When it comes to monitoring your dog’s health, knowing what’s normal will enable you to pick up on early warning signs of illness. One of the most overlooked but important vital signs is the respiratory rate — how many times your dog breathes in a minute. In this blog, we’ll cover what’s normal when it comes to the respiratory rate of dogs, how to measure it, and when you should be concerned.
What Is a Respiratory Rate?
The Normal Respiratory Rate of Dogs refers to the number of times your dog breathes in and out in a minute. It is one of the vital signs that can hint at your dog’s respiratory and overall health. Breathing serves the purpose of oxygenating the body and removing carbon dioxide, so any abnormality may suggest underlying issues.
What Is a Normal Respiratory Rate for Dogs?
At Rest or Sleeping:
A normal, healthy dog’s resting respiratory rate is 15 to 30 breaths per minute.
Puppies:
Puppies tend to breathe a little faster than adult dogs — up to 40 breaths per minute can still be normal for puppies.
During Activity or Stress:
It’s normal for your dog’s breathing to increase with excitement, exercise, heat, or stress. However, breathing should return to normal within a few minutes of rest.
How to Measure Your Dog’s Respiratory Rate
You don’t need any special equipment to check your dog’s breathing rate. Here’s how:
- Let your dog relax or sleep. Choose a time when they’re calm and not panting.
- Watch their chest rise and fall. One rise and fall = one breath.
- Count the breaths for 30 seconds and multiply by 2 for the breaths per minute.
- Record the result and repeat from time to time to establish a baseline.
Tip: You can also use a stopwatch or phone timer to make counting easier.
When to Worry
An abnormal breathing rate is a sign of trouble. Call your vet if:
- Your dog is breathing more than 30 times per minute when he is resting
- Breathing is loud, shallow, or labored
- Your dog is restless, anxious, or lethargic
- You notice blue or pale gums or tongue
- Breathing rate is continuously abnormal
These signs can be suggestive of diseases such as respiratory infections, heart disease, pain, or heatstroke.
Bonus: Respiratory Rate in Emergency Situations
If your dog already has a pre-existing heart or lung disease, your vet may recommend monitoring their resting respiratory rate daily. A sudden increase (greater than 40 breaths per minute) can indicate fluid in the lungs or other emergencies.
Normal Respiratory Rate of Dogs – FAQs
The normal resting respiratory rate for a healthy adult dog is 15 to 30 breaths per minute. Rates may be slightly higher in puppies or small breeds.
Yes, if your dog is at rest and consistently breathing over 30 breaths per minute, it could be a sign of a health issue such as pain, heatstroke, heart disease, or lung problems. Contact your veterinarian for evaluation.
Yes, puppies may breathe up to 40 breaths per minute while resting. However, anything consistently higher should still be evaluated by a vet.
Not exactly. Panting is a form of rapid, shallow breathing used to cool down, and it’s normal after exercise, excitement, or heat exposure. However, excessive or unexplained panting can be a sign of an underlying issue.
You can, but it’s not necessary. Watching or gently feeling your dog’s chest or flank rise and fall is sufficient for most pet owners. A stethoscope can be helpful for veterinarians or experienced users to assess both respiratory and heart health.
Final Thoughts
Being aware of your Normal Respiratory Rate of Dogs is a simple yet powerful way to maintain their health. By keeping an eye on their breathing and noticing when something is off, you can act sooner and seek veterinary care as needed.
Make measuring their respiratory rate a part of your regular at-home wellness examinations — your dog will thank you with many more happy, healthy tail wags.
