If you’ve searched ‘puppy breathing fast while sleeping’, you have come to the right place. We understand that it could be alarming and it’s making you anxious seeing your pet looking uncomfortable. But what is the reason for this?
If you want to learn more, read this post.
Common Reasons, Puppy Breathing Fast While Sleeping
There are a few reasons why your puppy is breathing so fast while sleeping. But don’t panic. Most of the time, the reasons are not too alarming.
Your Puppy is Having a Dream
If you must know, puppies dream just like us. When they enter the Rapid Eye Movement (REM) phase, it’s natural that they will breathe faster than usual. You might also notice that their eyelids are twitching.
Usually, they will enter the REM phase 20 – 30 minutes after they sleep.
It’s Normal for Puppies
Age is a factor when it comes to breathing. For your puppies, this is also a natural occurrence as they may be processing many experiences. Having said that, they might spend more time in REM compared to full-grown dogs. And this could affect the speed of their breathing.
It Depends on the Breed
Here’s another interesting fact. Your puppy might breathe fast if they are in the brachycephalic breed group. This includes Bulldogs, Shih Tzu, and Boxers. They have shortened airways which makes them wheeze and even snore during sleep.
Apart from the breed, the size could be a contributor too. The smaller the dog, the more chances it would breathe faster while sleeping.
What to Do When Your Puppy is Breathing Fast While Sleeping
Here are a few simple steps if you believe your puppy is breathing fast while taking a nap or falling asleep.
Double Check If They Are In Pain
First, you want to make sure that your puppy is not sick or in pain before deciding on any course of action. If they have been lethargic for a while and unable to move around the house like usual, this could be a sign of illness. If that’s the case, we encourage that you see a vet as soon as possible.
See if the Bedding Is Too Hot
Next, make sure their bedding is well-ventilated. This will help if the reason they are panting during sleep is the hot air around them. Speaking of beds for your puppies, here are a couple of recommendations.
Best Friends by Sheri The Original Calming Donut
This bed for your puppy is designed to calm them down. With this product, curling will be easier and more comfortable. They added a raised rim for better support to be sure that your puppy will unlikely experience muscle pain. You can even choose a color that will match the aesthetic of your home.
One pet owner shared how her puppy immediately fell in love with the bed. If you want to give your fur baby what they deserve, this has got to be the right product.
DC Comics Superhero Cuddler Dog Bed
The company claims that this is a comfortable bed for your dog, and we couldn’t agree more. Plus, who doesn’t want a Superman-inspired design? This is made from 100% polyester, and you can easily clean it as necessary.
According to its users, the bed is great considering the price point. The name suits it well, and indeed this bed is SUPER!
Common Illnesses, Puppy Breathing Fast While Sleeping
Take note that there are also a few health conditions that could explain why your puppy is behaving differently. As always, do not make assumptions. The conditions below are just guides, but no one can conclude your pet’s status unless you bring them to a professional.
Congenital Heart Failure
Apart from breathing fast while sleeping, this condition can be accompanied by coughing. Plus, you will notice that your dog experiences fatigue.
Sleep Disordered Breathing
Like humans, your dog might be suffering from sleep apnea. This is common for obese dogs, and that’s why it’s important to also check their weight and diet.
Simple Breathing Test for Your Puppy
Here’s a simple breathing test you can easily do in the comfort of your own home.
Step 1: Wait for your puppy to sleep.
Step 2: Count the breaths per minute. You can do this by watching the rise and fall of the rib cage. Remember, more than 30 breaths per minute should be a concern.
Step 3: Re-do the test after a couple of hours.
Take note to watch your puppy from a distance so that you won’t interrupt your puppy’s sleep.
Training Your Puppies to Sleep Soundly at Night
Since we are talking about your puppy’s sleeping behavior, it would be fitting to add a few tips on how you can train them. That way, they can get the best possible sleep they truly deserve.
Exercise is Always Good
When you exercise, you usually get a good night’s rest. The same principle applies to your puppy. At the onset, you should give them the right amount of exercise. And by nighttime, they will be snoozing like an angel. However, do not overexercise your puppy. Know what fits their age and their breed.
Create an Excellent Environment
Can you imagine yourself sleeping in a room where it’s not conducive for resting? Again, you have to do the same for your puppies. Get a cozy bed, improve the temperature, and set up the right light. Also, cover the windows so that there will be no distractions. If possible, remove the toys that might tempt your puppy to play at night.
Know the Correct Meal Times
Generally, the best time to feed your puppy is around 6 or 7 pm if you wish for them to fall asleep at around 10 pm to midnight. However, this still depends on your puppy’s digestion. Make sure that you observe their behavior as well.
Establish a Night Ritual
What’s great about dogs is that they are naturally schedule-keepers. They can easily follow a routine, and all you have to do is train them properly. You can start turning the lights down, cuddle on a couch, or even read a good book.
Conclusion, Puppy Breathing Fast While Sleeping
When you see that your puppy is breathing fast while sleeping, the last thing you should do is panic. That will just cloud your judgment. Relax and try to observe your pet’s behavior. If you believe there is something odd, then take them to a vet right away.
Also, make sure to place their cool bedding in an area where they could relax. Like humans, your puppies need a nice space to rest and sleep.
Lastly, while there are sleeping pills for dogs to improve their sleep, do not use it unless your vet approves.
