My dog is unconscious and barely breathing. Is it an emergency?

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.

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.

This is a medical emergency, and Girly needs to see a vet now. It's quite serious that she's not moving, and she could have been seriously injured or may have be extremely ill. She needs to be evaluated by a vet now, so please take her into an ER vet or find a vet on call to see her 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.

Hello. Any new breathing problems should be looked at immediately. Even if Boris has had this problem for a while, if it has suddenly gotten worse, he should be looked at quickly, even if it means a trip to the emergency clinic. I hope he is doing better soon & thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach

This is a quite concerning presentation. Differentials are many including pain/discomfort (which has to be quite pronounced) and cardiac and respiratory diseases. It is anyway a presentation that usually requires an immediate check up, so I would recommend to take Sammy to your vet asap.

I am sorry to hear about your dog. These symptoms are indications that your dog needs to see a vet right away. Any time we have breathing issues, it is considered an emergency. There are many different causes for lethargy and difficulty breathing but could include an infection in the lungs, a problem with the heart, anemia/low red blood cells, trauma to name just a few. The vet will do an exam and may recommend x-rays of the lungs and/or bloodwork to check for low red blood cells and signs of systemic disease. They may provide oxygen support if needed and will base treatment on the results of testing. I wouldn't delay in getting her in right away!