My dog is lethargic and breathing rapidly. Is it an emergency?

This is a quite generic but concerning sign. Differentials are many, from any disease that can spread systemically (causing lethargy for example) like infection, or anything that can cause pain/discomfort. Heavy breathing could be a reaction to pain or caused by primary respiratory disease. A check up is definitively needed to understand underlying cause and treat appropriately. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

I'm so sorry to hear that! Please get him in to see a vet. Your vet will probably recommend a chest X-ray to get a better idea of what is going on. In a 9 year old chihuahua some possible causes include heart failure, pneumonia, or cancer. If he seems labored in his breathing, do not delay, please take him to the vet right away.

Hello, & thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I am sorry for your concerns about Louie. If you are very concerned then you should have him seen as soon as possible. I can not make any other recommendation since I have no way to asses his vitals. But, if his heartrate is strong & steady at around 140-160 beats per minute, respirations around 30-40 breath per minute, his gums are nice & pink, not pale or extremely red, then he should be OK until the morning. But please, if you are concerned, have him seen as soon as possible. Take care.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Tracy. I recommend that you seek veterinary care for her right away. Her behavior and elevated breathing rate are very worrisome. I do not think it is something that will pass. If you know of a toxin or poison that was consumed, then yes it is a possibility. If not, then I think that it is something else. Lift her lips to check the color of her gums. If it is white or very pale, she could be bleeding into her belly. While this is rare, it is more common in her breed. I hope this information helps!

Karma needs to be examined by a vet right away, especially if she is breathing heavy. She could have pancreatitis, gastritis/enteritis, infection, parasite, foreign body, etc. Your vet can do an examination, lab-work, and take an x-ray to help diagnose and then determine the best way to treat. She may need an anti-vomiting medication, antibiotic, fluids, and other medications, depending on the cause. Please call your vet and have her examined so treatment can be started.

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.

It sounds as Rain is suffering from a gastrointestinal condition, possibly an infection. it could also be due to ingestion of a foreign body material. i would recommend taking her to the vet the first chance you get, she will need to be checked first, if the vet thinks it's a simple gastrointestinal infection she will need an anti nausea injection, antibiotics and a special food for a few days in order to get better. if the vet thinks it is more serious she will need a blood test and possibly an ultrasound in order to find out what is wrong.