Respiratory Issues
Urgent Care for Pet Breathing & Respiratory Problems
We are prepared to handle patients who are having trouble breathing, coughing, nasal discharge, and sneezing. Patients requiring long-term oxygen therapy will need to be transferred after stabilization to a 24-hour facility.
Note: Patients with trouble breathing should immediately go to an emergency hospital.
Common Symptoms
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Nasal discharge
Respiratory Issues FAQs
A normal respiratory rate for a pet is between 15 to 35 breaths per minute. A sleeping pet’s respiratory rate may drop to between 10 to 20 breaths per minute.
Any change in respiratory pattern, rate, or effort should be a cause for concern. Your pet may start making noises associated with breathing, appear to be concentrating heavily on breathing, or their gum or lip color may change to a blue or purple.
Just like some respiratory infections in humans, time is nature’s best medicine. There is no treatment for a virus aside from treating the symptoms. However, if your pet has a bacterial respiratory infection, antibiotics are indicated.
Yes, respiratory infections in both dogs and cats are highly contagious. They can spread through the air via respiratory droplets (coughing and sneezing), direct contact with infected animals, or by contact with contaminated surfaces like food bowls, toys, or bedding.
Come See Us
Book an appointment or give us a call — we’re here to help.