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Why is my 6-month-old spayed puppy breathing fast, mouth closed?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 6 months and 4 days old | 40 lbs

My 6 month old puppy was rescued from a farm. We got her spayed and all her shots 3 weeks ago. She had clear blood work and no concerns with her check up and her spay went well. I have noticed that she is tachypneic a lot of the time. She does not have any work of breathing, no cough, and no cyanosis. I have taken into consideration anxiety and being hot, however when she is calm and cool she can breathe up to 80-100 breaths/minute. It looks like she is panting but her mouth is closed.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Sara Farmer, DVM

Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 5th, 2018

I would recommend counting Bella's respiratory rate when she is completely asleep - if she is tachypneic because of respiratory or cardiac disease it should continue during sleep. If her respiratory rate is less than 30 when she is sleeping the rapid breathing is probably behavioral. If her sleeping respiratory rate is over 30 (it is important that she is in deep sleep), or if she starts coughing or has an increase in effort when breathing you should see a vet right away.
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