When your pet dog’s panting doesn’t seem to stop, there must be something unusual going on. But there are instances when breathing difficulties come slowly that you only notice it only after it has become serious.

Pets with respiratory problems may suffer from the following symptoms:

• Takes longer, deeper breaths than normal – breathing seems to demand greater effort
• Shallow, rapid breathing is common in dogs that are panting; open mouth breathing in cats should always be considered a serious emergency.
• Cyanosis – the animal’s tongue and gums have a bluish tinge; signifies a lack of oxygen in his blood.
• Noisy breathing – the animal may be making wheezy, squeaky, loud sounds

There are many causes of abnormal breathing in cats and dogs. Some of the common ones include asthma, brachycephalic syndrome, bronchitis, collapsing trachea, cancer, congestive heart failure, pneumonia, etc.

Some dog breeds naturally breathe noisily all the time, while some dogs pant a lot. If your pet’s breathing seems to be labored or difficult, click here, contact your Pikeville, KY vet immediately.