My senior bulldog with pneumonia is restless & panting. Is it serious?

Poor Diesel. The type of gagging and coughing makes me worry about an upper respiratory infection. Unfortunately, they do not have to be around any type of other animals or board facilities to contract this. Since he is starting to become lethargic, I would go ahead and try to get him in to see the vet. The vet will be able to listen to his heart and lungs to ensure everything sounds okay. They will also be able to determine if this is just upper respiratory or if his heart could be involved or if this has progressed to a pneumonia. They will be able to get him started on the proper meds to make him feel better. I hope this helps!

Bronchial pneumonia can be a very serious diagnosis. Sometimes pets that have been diagnosed with pneumonia need oxygen therapy for a few days until the antibiotics kick in. He seems to be very uncomfortable because of his difficulty breathing. My recommendation is to have him seen at a facility that can provide oxygen therapy. In the mean time, you might try taking him in a steamy bathroom and patting his chest firmly until you can make him cough. This may help break up some of the mucous, but the best thing for him is oxygen therapy and continued antibiotics. Best wishes!

Hi. I am sorry to hear that biggie Paws is having trouble breathing. Unfortunately breathing issues can become an emergency very quickly. Bulldogs do tend to have trouble breathing due to their synotic nares an elongated soft palate. In addition, if they are overweight that contributes even further to breathing problems. If he is actually struggling to breathe, I would recommend you take him to the ER rather than waiting until Monday. He may have an upper respiratory infection, a heart condition, or the respiratory issues that this breed has have become extreme for him. The ER veterinarian will do an examination, and probably some chest x-rays to see if there is any heart condition or primary lung issue. That will help lead us to the correct diagnosis and treatment. There are surgical interventions for the stenitic nares an elongated soft palate that this breed has. That may be in his future if that is what the cause is for his breathing at this time. Good luck and I hope he feels better soon.

He may be [too hot](https://www.petcoach.co/article/6-signs-your-dog-is-overheating), especially if it is hot outside (or inside). If so, he should be treated immediately. Move him to a cooler area. Moisten his paws and ears with cool water. Check his[ gum color](https://www.petcoach.co/article/capillary-refill-time-crt-in-dogs-cats). It should be bubble gum pink and moist. If his gums are pale or blue, seek veterinary attention immediately as this may indicate bleeding or a lack of oxygen. If his gums are sticky or dry, seek veterinary attention. He may be dehydrated. [Pain](https://www.petcoach.co/article/top-5-signs-your-pet-is-in-pain) could be the cause of the symptoms you have described. Check him over for any obvious wounds or injuries. If the symptoms continue or worsen, he should be physically examined by your [veterinarian](https://www.petcoach.co/article/top-10-warning-signs-that-require-a-veterinary-visit/) or at the nearest veterinary ER.

This may be due to allergies, infection, laryngeal paralysis or hyperthermia just to name a few causes. In an older dog, heart disease cannot be ruled out. Respiratory distress should be addressed as soon as possible by your veterinarian or at the nearest veterinary ER. If it is hot outside or inside, remove Burt to a cooler area. Use a fan and cool cloths to gradually cool him off.

If your pup is having a lot of trouble breathing and you are concerned he is in respiratory distress, then I would have him seen by a vet as soon as possible. It's always fine to have your dog checked out by a vet if you are very concerned. Otherwise, I'd wait the three days and see if he improves before taking him back into the vet. I hope he feels better soon!

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. Based on the symptoms you are describing, it sounds as if Charlie is dealing with a severe respiratory disease / infection. I would strongly recommend getting Charlie in to the emergency veterinarian as soon as possible as this could potentially become fatal if not appropriately treated. The sooner he is seen the better. You can try and place him in the bathroom with the hot shower running so that he is breathing in steam and using a humidifier in the meantime while you are waiting to get to an emergency vet. I hope Charlie feels better soon! Please let me know if you have any further questions / concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.