A dog’s respiratory system is an integral component of their health. It supplies oxygen to red blood cells and other critical organs throughout the body.
Breathing difficulties in Goldendoodles can be indicative of a more serious underlying medical issue. They should be diagnosed promptly and treated accordingly.
Goldendoodle Breathing Problems
Breathing problems can be caused by a variety of issues, but the most prevalent are heart disease, lung disease, fluid in the lungs or chest cavity (pulmonary edema), infections like pneumonia and kennel cough, clotting problems and some cancers.
Causes
It is safe to say that your Goldendoodle’s breathing system is an integral component of their wellbeing. Air that enters through their nose or mouth travels down the trachea and then into smaller airways within their lungs (bronchioles).
When an issue is detected with one of your dog’s airways, they may pant excessively as their lungs struggle to expand properly. Furthermore, this prevents oxygen from reaching their bloodstream, leading to labored breathing or shortness of breath (dyspnea).
Breathing difficulties may also be caused by certain medical conditions.
Noncardiogenic Pulmonary Edema–Pulmonary edema is an abnormal fluid buildup in your dog’s lungs that can restrict air intake with each breath.
Pneumonia can be caused by several illnesses, including pneumonia. Pneumonia occurs when the alveoli in the lungs become clogged with fluid and debris from an infection. Signs of pneumonia include fever, lethargic behavior, and difficulty breathing.
Symptoms
Your Goldendoodles’ respiratory system consists of the lungs, airways and windpipe (trachea). Any diseases in these organs can cause breathing issues for your canine friend.
If your Goldendoodle’s breathing becomes labored, this is dyspnea and should be addressed immediately by a veterinarian. Dyspnea causes your furry friend to cough, lower their head, flare their nostrils, and breathe with their mouth open.
Excessive Breathing, Also Known as Tachypnea:
When your Goldendoodle is running or exercising they may exhibit rapid breathing which is considered tachypnea. This behavior is normal; however if this behavior continues without exercise or stress it could indicate a more serious underlying issue that requires veterinary assistance.
Your veterinarian will investigate the possible causes of your Goldendoodle’s breathing issues and perform diagnostic testing to identify what it is. This could include bloodwork, X-rays or other tests. Depending on the results, they may suggest treatment to alleviate their breathing troubles and enhance their overall well-being.
Diagnosis
As we mentioned above, Goldendoodles is known to possess a complex respiratory system composed of the lungs, windpipe (trachea), throat, nose and mouth. Unfortunately, many diseases and conditions can affect these parts and lead to difficulty breathing in dogs.
Breathing problems can be challenging to diagnose and treat, so it’s essential that you bring your dog to the vet for a comprehensive evaluation. Your vet will ask about any symptoms, past medical issues, and other factors that could have caused your pup’s difficulty breathing.
Your vet will also check your dog’s breath to detect if they’re breathing through their tongue or mouth too often and if there’s a blueish tinge around their gums, tongue, or cheeks. These symptoms could indicate an imminent medical emergency so call your veterinarian as soon as you notice them.
Your vet will examine your dog’s heart, lungs and abdomen to detect signs of disease or injury. This could involve X-rays or ultrasound images. They may also perform diagnostic testing such as an electrocardiogram or endoscope.
Treatment
When your Goldendoodle experiences breathing issues, it’s best to take them immediately to the veterinarian. They will take the time out to identify what is causing their breathing issue and give them the appropriate treatment.
Apart from your vet asking questions about your Goldendoodle medical history. They will also check your dog for signs of anxiety or stress, which could explain their rapid breathing.
Once they have done test and figured out the reason for your Goldendoodle breathing problem, they will begin the necessary treatment so that your dog can be healthy once more.
Conclusion
Breathing difficulty or shortness of breath can be a medical emergency. It’s vital to contact a veterinarian as soon as you notice any difficulty breathing, since respiratory distress may prove fatal.