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My dog breathing heavily for days while resting. Should I see the vet?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Golden Retriever | Female | spayed | 10 years and 1 month old | 73 lbs

Honey Bear has been breathing heavily for 3 or more days. Even when she’s been sitting still and isn’t hot. Her breathing rate is around 64 breaths per minute today. If I’m counting correctly. Her heart rate changes but today was 60 beats per minute. A couple days before it was much higher than that but not over 100. That is if I’m counting correctly. Is there any reason to take her to see her vet? She’s acting normal other than that

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Laura Johnson VMD

Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on May 21st, 2018

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Honey Bear

The heart rates you are counting are normal. If she is breathing fast then that is an emergency so she absolutely should be taken to the Vet to be sure she is oxygenating properly. Having trouble breathing is very uncomfortable for a pet.

Causes for increased respiratory rate in an older dog are: heart failure, anemia from internal bleeding, cancer, pneumonia, fluid around the lungs, hot outside, fever, Cushing's disease.

I wish Honey Bear the very best!
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