My old dog is lethargic and breathing fast. Is it a serious issue?

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!

I am so sorry that Dylan is having a hard time. You are right to be worried. At his age, I would be worried about heart failure or cancer potentially making his breathing abnormal and causing him to be restless. Pneumonia is another concern. Unfortunately there isn’t anything you can do at home to help him breathe better. You need to get him in to see a vet right away. Seek a veterinary ER now. If you don’t have an ER in your area, call your regular vet—they likely have a recording for how to reach a vet after hours.

I would be very concerned about her when she is not rousable-she require urgent veterinary assessment. Please arrange an emergency appointment, i would be concerned about toxin exposure, heat stroke, severe infection or injury

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'm glad Trinket was seen by a veterinarian and they didn't think her heart was a problem. I recommend using a little notebook to keep track of her resting respiratory rate. You can record the number of breaths she takes when she is sleeping and monitor this over time. If this number is increasing over time it is worth a recheck with your veterinarian. If Trinket seems fine during the day, and the number is higher one time, that is not a need for concern. It is trend over time that is more important. For anxiety, I like Composure chews and Adaptil diffusers. If these don't help, there are prescription medications that you can discuss with your veterinarian. https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/dog/dog-health-and-wellness/dog-calming-aids/comfort-zone-diffuser-with-dap-for-dogs

Puppies normally have a higher respiratory rate than adult dogs. If Sadie is lethargic, she should be examined by your veterinarian to diagnose illness or injury. If she is unresponsive, have her examined at the nearest veterinary ER.

Unfortunately, [vomiting](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/vomiting-1/), lethargy and increased respiratory rate all have can have [multiple causes](https://www.petcoach.co/article/top-10-warning-signs-that-require-a-veterinary-visit). Some can be serious and others not so serious. She might have eaten something that either disagreed with her or may be causing an [obstruction](https://www.petcoach.co/article/7-things-you-should-know-about-foreign-bodies-in-dogs) somewhere in her gastrointestinal tract. She could be sore from an unknown injury. She could have been exposed to or ingested a[ toxin](https://www.petcoach.co/article/5-cleaning-products-that-are-toxic-to-pets) or irritant in her environment or this could be early signs of another condition or disease process. A complete physical exam by your veterinarian or at the nearest veterinary ER would be recommended if symptoms persist for more than 24 hours. Supportive care (IV or subcutaneous fluids, medication, etc.) may be administered until a diagnosis is reached.[ Your vet](https://www.petcoach.co/article/6-signs-you-should-take-your-dog-to-the-vet-right-away) can perform an exam, blood work and possibly x-rays to determine the cause of the illness and suggest an effective treatment plan.