Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

Why is my dog heaving, breathing hard, and possibly having a seizure?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Female | spayed | 9 years and 8 months old | 70 lbs

I just came downstairs to find my dog laying on her side, basically heaving. She was breathing very sharp and heavily. It almost looked like she was convulsing. It went on for a couple minutes, I called my parents and she started to slow down. It's been about 10 minutes and now every time she takes a breath it's almost like a hiccup every 4 seconds or so. I tried to see if she was choking on something but I couldn't get her to open her mouth. I was hoping to get an idea of what happened to her.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Emily, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 11th, 2017

This sounds pretty scary for you to find!
Holli could've had a seizure and is still having neurological issues. Also with her breed it could be something called GDV which is when the stomach dilates and rotates on itself. It could also be an issue with her heart. I recommend Holli go see a veterinarian as soon as possible. This is because if it is something like GDV she need surgery tonight. If it is a seizure and she still having issues then she will need medication to bring her out of it.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

My dog twitched, breathed hard, and won't eat. Is it a seizure?

Poor Zoey. I'm concerned she could have had something like a seizure. She needs to see a vet immediately. If she seizures again before you can seek vet care: - Don't put your hands near her mouth - Keep some rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle to spray on the pads of the feet for cooling - Monitor her at all times during the seizure to ensure that she cannot hurt herself by crashing into furniture, etc - If the seizure continues for more than 5 minutes, seek emergency care immediately

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my dog dry heaving, gagging, and struggling to breathe?

Hi and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It sounds like Brio is very uncomfortable and likely needs to get immediate veterinary care. She may have something stuck in her throat or her stomach. I would take her to an emergency clinic to be seen especially since her mouth is open and she is gagging. Good luck!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog is struggling to breathe and throwing up. Is it an emergency?

Labored breathing and vomiting are very concerning signs. In an older, large-breed dog like your girl, I would be worried about bloat as a possible cause of her symptoms - this can be a life-threatening emergency, so needs to be treated right away. Many other things can also cause vomiting, including pancreatitis, liver or kidney disease, exposure to something toxic, or an intestinal obstruction. Based on your description, I would recommend taking her to the emergency vet tonight - she may have a serious problem that can't wait until morning.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog had multiple seizures, can't walk, and breathes fast. What now?

Please take her to your nearest emergency clinic - cluster seizures can progress to a life threatening status epilepticus if not treated in time and can be very difficult to manage. Have a quick look to see if she may have ingested anything toxic - slug pellets, mouldy food, chocolate etc

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my dog collapsing, choking, and turning blue after walks?

So sorry about your dog. Besides it being caused by a seizure disorder, he could have something like laryngeal paralysis, collapsing trachea or be having a syncopal (fainting) episode from a heart problem. You could try to record one so your vet can see exactly what is happening. If the episodes continue and your vet is not able to control them, ask for a referral to a specialist for more testing. It might be a good idea to take a chest x-ray, have an ultrasound of his heart, and/or examination of his throat to look for laryngeal paralysis. Hope he gets better soon!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

My dog can't move, jaw locked, gasping for breath. What should I do?

This sounds serious. A seizure could cause inability to move and abnormal breathing but should only last for a short period of time (less than 5 minutes). Neurologic disease would be another possibility. I would recommend seeing an emergency veterinarian right away, especially since Bossy seems to be having some difficulty breathing.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my dog breathing hard and shaking when it's cool?

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It sounds as though your dog is in respiratory distress and should be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Breathing problems are a medical emergency and should not be ignored. There maybe a life threatening problem.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share