My dog has shallow breathing, won't eat, and a swollen throat. What to do?

My concern would be that if he is having a hard time swallowing then it could progress to having a hard time breathing. Should this happen while you are sleeping it could be catastrophic. I would encourage you to have him evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Best of luck and I hope he improves soon. Thank you for using Pet Coach.

This is a medical emergency, and you need to have Dexter seen by a vet now. Please take him into an ER vet clinic; if there isn't one in your area, there will be a vet on call for emergencies. The information to reach that vet is found on a clinic's answering machine or website.

This puppy may be in serious condition and requires veterinary attention as soon as possible. If there is a nearby veterinary ER, go there. The pale gums are cause for serious concern. Keep it warm and do not offer food or water if it is unable to swallow or unresponsive. Unfortunately, there is little else to be done without being seen by a veterinarian.

Please get him assessed by your vet as soon as possible, this painful swelling may be from internal bleeding, an abscess and infection from the wound or a ruptured salivary gland. Your vet may wish to drain and test a sample of the fluid before starting medications. Keep him fasting for 12hrs before his appointment as sedation may be required

There are many possibilities, an absess, blocked salivary gland, insect bite or injury would be the most common causes for rapid swelling. The reduced appetite is a concern, this may be due to discomfort, narrowing of the throat or fever. If this persist or increases overnight he should be checked by your vet, monitor for any changes to his breathing which would require an emergency visit

Poor Molly. I'd be concerned that she could be suffering from a severe illness, and it's serious she is having shallow breathing. She should see a vet now. Please take her into an ER vet clinic; if there isn't one in your area, there will be a vet on call for emergencies. The information to reach that vet is found on a clinic's answering machine or website.

There isn't any first aid for difficulty breathing. In dogs, a change in respiratory rate or effort can be caused by heart issues, lung disease, anemia, infection, pain, some metabolic disorders, among many others. Pons needs to see a vet as soon as possible for evaluation and to determine the cause of the difficult breathing. The vet will do an examination and may recommend blood work and x-rays to fully evaluate internal organs and their function.