Symptom: Breathing Difficulties – Why is my pet experiencing breathing difficulties?
Breathing difficulties can range from mild increased effort to severe respiratory distress. Your dog or cat may breathe faster than normal, struggle to take a breath, or appear to be working harder to breathe. Some animals may stand with their neck extended, make abnormal breathing noises, or seem reluctant to move. Cats should not normally breathe with an open mouth, so this should always be treated as an emergency. In severe cases, the gums or tongue may appear pale or blue, and your dog or cat may collapse due to a lack of oxygen.
Written by Gill Burkhill, Veterinary Surgeon, Animal Trust Vets CIC | Published May 2026 | Review date May 2029 | This advice is for UK pets only and is not a replacement for seeing a vet
'My pet is having breathing difficulties' - Frequently asked questions
What are the common reasons for my pet having breathing difficulties?
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
DOs - My pet is having breathing difficulties, what to do at home:
- 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'Ts - My pet is having breathing difficulties, what not to do at home:
- 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.
My pet is having breathing difficulties - when is it an emergency?
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.