Symptom: Breathing Faster – When Should I Contact a Vet?
How would I recognise if my pet was breathing faster?
Fast breathing means your pet is breathing more quickly than normal. While this can happen after exercise, excitement or in warm weather, fast breathing at rest is not normal and should always be assessed by a vet.
Common signs include:
Breathing faster than usual while resting or sleeping
Rapid movement of the chest or abdomen
Laboured breathing or increased effort to breathe
Open-mouth breathing (especially in cats)
Pale, blue or grey gums
Breathing that remains fast even when your pet is calm
Frequently asked questions
What are the common reasons for my pet breathing faster
- Exercise, excitement or warm weather: fast breathing is a normal response after activity or when your pet is hot.
- Pain, stress or anxiety: pets may breathe more rapidly when they are uncomfortable or frightened.
- Respiratory disease: conditions such as asthma, airway inflammation, infections or a collapsing trachea can cause fast breathing.
- Heart disease: heart conditions can cause fluid to build up around or within the lungs, leading to rapid breathing.
- Other serious illnesses: heatstroke, poisoning and other medical conditions can also cause fast breathing.
DO’s – What can I do at home if my pet breathing faster?
- If your pet is breathing rapidly while resting, contact your vet immediately.
- Keep your pet calm and allow them to rest in a cool, quiet environment.
- Minimise stress and unnecessary movement while you arrange veterinary attention.
- Monitor your pet closely and seek urgent veterinary advice if their breathing becomes more difficult or they develop other symptoms.
DON'Ts – What I shouldn't do at home if my pet breathing faster?
- Don't encourage your pet to exercise if they are breathing rapidly.
- Don't assume fast breathing is normal, especially if your pet is resting or sleeping.
- Don't wait to see if it settles on its own if your pet is breathing rapidly at rest.
- Don't delay contacting your vet if your pet's breathing becomes more rapid, laboured or noisy.
When is it an emergency?
Seek immediate veterinary attention if your pet:
- Is breathing rapidly while resting or sleeping.
- Is struggling to breathe or breathing with increased effort.
- Has pale, blue or grey gums.
- Collapses, becomes weak or is difficult to wake.
- Is open-mouth breathing (especially cats).
Fast breathing at rest is never normal. If you are concerned about your pet's breathing, contact your vet immediately.
Written by Dr. Mariella Roberts, Veterinary Surgeon, Animal Trust Vets CIC
Published June 2025 | Review date June 2028
This advice is for UK pets only and is not a replacement for seeing a vet