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My dog inhales many times per exhale. Is this breathing normal?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed

Why does my dog seem to inhale multiple times per exhale? Is this normal?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on February 27th, 2016

This sounds like perhaps a hiccup or respiratory distress, hard to tell based on your description and without seeing the event myself.

If your pet seems to be having a hard time breathing continuously or has increased respirations >50 breathes per minute, then I would recommend taking her into the vet for a good physical examination.

However if this is intermittent and does not seem to trouble here I would monitor for now, take a video recording of the event and schedule an appointment at some point to get a vet to look at this an ensure this is not something to worry about.

5Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on June 22nd, 2016
She may be reverse sneezing which can be associated with allergies. Here is a link with more information on reverse sneezing and you can also find videos online to see if that is what she is doing. You could have your vet take a look at her to determine the exact cause and needed treatment. Your vet could take xrays, if needed, to help diagnose.

https://www.vetinfo.com/reverse-sneezing-dogs.html
6Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on January 28th, 2018
Breathing fast can indicate that she has respiratory problems such as pneumonia, or can simply indicate that she is pain. The fact that she is not acting herself definitely shows that something is wrong, but these two problems are not specific to any one disease. Considering breathing problems can quickly become life-threatening, it's best to have her seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. The vet will be able to help narrow-down the cause of these recent problems and can advise on any necessary testing and/or treatment.

If you have further questions or need further clarification, then you may consider having an online consult with one of our vets on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. This way, you can send unlimited pictures and have a text conversation with a vet.

I hope that helps and she gets better soon.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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