Fast breathing or panting can be described as rapid, labored breathing by a Springer Spaniel, which is not a normal breathing pattern.
It is normal for a Springer Spaniel 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 Springer Spaniels?
We will dive into the reasons why Springer Spaniel fast breathing occurs, the complications, and when to seek veterinary care.
Why is my Springer Spaniel breathing fast?
A Springer Spaniel 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 Springer Spaniels Breathe Fast?
Springer Spaniels can breathe faster than some other breeds, especially because they are active, energetic dogs with high exercise drive.
Their breathing rate naturally increases during excitement, play, or after activity. However, at rest, their breathing should still be calm and steady.
If a Springer Spaniel is consistently breathing fast while relaxed or showing signs of distress, it may indicate stress, overheating, pain, or an underlying medical issue that needs attention.
Breathing Rate of Springer Spaniels
A normal resting breathing rate for a healthy dog, including Springer Spaniels, is typically around 10–30 breaths per minute.
Active or excited dogs may temporarily breathe much faster, but this should settle once they rest. Puppies and smaller or highly active individuals may naturally sit at the higher end of the range.
Consistently high breathing rates at rest, especially above 30–40 breaths per minute without clear reason, should be monitored and checked if persistent.
Common Reasons for Springer Spaniel Breathing Fast
Illness
Fast breathing can be due to an underlying health problem that causes a Springer Spaniel 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 Springer Spaniel 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 Springer Spaniel include fear, abandonment, trauma, travel, loud noise, new environments, people, or other pets.
Pain
Trauma or injury can lead to a Springer Spaniel breathing heavily because of the pain experienced. The injury could be external or internal causing discomfort and pain.
An injured Springer Spaniel 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 Springer Spaniel shaking?
Heatstroke
Panting or fast breathing can also be due to overheating. This occurs when a Springer Spaniel’s temperature rises due to extreme heat from its environment.
This leads to heat stroke which is fatal. Signs of a Springer Spaniel with heatstroke include fast breathing, drooling, glassy eyes, weakness, increased heart rate, increased body temperatures, vomiting, diarrhea, and seizures.
Medication
If a Springer Spaniel is under medication, some medication can lead to fast breathing.
Smoke inhalation
Smoke inhalation occurs when a Springer Spaniel 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 Springer Spaniel breathing fast in an attempt to breathe to get more oxygen
Vigorous activity
It is normal for a Springer Spaniel 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.
Springer Spaniel Breathing Fast While Resting
Fast breathing while resting is not normal and may suggest pain, anxiety, fever, overheating, heart disease, or respiratory problems.
In Springer Spaniels, which are active dogs, this can sometimes be mistaken for normal behavior after exercise, but true rest breathing should be calm.
If fast breathing continues while the dog is lying still and relaxed, veterinary evaluation is recommended to rule out underlying illness.
Springer Spaniel Breathing Fast While Sleeping
Dogs usually breathe more slowly and deeply during sleep, though mild variation can occur during dreaming.
If a Springer Spaniel is consistently breathing fast during sleep, it may indicate discomfort, respiratory disease, heart issues, or poor oxygen exchange.
If this is frequent or accompanied by restlessness, coughing, or waking up often, it should be investigated by a veterinarian.
Springer Spaniel BreathingFast at Night
Fast breathing at night may be linked to pain, anxiety, overheating, heart disease, or respiratory conditions that become more noticeable when the dog is resting.
Some dogs also show symptoms more clearly at night because there are fewer distractions and the body is fully at rest.
If nighttime fast breathing happens regularly, especially in an older Springer Spaniel, veterinary assessment is important.
Springer Spaniel BreathingFast When Excited
Fast breathing when excited is completely normal in Springer Spaniels due to their energetic and responsive nature.
Excitement increases heart rate and oxygen demand, causing temporary rapid breathing. This typically happens during play, greetings, or anticipation of activity.
Once the dog calms down, breathing should return to normal within a few minutes. If it does not settle, it may indicate poor fitness, anxiety, or an underlying health issue.
Springer Spaniel Puppy Breathing Fast
Puppy Springer Spaniels often breathe faster than adults because their metabolism is higher and their bodies are still developing.
Fast breathing can also occur during sleep, play, or excitement. In most cases, this is normal as long as the puppy is active, eating well, and not showing distress.
However, persistent fast breathing at rest, especially with lethargy, coughing, or poor appetite, should be checked by a veterinarian to rule out infections, congenital issues, or respiratory problems.
Complications
Fast breathing for a Springer Spaniel 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 Springer Spaniel 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 Springer Spaniel 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.