Not an emergency - I noticed my dog takes short quick breathes and he has been like this as long as I can remember. But recently I started to notice his breathing is a bit weird sometimes. For example, he is laying down, mouth closed, and takes 2 or 3 short inhales per exhale *small inhale, small inhale, exhale*. I see this by looking at his stomach rise, rise and fall. He doesn’t seem like he is in pain or anything. I also counted his breathes per minute (laying down) and the first time was 35 breathes per minute, the 2nd and 3rd time around 70.
According to Google that is not normal, so I’m a bit concerned (but I’ve always noticed he was a fast breather and he seems fine so I never thought anything of it).
I have also noticed when he’s really panting after a long walk, his breath sounds thick, like in his lungs. I’m not sure how to describe it. He’s not making noise or wheezing but I can hear his lungs expanding in and out and there’s a thickness/fullness to it inside the lungs. (This may be totally normal, I’m not sure how dogs lungs are supposed to sound when putting your ear up to them).
Anyway, I am starting to become a worried mother that something else could be going on with his heart or lungs. I have not found a vet that I really trust and that I feel treats him the best but he does currently have a vet. Looking for advice, if I should ask for any specific testing? Blood tests? X rays? Also willing to work with Dr. Jeff or any of the other great doctors on this site, outside of the membership if needed.
Background:
Toy Aussie - Male - 2 years old
Around 22 pounds, better weight for him is probably around 19 pounds.
Chronic itch (which I’ve mentioned in a different thread of mine)
He’s not on any heartworm/flea/or tick preventative for over 6 months. (Living in New York suburbs area)
Refuses to drink water for over 4 months- vet directed me to put 8oz twice a day of water into his breakfast and dinner which he has.
Usually coughs when he drinks regular water outside of his food.
More lethargic in the mornings vs night time.
Any guidance would be greatly appreciated
According to Google that is not normal, so I’m a bit concerned (but I’ve always noticed he was a fast breather and he seems fine so I never thought anything of it).
I have also noticed when he’s really panting after a long walk, his breath sounds thick, like in his lungs. I’m not sure how to describe it. He’s not making noise or wheezing but I can hear his lungs expanding in and out and there’s a thickness/fullness to it inside the lungs. (This may be totally normal, I’m not sure how dogs lungs are supposed to sound when putting your ear up to them).
Anyway, I am starting to become a worried mother that something else could be going on with his heart or lungs. I have not found a vet that I really trust and that I feel treats him the best but he does currently have a vet. Looking for advice, if I should ask for any specific testing? Blood tests? X rays? Also willing to work with Dr. Jeff or any of the other great doctors on this site, outside of the membership if needed.
Background:
Toy Aussie - Male - 2 years old
Around 22 pounds, better weight for him is probably around 19 pounds.
Chronic itch (which I’ve mentioned in a different thread of mine)
He’s not on any heartworm/flea/or tick preventative for over 6 months. (Living in New York suburbs area)
Refuses to drink water for over 4 months- vet directed me to put 8oz twice a day of water into his breakfast and dinner which he has.
Usually coughs when he drinks regular water outside of his food.
More lethargic in the mornings vs night time.
Any guidance would be greatly appreciated
