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My dog has noisy breathing and rumbly lungs. Should I see an ER vet?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | spayed | 8 years and 3 months old | 5 lbs

I have a 5 pound pomeranian/papillon mix who is 8 yr old. For the past 4 days she has had congestion in her sinuses and is making lots of noise when she breathes. This is unusual for her. Her nose is running clear a little. Today I noticed her lungs sound a little rumbly. I tried to get an appointment at my vet but they could not get me in until tomorrow. I am wondering if she needs to go to the emergency vet. I am trying to avoid this as it is very expensive.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Rodrigo Roca, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 28th, 2019

Hello, thank you for your question about Lily.

Based on the symptoms you are describing it sounds like Lily may have an upper respiratory infection or other respiratory disease. If Lily is otherwise acting ok (not lethargic) and is still eating and drinking well I do not think there is a problem in waiting to see the vet until tomorrow.

If Lily is very lethargic, has no appetite, or she begins to breath very rapidly or have difficulty I would strongly recommend trying to have her seen by a veterinarian sooner. Based on Lily's symptoms your veterinarian may recommend performing chest x-rays, bloodwork, or a respiratory swab for testing.

Hope this helps, good luck!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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