Learn the steps to take when your dog is wheezing, its potential causes, when to seek veterinary care, and tips for minimizing wheezing.
Read Time: 6 minutes
If you’ve ever heard your dog wheezing, you know how concerning it can be. That high-pitched, whistling sound can signal various issues, from mild irritants to serious health problems. Knowing how to respond effectively can make a big difference in your dog’s health and comfort. It’s important to understand the steps to take when your dog is wheezing, the potential causes, when to seek veterinary care, and tips for minimizing wheezing.
When your dog is wheezing, it’s vital to identify the cause and take appropriate action:
Steps To Take if Your Dog Is Wheezing
- Stay Calm and Observe: Keep your dog calm and monitor their breathing. Note any other symptoms like coughing, gagging, or lethargy.
- Check for Obstructions: Look inside your dog’s mouth and throat for any visible obstructions. If you can safely remove it, do so. Otherwise, seek veterinary help immediately.
- Assess the Environment: Identify any recent changes in your dog’s environment that could trigger wheezing, such as new cleaning products, air fresheners, or pollen.
- Provide Fresh Air: Ensure your dog is in a well-ventilated area with fresh air. Avoid smoky or dusty environments.
- Hydrate: Offer your dog water to drink, as staying hydrated can help clear the airways.
What Does Wheezing Sound Like?
Wheezing is characterized by a high-pitched whistling or hissing sound when your dog breathes, particularly during exhalation. It often indicates a restriction or inflammation in the airways.
When Wheezing Might Resolve on Its Own
Your dog’s wheezing can sometimes go away on its own when it’s caused by:
- Mild Allergic Reactions: Temporary exposure to allergens like pollen or dust may cause brief wheezing that resolves once the allergen is removed.
- Minor Respiratory Irritation: Inhalation of mild irritants, such as a small amount of smoke or perfume, can lead to temporary wheezing that goes away as the airways clear.
- Short-term Illness: Viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections can cause wheezing that improves as your dog recovers.
When To Take Your Dog to the Vet
Taking your dog to the vet or emergency vet hospital if they are wheezing is important and may save their life. Veterinarians can give an accurate diagnosis, provide appropriate treatment, prevent complications, offer preventative advice, monitor and follow up with your dog’s progress, and adjust treatment when necessary.
- Persistent Wheezing: If wheezing persists for more than a few minutes or occurs frequently
- Difficulty Breathing: If your dog struggles to breathe due to a collapsed trachea (common in small breeds) or has blue-tinged gums
- Accompanying Symptoms: If wheezing is accompanied by coughing, gagging, lethargy, or loss of appetite
- Obstruction: If you suspect an obstruction by a foreign object that you cannot safely remove
- Known Allergies or Asthma: If your dog has a history of respiratory issues, consult your vet immediately
Early intervention can prevent any of the listed above from worsening. Respiratory issues can escalate quickly, leading to breathing difficulties or secondary infections. Consulting with your local veterinarian can also give you and your family peace of mind by having a professional management plan and knowing your dog is receiving the best care possible.
Is Your Dog’s Breathing Making You Worried?
Don’t wait to see a vet if your dog’s breathing does not resolve in a short period of time. Our team at Dr. Phillips Animal Hospital is here to help!
Triggers That Can Cause Wheezing in Dogs
Whether an underlying health issue causes your dog’s wheezing or you’ve noticed a one-time occurrence, we recommend understanding triggers that can initiate wheezing. This will help you be more aware of what is around you and how to pivot and solve any issues readily.
Allergens
- Seasonal Pollen: Spring and fall
- Dust Mites: Found in bedding, carpets, and upholstered furniture
- Mold Spores: Present in damp areas that do not dry quickly
- Smoke: From tobacco, bonfires, fireplaces, or even cooking
Irritants
- Cleaning Products: Strong chemicals and sprays
- Air Fresheners: Scented candles, plug-ins, and sprays
- Perfumes: Strong scents can irritate the airways
Health Conditions
- Asthma: Inflammation of the airways
- Bronchitis: Infection or chronic inflammation
- Cancer: Lymph nodes in the back of the throat can enlarge as time goes on
- Heart Disease: This can cause fluid buildup in the lungs
- Infections: Any bacterial, viral, parasitic, or fungal infections can irritate the respiratory tract
Physical Obstructions
- Foreign Objects: Toys, food particles, or other small objects are lodged in the back of your dog’s larynx
- Collapsed Trachea: This is a common occurrence in small breeds
Need some more help? Our Pet Health Checker can help you determine whether going to the vet is crucial or if you should continue monitoring your dog’s symptoms at home.
Concerned About Your Dog’s Health?
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Tips To Minimize Wheezing
Though it is not as common for dogs to have allergies like seasonal allergies as it is for humans, dogs can still be prone to them. Here are a few preventative measures you can take to reduce the risk of wheezing:
- Regular Cleaning: Keep your home clean and free of dust and mold.
- Air Filters: Use HEPA filters to reduce airborne allergens.
- Non-Toxic Cleaners: Use pet-safe cleaning products.
- Smoke-Free Environment: Avoid smoking near your pet.
- Regular Vet Visits: Routine check-ups to monitor respiratory health.
Home Remedies To Help a Dog’s Wheezing
Before trying home remedies, we recommend consulting with your vet before trying holistic solutions to ensure they are safe and appropriate for your dog’s specific condition.
- Steam Therapy: Bring your dog into the bathroom while you run a hot shower to create steam. This can help open up the airways.
- Humidifier: Use a humidifier in your home to maintain moisture in the air, which can help soothe irritated airways.
- Honey: A small amount can soothe the throat and reduce coughing (consult your vet for appropriate dosing).
- Herbal Remedies: Herbal supplements like licorice root or mullein can help reduce inflammation (consult your vet before use).
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Ensure your dog is at a healthy weight, as obesity can exacerbate respiratory issues.
You Can Count on Dr. Phillips Animal Hospital for Aid
Understanding the triggers and appropriate responses to your dog’s wheezing can help you ensure they stay healthy and keep their tails wagging. Certain wheezing circumstances may resolve on their own, but it’s crucial to know when to seek professional help. A clean environment and being proactive with your dog’s health can minimize the chances of wheezing and other respiratory issues. If your dog’s wheezing persists or you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Phillips Animal Hospital for help. Your dog’s well-being is worth the effort!
For more tips on keeping your pet healthy and happy, visit our website or contact us at (407) 352-2579. We’re here to help you and your furry friend every step of the way.
