My dog has difficulty breathing and a fever. Is it an emergency?

I am sorry to hear about your dog. These symptoms are indications that your dog needs to see a vet right away. Any time we have breathing issues, it is considered an emergency. There are many different causes for lethargy and difficulty breathing but could include an infection in the lungs, a problem with the heart, anemia/low red blood cells, trauma to name just a few. The vet will do an exam and may recommend x-rays of the lungs and/or bloodwork to check for low red blood cells and signs of systemic disease. They may provide oxygen support if needed and will base treatment on the results of testing. I wouldn't delay in getting her in right away!

I sam so sorry that she’s not doing well. From what you describe, I’m very concerned about her and you need to seek emergency veterinary care immediately. Call your vet’s office even if they are closed—they likely have a recording for either how to contact the vet in case of an emergency, or information for the nearest vet clinic. There are many possible causes for what’s going on, but it sounds like at the very least she needs some IV fluids and some lab work and possible X-rays may be needed. I am so sorry there isn’t something I can suggest you do for her at home at this point, but if she’s just lying there, she seems cold, and her breathing is labored, you have got to get her to a vet. Any treatment you attempt to provide at home is only going to delay effectively addressing the problem. Thanks for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach, best of luck with her.

Anytime a dog is in respiratory distress it is a medical emergency. Increases in respiratory rate, breathing fast, or difficult breathing are both medical al emergencies. There are many potential causes such as lung disease or parasites, problems with the structure of the airways , or heart conditions. I would advise taking Dollar to a vet immediately. The skin looks very sore and most likely due to fleas or other skin parasites. The vet will also be able to prescribe medication for this. Best of luck with Dollar!!

Oh dear, poor Totie! Changes in breathing and restlessness are concerning signs, particularly in a relatively young puppy. These signs could indicate congenital heart disease, infectious diseases, pneumonia, among a variety of other conditions. At this point, I recommend urgently taking Totie to her vet for an exam. She may also need to have chest x-rays performed to try to get to the bottom of this issue so that the best course of treatment can be started. I hope that all goes well!

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!

If she was vaccinated as a puppy, then it would be very unlikely for a dog this age to get distemper. However, what you are describing is concerning. Labored breath along with vomiting can indicate a severe disease that is affecting her heart and/or lungs. Either way, they are both emergencies, because these situations have the potential to be life-threatening if not treated soon enough. I recommend taking her to the emergency vet for this, because it may be too long to wait until normal business hours. The vets will be able to assess the severity of the problem, hopefully find the cause and give her the necessary treatment. I hope that helps and Kate gets better soon.

This may be due to allergies, infection, laryngeal paralysis or hyperthermia just to name a few causes. In an older dog, heart disease cannot be ruled out. Respiratory distress should be addressed as soon as possible by your veterinarian or at the nearest veterinary ER. If it is hot outside or inside, remove Burt to a cooler area. Use a fan and cool cloths to gradually cool him off.