Symptom: Breathing Difficulties – A Vet Emergency

Breathing difficulties can occur for a variety of reasons, including: 
- Heart disease or heart failure 
- Lung disease or infection 
- Obstruction of the airways by a foreign object or swelling 
- Fluid around the lungs or within the chest 
- Trauma or other serious underlying illness 

Further reading: Congestive heart failure (CHF) in dogs and cats

- Keep your dog or cat as calm and quiet as possible. 
- Minimise movement and allow them to rest in a comfortable position. 
- Keep them in a cool, well-ventilated area. 
- Avoid stress or excitement, which can make breathing more difficult. 
- Contact your vet immediately for advice if your dog or cat is having difficulty breathing. 

- Don’t force your dog or cat to exercise or walk. 
- Don't force your dog or cat into a particular position - they will often choose the position that makes breathing easiest. 
- Don’t give human medications unless specifically advised by your vet. 
- Don’t delay seeking veterinary attention if your dog or cat is struggling to breathe. 
- Don’t assume the problem will resolve on its own, even if the signs seem mild. 

Breathing difficulties should always be taken seriously. Seek immediate veterinary attention if your dog or cat is breathing with obvious effort, has pale, blue or grey gums or tongue, collapses, becomes weak or unresponsive, or if your cat is breathing with an open mouth. If you are concerned that your dog or cat is struggling to breathe, they should be seen by a vet as soon as possible.