If your dog is experiencing diarrhea and breathing heavy at the same time, it can be alarming and confusing.
These two symptoms together may indicate anything from mild digestive upset to serious health concerns such as dehydration, stress, or organ dysfunction.
We outline the most common causes of dog diarrhea and breathing heavy, what to look for, and when you should seek veterinary care.
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Here’s Why Dog Diarrhea and Breathing Heavy Happens
Dog diarrhea and heavy breathing occurring together can signal a serious underlying health issue. While occasional diarrhea may result from dietary indiscretion or mild digestive upset, its combination with labored or rapid breathing often points to more concerning problems like infection, poisoning, heatstroke, dehydration, heart or respiratory issues, or extreme stress.
Heavy breathing may indicate your dog is struggling to get enough oxygen or is experiencing pain, while diarrhea can quickly lead to fluid and electrolyte loss, worsening overall condition.
Understanding Dog Diarrhea and Heavy Breathing
Diarrhea in dogs is characterized by frequent, loose, or watery stools. It’s often a sign that something is wrong with your dog’s digestive system. While occasional diarrhea can be due to minor dietary changes, persistent or severe diarrhea requires attention.
Heavy breathing in dogs, also known as labored or rapid breathing, refers to a noticeable increase in your dog’s respiratory rate or effort. This could manifest as panting even when not hot or active, shallow breaths, or struggling to catch their breath.
When dog diarrhea and breathing heavy occur together, it could point to underlying issues such as illness, stress, dehydration, or toxic exposure.
What Causes Dog Diarrhea and Heavy Breathing?
1. Dehydration From Diarrhea
One of the first and most direct causes of dog diarrhea and breathing heavy is dehydration. Diarrhea leads to the loss of fluids and electrolytes, which disrupts your dog’s hydration balance. As a result, your dog may start breathing heavier to compensate for low blood volume or low oxygen levels due to reduced circulation.
Signs of dehydration include:
Dry nose and gums
Sunken eyes
Lethargy
Weakness
Increased heart and breathing rate
Heavy breathing is your dog’s way of trying to get more oxygen into the body and maintain homeostasis. Always ensure your dog has access to fresh water and consult a vet if they show signs of dehydration.
Related: Dog diarrhea and body aches (Explained)
2. Gastrointestinal Infection or Illness
Infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites are a leading cause of dog diarrhea. These infections not only upset the digestive tract but can also lead to systemic symptoms such as heavy breathing due to fever, inflammation, or pain.
Some of these conditions include:
Parvovirus
Salmonella
Giardia
Campylobacter
If your dog is lethargic, running a fever, vomiting, or showing diarrhea and breathing heavy, it could indicate a serious illness needing immediate veterinary care.
3. Toxin Ingestion or Poisoning
Ingesting something toxic can cause both diarrhea and heavy breathing as the body attempts to expel the toxin. Vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling, and respiratory distress can occur rapidly.
Common toxic substances include:
Chocolate
Grapes/raisins
Household cleaners
Rodenticides
Xylitol (found in sugar-free gum)
Heavy breathing in such cases is often a result of metabolic changes, organ distress, or even shock. If you suspect your dog may have ingested something toxic, rush to the emergency vet.
4. Heatstroke or Overheating
If your dog has been in a hot environment or overexerted during play or walks, heatstroke is a possibility. Dogs regulate body temperature through panting, so heavy breathing is a key sign. Diarrhea often accompanies heatstroke due to stress and systemic inflammation.
Other signs of heatstroke include:
Excessive drooling
Red or pale gums
Vomiting
Weakness or collapse
Small breeds, brachycephalic breeds (like Bulldogs or Pugs), and overweight dogs are particularly prone to heatstroke. Immediate cooling and veterinary intervention are crucial.
5. Pain and Discomfort
Pain in dogs often presents as panting or heavy breathing, especially when accompanied by signs like restlessness, whining, or reluctance to move. If the pain is abdominal—caused by bloating, inflammation, or a gastrointestinal blockage—it may also lead to diarrhea.
Conditions such as pancreatitis or intestinal obstructions can cause both dog diarrhea and breathing heavy as part of their symptom profile.
6. Stress or Anxiety
Stress and anxiety can lead to both gastrointestinal upset and changes in breathing patterns. Dog diarrhea and heavy breathing may appear after a stressful event such as:
Traveling
Loud noises (e.g., fireworks)
Separation from owner
Introducing a new pet
When a dog is anxious, cortisol levels rise, impacting digestion and increasing respiratory rate. You may also notice behaviors such as pacing, hiding, excessive licking, or barking.
7. Heart or Lung Disease
If your dog has diarrhea and is breathing heavy, particularly if they are older, you cannot rule out heart or lung conditions. Issues such as congestive heart failure, pulmonary disease, or fluid in the lungs can increase respiratory effort and may cause nausea or diarrhea due to poor oxygenation or stress.
Signs to watch for:
Persistent coughing
Bluish gums or tongue
Fainting episodes
Swollen belly
These signs require immediate diagnostic evaluation.
8. Medication Side Effects
Certain medications your dog is taking could be causing both diarrhea and heavy breathing. For instance:
Corticosteroids can cause panting and digestive upset.
NSAIDs may irritate the stomach, causing diarrhea or vomiting.
Diuretics can lead to dehydration, triggering panting and thirst.
Always report new or worsening symptoms to your vet if they occur after starting a new medication.
Related: Dog diarrhea and sickness (Explained)
What to Do If Your Dog Has Diarrhea and Is Breathing Heavily
If your dog is showing diarrhea and breathing heavy, your first step is to assess the severity:
Seek immediate veterinary care if:
Diarrhea is bloody or persistent for more than 24 hours
Breathing is rapid, labored, or noisy
Your dog is lethargic, vomiting, or disoriented
There are signs of pain, bloating, or collapse
You suspect toxin ingestion
At-home care (for mild cases only):
Ensure plenty of fresh water is available
Offer a bland diet (like boiled chicken and rice)
Keep your dog cool and calm
Monitor for worsening symptoms
If symptoms improve within 24 hours and don’t return, your dog may have had a mild digestive upset or temporary stress. But when in doubt, always call your vet.
Prevention Tips for Dog Diarrhea and Heavy Breathing
To minimize the chances of your dog experiencing diarrhea and breathing heavy in the future, consider the following:
Keep your dog’s environment toxin-free
Avoid sudden diet changes
Provide clean, fresh water at all times
Don’t overexert your dog, especially in hot weather
Visit your vet regularly for checkups and vaccinations
Manage stress with routine, training, and comfort
Key Takeaway: Dog Diarrhea and Breathing Heavy
Experiencing dog diarrhea and breathing heavy simultaneously is a red flag that something may be wrong.
While occasional diarrhea or panting isn’t always serious on its own, their combination—especially if persistent or severe—can point to dehydration, poisoning, infection, stress, or even heart and lung disease.
Prompt veterinary evaluation is the safest course of action.
Catching and treating the underlying cause early ensures your dog recovers fully and stays healthy.