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Why is my dog breathing heavily and throwing up for two days?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Female | unspayed | 3 years and 3 months old | 5 lbs

My six-pound chihuahua who is three years old now has been breathing loudly and it seems difficult for her. It makes me sad to see because I love my pup :/ but she is breathing loud and heavy and it sounds labored. This has been going on for two days now. She has thrown up twice. I wasn't sure if she was just feeling sick but now I'm starting to think its something more serious.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Linda G,  MS, DVM

Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 24th, 2019

Hello. Any breathing difficulties in a dog is a serious situation. You can try taking her into a steam filled bathroom & let her breath in the steam for 10 minutes or so. You can also try to break up the congestion by cupping you hand & gently but firmly thumping the sides of her chest. She probably really needs to see your vet to see if she needs medications such as antibiotics or something to open the air passages & reduce inflammation in her lungs in case this is pneumonia or bronchitis. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
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