Do dogs breathe heavily when they have high inflammation?

Yes, dogs may breathe heavily when they have high inflammation. If a dog continues to breathe heavily even when at rest, it could be due to fever, high environmental temperature, lung inflammation, or joint pain. If the heavy breathing is caused by exercise or exercise intolerance, common diseases to consider include heart disease, heartworm, obesity, and body pain.

Symptoms of high inflammation

Inflammation is a defensive response of the body to various stimuli, manifesting as redness, swelling, heat, pain, and local impairment. It generally causes increased body temperature, decreased appetite, and lethargy. When inflammation is severe, due to the action of pathogenic microorganisms and their toxins, as well as local tissue circulation disorders, the substantive cells of organs such as the heart, liver, and kidney undergo degeneration, necrosis, and varying degrees of organ dysfunction.

Causes of heavy breathing

Heavy breathing after strenuous exercise or in hot weather is normal. However, if a dog continues to breathe heavily, it may be due to asthma or a heart problem. Particularly after strenuous exercise or getting stuck with a small bone, it is recommended to observe the dog's condition. If the dog is overweight, it may also breathe heavily, but if it breathes very heavily without exercise, it is advisable to take it to the vet.

What to do if your dog breathes heavily

This depends on the dog's breed. If the dog is a short-nosed breed such as a Bulldog or Pug, heavy breathing is a normal phenomenon because of their short respiratory tract structure. If the dog is of another breed, consider whether it has a heart problem, has engaged in strenuous exercise, or has congenital respiratory tract stenosis.