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Why is my dog breathing fast after surgery? Is it pain or serious?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Female | spayed | 11 years and 5 months old | 95 lbs

My 11 year old female german shepherd has an increased respiratory rate. She is breathing 60-80 breaths a minute. Sometimes panting, sometimes just laying down trying to sleep. She just had a mammary mass removed 5 days ago, she's eating fine (no loss of appetite) and there are no other obvious symptoms. I'm curious if the fast breathing is from pain or something larger, something I can't see?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

Veterinarian

Published on June 7th, 2020

I agree that this is a pretty rapid respiratory rate for Daisy, particularly if she's resting while breathing this quickly. As you mentioned, it's very possible that this fast breathing is due to post-operative pain. However, if she's currently receiving pain medication after surgery, it's a bit less likely. Other causes of rapid breathing can include stress or anxiety, blood clots in the lungs, heart disease, pneumonia, among others. Regardless, it would be best to take Daisy to the vet urgently for evaluation. If the vet suspects pain as the cause, they will be able to prescribe additional pain medications. Otherwise, they will be able to perform any necessary diagnostic testing, which may include chest x-rays or blood clotting times to try to get to the bottom of this issue. I hope that everything goes well for Daisy!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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