What Causes Rapid Breathing?
Like with humans, rapid breathing can be brought about by physical exertion, heat, stress, fear or a reaction to medications. Rapid breathing may be caused by various upper and lower respiratory disorders such as bronchitis, pneumonia, laryngeal diseases, cancer, air in the chest cavity or obstruction of the airways. Other causes such as fever, obesity, cushing’s disease, anemia, diabetes, enlarged organs or bloating or heart diseases like arrhythmia, and congestive heart failure may also bring about rapid breathing. If you notice that your dog or cat is constantly breathing rapidly which may also be accompanied by coughing, fatigue, loss of appetite, vomiting or diarrhea, you should consult your vet immediately.
