My dog had a breathing scare. When should I worry and call the vet?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Wow! How scary for you! You stated that he is a mix breed but can you specify what breeds? Some breeds are genetically predisposed to have over long soft palates, which can cause an upper airway obstruction. We may never know what caused this episode. An ischemic event is possible or a brief vestibular event or even seizure (focal) since he seemed mentally inappropriate. Watch him closely and god forbid if he has another episode try to catch it on video to show to your Vet. I wish you the best!

This can be a number of respiratory issues including laryngeal paralysis, laryngeal obstruction, or just a benign condition called reverse sneezing, where it appears he is struggling to breathe but it is actually a tickling of the larynx and completely harmless. See this video for an example of reverse sneezing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IszRBYxsGI The event has to be seen to give you a better idea of if this is something to worry about or not. I would recommend recording the next episode on your phone and then showing the video to your vet for advise on what to do. If at any point your pet's tongue turns blue or he passes out or if you feel that he is in respiratory distress, then I encourage you to go to an ER vet.

Hello. Any new breathing problems should be looked at immediately. Even if Boris has had this problem for a while, if it has suddenly gotten worse, he should be looked at quickly, even if it means a trip to the emergency clinic. I hope he is doing better soon & thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach

If your pup is having a lot of trouble breathing and you are concerned he is in respiratory distress, then I would have him seen by a vet as soon as possible. It's always fine to have your dog checked out by a vet if you are very concerned. Otherwise, I'd wait the three days and see if he improves before taking him back into the vet. I hope he feels better soon!

He needs to be examined by a veterinarian right away. Your vet can take an x-ray of his chest to evaluate his lungs and airway. He could have pneumonia, asthma, heart disease, or fluids in his chest. Please call your vet immediately and schedule an appointment.

Keep a close eye on Pilot and make sure to keep your vet appointment. Keep him from running, barking or any other activity which would cause panting. You may also put him in a steamy bathroom for 5 minutes to help break up any mucus. If he gets worse, before your appointment, have him examined at the emergency clinic. Best of luck.

I'm wondering if the deep breathing you are seeing is a reverse sneeze, which can be caused by irritation to the nasal passages and throat. I have a link to a video of a reverse sneeze below. If you think this is the case I think it would be okay to monitor Peaches during the day. If she vomits again, does not want to eat, or has diarrhea I'd recommend seeing the vet. If you don't think she is reverse sneezing I would recommend having your vet examine her today - sometimes it can be difficult to determine whether or not a dog is having trouble breathing and it is better to err on the side of caution. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3L4v0W2_Sw