the best prevention. In areas where distemper is common, regular vaccination is recommended.

4. Lungworms or Nasal Mites

Specific antiparasitic medications targeting the lungworms or mites.

• For Lungworm Infections:

Albendazole: This is a broad-spectrum anthelmintic (deworming) medication that can be effective against certain types of lungworms. It's commonly used to treat a variety of gastrointestinal parasites as well.

Imidacloprid and Moxidectin: Contains moxidectin, which is effective against a range of parasites, including lungworms. It's applied to the skin on the back of the dog's neck.

Milbemycin oxime: It's used to treat a variety of internal parasites, including certain types of lungworms.

• For Nasal Mites:

Ivermectin: Ivermectin is an antiparasitic medication that is effective against a wide range of parasites, including nasal mites. It can be administered orally or through injection, but caution is needed as high doses can be toxic to some dog breeds, especially Collies and related breeds.

Selamectin: Similar to Ivermectin, selamectin is another antiparasitic medication that's used topically to treat a variety of parasites, including nasal mites.

Doramectin: Another member of the avermectin family, doramectin can be used under veterinary supervision to treat nasal mites.

5. Anatomical Abnormalities or Foreign Bodies

Surgery to address anatomical issues or remove foreign bodies causing obstruction. The most common type of foreign body found in dogs is grass awns.

Dog Breathing Heavily Through Nose While Sleeping

When dogs enter REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, during which they might dream or show signs of activity. This can include changes in breathing patterns, such as heavier or faster breathing. It's similar to how humans might have different breathing patterns during dreams which can be normal and not necessarily a cause for concern. 
But dogs have some diseases that can also cause increased breathing during sleep, such as Upper respiratory infection or allergies, brachycephalic breeds, obstructed airways, heart or cardiac issues, and obesity.

If your dog's heavy breathing persists, worsens, or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms (such as coughing, wheezing, excessive snoring, or difficulty breathing when awake), it's essential to consult a veterinarian.

How Many Hours in a Day Should a Dog Sleep?

The amount of sleep a dog needs can vary based on factors such as age, breed, activity level, and overall health. On average, most adult dogs sleep for about 12 to 14 hours a day. Puppies and senior dogs tend to sleep even more. Here's a general breakdown:

If you notice significant changes in your dog's sleeping habits, such as excessive sleepiness, difficulty waking up, or trouble staying awake, it could be a sign of an underlying health issue.

My Pregnant Dog is Breathing Heavily

As mentioned above. Pregnancy can lead to a swollen abdomen in dogs, and this can contribute to heavy or labored breathing. As a dog's pregnancy progresses, the growing size of the uterus and the developing fetuses can put pressure on the diaphragm and other surrounding organs, including the lungs. This increased pressure can lead to respiratory changes, including heavy breathing or panting.

Why Is My Dog Breathing Heavily After Eating

Heavy breathing in dogs after eating can have a few different potential causes, some of which are normal, some dogs naturally breathe more heavily after eating, especially if they've eaten a large meal quickly. This is because the digestive process requires energy and can lead to increased blood flow to the stomach and intestines. And others that may indicate an underlying issue. Such as: allergies or food sensitivities, overeating, gastric dilation-volvulus (Bloat), heart conditions, respiratory infections, obesity 

How Do I Know If My Dog Has Nasal Congestion?

Nasal congestion in dogs can be a sign of various underlying issues, such as infections, allergies, foreign bodies, or even anatomical abnormalities. If you suspect your dog may have nasal congestion and other accompanying symptoms in addition to severe breathing, look for the following signs and symptoms:

• Nasal Discharge
• Sneezing
• Snoring or Noisy Breathing
• Breathing Through the Mouth
• Decreased Appetite
• Rubbing or Pawing at the Nose
• Lethargy
• Reverse Sneezing

If you observe any of these symptoms or suspect that your dog has nasal congestion, it's a good idea to consult a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment. Nasal congestion can be caused by a variety of issues, and only a veterinarian can determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate measures to alleviate your dog's discomfort and address the problem effectively.

Prevention of Breathing Heavily

Preventing heavy breathing in dogs involves a combination of maintaining their overall health, addressing potential triggers, and providing proper care. Here are some steps you can take to help prevent heavy breathing in your dog:

• Ensure your dog is up-to-date on vaccinations to prevent respiratory infections like kennel cough or canine distemper.
• Regular deworming medication prevents heartworm and nasal mites and is effective in preventing breathing difficulties in dogs.
• To avoid heatstroke, it is important not to leave your dog in a parked car, and if he is left outside in hot weather, he should have proper shade and plenty of fresh, clean water.
• It is important to provide your dog with a healthy diet and plenty of exercise opportunities so that he stays emotionally and physically fit.
• Providing regular exercise appropriate for your dog's breed, age, and health status can help maintain good cardiovascular health and lung function. 
• Obesity can contribute to breathing difficulties in dogs. Keeping your dog at a healthy weight through a balanced diet and proper portion control can reduce the strain on their respiratory system.
• If you have a brachycephalic breed, be especially cautious about environmental factors that could exacerbate breathing difficulties. Provide a cool, well-ventilated space and avoid strenuous activities during hot weather.
• Dental health is important for overall well-being. Poor dental health can lead to infections that can affect the respiratory system.

Conclusion

A dog's breathing pattern can be a window into its physical and emotional state. While heavy nose breathing is not necessarily a cause for immediate panic, it should never be ignored. By understanding the potential causes and considering the accompanying symptoms, you can better assess whether your dog's behavior is within the realm of normalcy or if it requires professional veterinary attention.

Related: Why Does My Dog Pant So Much