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Why is my dog breathing fast and heavy while sleeping? What should I do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | American Pit Bull Terrier | Female | spayed

My dog started breathing super fast and heavy while laying in bed with me. She has done this before but not for this long and hard. What should I do and what could it be?

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 2nd, 2016

Heavy breathing while sleeping can be a sign of heart disease. I would highly recommend getting Sadie evaluated by your veterinarian for a cardiac work-up and listen to see if she has any murmurs or arrhythmias that could be causing this. Another possible cause is a primary lung disease.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Ann Dion, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on October 28th, 2018
Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Breathing heavy and fast, especially in 13 year Pomeranian, is very concerning for a few different conditions. I would be worried about heart disease, collapsing trachea, or airway disease.

I recommend a visit to the vet as soon as you possibly can. They will listen to the heart and chest, and might recommend some x-rays, or possibly an ultrasound of the heart. If the heart and lungs seem normal they might check Shadow for Cushing's disease, which can also cause changes in breathing.

Best of luck with Shadow, I hope he feels better soon!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on February 23rd, 2018
Hello. I suppose it is possible, especially if there is any underlying pain or cardiac or pulmonary disease. But dogs can dream & sometimes they seem to act out those dreams with heavy breathing, twitching & vocalizations. But if you are concerned, then it is a good idea to have your veterinarian examine Baby. She will listen for any heart or lung abnormalities like a murmur, & possibly recommend x-rays. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA
Veterinarian
Published on March 1st, 2017
This could be related to an issue with her circulation such as heart or lung disease and I recommend you get her assessed by your vet as soon as possible especially if there is any panting, coughing or reduced exercise levels during the day
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on September 13th, 2019
Dogs dream, and they can have changes in breathing in response to these dreams. If this is only happening when Daisy is asleep, that is what I suspect is happening. I would only be concerned if this was happening when she is awake as well.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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