Mary Allen
Introduction to Laboured Breathing in Dogs
Laboured breathing, also known as dyspnea, is a common respiratory problem in dogs. It is characterized by difficulty in breathing, shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, and gasping for air. Laboured breathing can affect dogs of any age, breed, and size and can be caused by various underlying medical conditions. In some cases, laboured breathing can be a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate medical attention.
Understanding the Anatomy of Dog Breathing
Dogs have a respiratory system that is responsible for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in their body. Their respiratory system consists of the nose, mouth, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and lungs. When a dog inhales, air enters through their nose or mouth, passes through the pharynx and larynx, and then through the trachea into the lungs. The lungs are responsible for oxygenating the blood and removing carbon dioxide from the body. During exhalation, the air is expelled from the lungs, through the bronchi, bronchioles, trachea, larynx, and finally, the nose or mouth.
Causes of Laboured Breathing in Dogs
There are several causes of laboured breathing in dogs, including respiratory infections, allergies, heart disease, lung disease, obesity, trauma, cancer, and foreign objects in the airway. Dogs with flat faces, such as pugs and bulldogs, are more prone to laboured breathing due to their short snouts and narrow airways. Additionally, dogs that are exposed to extreme temperatures, high altitude, or exercise excessively can experience laboured breathing.
Stay tuned for the next article section, where we will discuss the symptoms of laboured breathing in dogs.