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My new puppy is breathing fast and panting. Is this normal or serious?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 1 month and 9 days old

My five week old puppy just got home and is breathing very quickly. I would say around 180 breaths per minute. He is sleeping but he has awaken suddenly many times in the last hour and when he does he seems happy and playful but the fast breathing continues and sometimes turns into panting. Has he just had a long day getting taken all around town and is just stressed or should I be more worried??

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Rosemary Barber, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on May 17th, 2017

Good morning! I see that you posted this last night, and hopefully Theodore is back to normal this morning!
Puppies do seem to breathe faster than adult dogs, but if his breathing is abnormal for him (which it seemed to be last night), it is always a good idea to have him checked out by a vet.
There are a few conditions that can suddenly affect a pups breathing, such as an allergic condition, or a disease called Non Cardiogenic Pulmonary Edema. If he is back to normal this am, no worries. If he is still breathing poorly, I would suggest you take him in the am! Best fo luck with Theodore!

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA
Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
Published on April 5th, 2020
This would be concerning for possible heart or lung issues. If it continues for another 24 hours, then I would recommend taking Miles to the vet for evaluation. A thorough exam and x-rays would be a good starting place. Pneumonia would be a common cause of increased respiratory rate in a puppy.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Rodrigo Roca, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on January 17th, 2020
Hello, congratulations on your new Pup. Puppies will have a shorter and quicker respiratory rate than an older dog. As long as your puppy is not having any nasal discharge, coughing, lethargy, sneezing, or eye discharge then this rapid respirations are likely a variance of normal. If you have noted any of the above signs then she should be evaluated sooner.

However, if you have not scheduled Maya for her first vet appointment and puppy exam, you should so that they may examine her and make sure that her lungs and heart sounds normal as well as administer her puppy vaccines and deworming as necessary. Hope this helps and best of luck,
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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