PetCare Russia
    Emergency

    Rapid Breathing and Panting

    Laboured breathing in cats is almost always an emergency. In dogs, panting is normal in heat, exercise, or stress.

    АП

    Medically reviewed by

    Анна Петрова, DVM, к.в.н.

    Lead Veterinary Editor

    Last reviewed:

    Cat with open-mouth breathing — call emergency immediately. Dog with rest dyspnoea — also urgent.

    Assess

    Rapid Breathing and Panting

    Laboured breathing in cats is almost always an emergency. In dogs, panting is normal in heat, exercise, or stress.

    • •Heatstroke
    • •Heart failure, pulmonary oedema
    • •Asthma
    • •Pain and stress

    Possible causes

    • •Heatstroke
    • •Heart failure, pulmonary oedema
    • •Asthma
    • •Pain and stress
    • •Anaemia

    What to do at home

    1. Cool room, no draught
    2. Cool (not icy) fresh water
    3. Do not chill rapidly with ice
    4. Ventilated carrier for transport

    When to call the vet

    • →Cat open-mouth breathing
    • →Dog dyspnoea at rest
    • →Blue or pale gums
    • →Suspected heatstroke (temp >40 °C)

    FAQ

    What is a normal breathing rate?

    At rest: dog 10–30, cat 20–30 per minute. Count chest movements for 30 seconds × 2.