Fast breathing or panting can be described as rapid labored breathing by a Chihuahua which is not a normal breathing pattern.
The average breathing rate of a Chihuahua is between 15 to 25 breaths per minute while at rest and a breathing rate higher than this translates to fast breathing.
It is normal for a Chihuahua to breathe heavily or pant after exercising, playing, walking, or during hot weather.
However, generally, dog breathing should not be difficult and you need to differentiate when it’s normal and when you need a visit to the veterinarian.
So what causes fast breathing in Chihuahuas?
We will dive into the reasons why Chihuahua fast breathing occurs, the complications, and when to seek veterinary care.
Why is my Chihuahua breathing fast?
A Chihuahua breathing fast occurs due to various reasons including illness, anxiety, pain, heatstroke, medication, smoke inhalation, and vigorous activity. Panting helps a dog to cool down but it can also be due to an underlying health condition.
Do Chihuahuas Breathe Fast?
Yes, Chihuahuas generally have a faster breathing rate than larger dog breeds because of their small size and higher metabolism.
Small dogs tend to breathe more rapidly to meet their body’s oxygen needs. A healthy Chihuahua at rest will often breathe faster than a Labrador or other large breed.
However, excessively rapid, labored, or noisy breathing is not normal and may indicate stress, overheating, pain, heart disease, or respiratory illness.
Is It Normal for Chihuahuas to Breathe Fast?
Fast breathing can be normal in certain situations, such as after exercise, during excitement, in warm weather, or during periods of stress.
Chihuahuas are energetic dogs and may temporarily breathe faster than expected during these times.
The breathing should return to normal once the dog calms down. If fast breathing persists while resting or sleeping, it should be investigated further.
Chihuahua Breathing Fast: Common Causes
Illness
Fast breathing can be due to an underlying health problem that causes a Chihuahua to have rapid breathing.
Respiratory disorders, Cushing’s disease, and heart failure are diseases that cause fast breathing along with other symptoms.
Respiratory disorders include respiratory infection, tracheal collapse, and laryngeal paralysis.
Anxiety
When a Chihuahua is stressed or anxious they tend to be restless, irritable, and have an increased heart rate, rapid breathing, or shortness of breath.
Common reasons for anxiety in Chihuahua include fear, abandonment, trauma, travel, loud noise, new environments, people, or other pets.
Pain
Trauma or injury can lead to a Chihuahua breathing heavily because of the pain experienced. The injury could be external or internal causing discomfort and pain.
An injured Chihuahua will also show other signs indicating they are experiencing pain such as loss of appetite, restlessness, enlarged pupils, reluctance to be touched or to lie down, licking of the injured area, and anxiety.
Related: Why is my Chihuahua shaking?
Heatstroke
Panting or fast breathing can also be due to overheating. This occurs when a Chihuahua’s temperature rises due to extreme heat from its environment.
This leads to heat stroke which is fatal. Signs of a Chihuahua with heatstroke include fast breathing, drooling, glassy eyes, weakness, increased heart rate, increased body temperatures, vomiting, diarrhea, and seizures.
Medication
If a Chihuahua is under medication, some medication can lead to fast breathing.
Smoke inhalation
Smoke inhalation occurs when a Chihuahua inhales smoke from products on combustion. The smoke inhaled causes inflammation of the lungs and airways which swell and prevent oxygen uptake.
This leads to respiratory distress and a Chihuahua breathing fast in an attempt to breathe to get more oxygen
Vigorous activity
It is normal for a Chihuahua to breathe heavily after exertion from vigorous activity such as exercise or from playing.
During these activities, the muscles of a dog require more oxygen, therefore, the heart pumps faster to supply more blood to the organs and the lungs supply the oxygen, which results in heavier breathing and rapid heartbeat.
Chihuahua Breathing Fast When Excited
Fast breathing during excitement is usually normal. Chihuahuas often become highly stimulated by visitors, play, walks, or other exciting events, which can temporarily increase their breathing rate and heart rate.
The breathing should gradually slow once the dog calms down. Persistent rapid breathing after the excitement has passed may indicate another issue.
Chihuahua Breathing Fast and Shallow
Rapid, shallow breathing may indicate pain, anxiety, overheating, respiratory disease, or heart problems.
Unlike normal panting, shallow breathing often appears more strained and may not effectively move enough air into the lungs.
If the dog appears uncomfortable, lethargic, or has pale or bluish gums, immediate veterinary attention is necessary.
Chihuahua Breathing Fast While Resting
A Chihuahua that consistently breathes rapidly while resting may have an underlying medical condition such as heart disease, respiratory infection, anemia, or pain. Resting breathing should generally be calm and regular.
Monitoring the resting respiratory rate can be helpful. Persistent fast breathing at rest warrants a veterinary examination, especially if it is a new behavior.
Chihuahua Breathing Fast While Sleeping
Breathing can temporarily become faster during dreaming or REM sleep, which is usually normal. However, continuous rapid breathing throughout sleep may indicate heart disease, respiratory problems, pain, or overheating.
If the dog consistently breathes much faster than normal while sleeping or seems distressed when waking up, veterinary evaluation is needed.
Chihuahua Breathing Fast at Night
Nighttime fast breathing can occur due to anxiety, discomfort, warm sleeping conditions, or underlying medical issues.
In older Chihuahuas, heart disease is a particularly important consideration because it can cause increased respiratory effort during rest.
If nighttime rapid breathing is frequent or worsening, it should be assessed by a veterinarian.
Chihuahua Puppy Breathing Fast
Puppies naturally breathe faster than adult dogs because they have higher metabolic rates and are still growing. It is common for Chihuahua puppies to breathe rapidly during sleep, after play, or when excited.
However, breathing that appears labored, noisy, or accompanied by weakness, coughing, or poor appetite should be evaluated by a veterinarian.
Old Chihuahua Breathing Fast
Fast breathing in an older Chihuahua should be taken seriously because senior dogs are more prone to heart disease, lung disease, pain, and other age-related health problems.
Conditions such as congestive heart failure can cause an increased breathing rate, particularly during rest and sleep.
If an older Chihuahua suddenly develops rapid breathing or shows other signs such as coughing, lethargy, weakness, or reduced appetite, veterinary evaluation is important to identify and treat the underlying cause as early as possible.
Complications
Fast breathing for a Chihuahua is not normal and should always be taken as an emergency, especially when it’s not due to normal activities such as exercise or hot weather.
Because breathing heavily can be caused by various conditions that can be life-threatening, it is important to seek medical help.
If left untreated, the condition can lead to fatal outcomes and even death.
What to Do When Your Chihuahua is Breathing Fast
Pay attention to your dog’s breathing and assess if it is due to normal vigorous activity or due to hot weather when they are cooling down.
Look out for the following signs which are a cause of concern that mean medical attention is required:
- Rapid breathing with no reason for it such as exercise playing running or being in hot weather
- Excessive drooling
- Fast breathing especially while sleeping or resting
- Shallow rapid breathing
- Rapid breathing without their tongue sticking out
- Fast breathing while standing and unwillingness to lie down
- Difficulty in breathing (being out of breath)
- Production of other sounds (squeaks or grunts) when breathing
- Pale or blue-tinged gums
- Rapid breathing that also engages the stomach muscles
The veterinarian will conduct a complete physical examination of your dog and also different diagnostic tests to determine the underlying cause of the fast breathing.
Treatment varies depending on the underlying cause. This includes the administration of medication to treat stress or other illnesses.
Oxygen therapy may also be recommended or hospitalization in severe cases.
Key Takeaway
Panting or fast breathing is normal in all dogs. However, in some cases, it can be due to medical conditions.
When you notice that your Chihuahua is breathing fast, assess the factors that might be causing it whether it is due to vigorous activities such as exercise or hot weather.
If you cannot pinpoint exactly what could be the cause of the fast breathing, always contact your veterinarian to determine the cause because it can be due to a serious underlying illness.