Pet First Aid for Pet Professionals Level 3 (VTQ)

175 videos, 8 hours and 31 minutes

Course Content

Breathing Difficulties

Video 140 of 175
2 min 48 sec
English
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Understanding Breathing Difficulties in Dogs and Cats

Monitoring Respiratory Rate

Recognizing normal respiratory patterns:

  • Know Your Pet: Understand your pet's typical respiratory rates during various activities, such as sleeping, exercising, and resting.
  • Signs of Distress: Respiratory distress may include unusual breathing noises or abdominal efforts while breathing.

Possible Causes of Respiratory Issues

Identifying underlying conditions:

  • Infections: Respiratory infections like pneumonia or upper respiratory infections can lead to inflammation and breathing difficulties.
  • Fluid Accumulation: Fluid in the chest, often caused by accidents, illnesses, or tumours, can impede lung function and cause respiratory distress.
  • Tumours: Lung or heart base tumours can affect breathing and require medical attention.

Seeking Veterinary Care

Importance of veterinary intervention:

  • Immediate Care: If your pet shows signs of respiratory distress, seek veterinary assistance promptly for oxygen therapy and diagnosis.
  • Diagnostic Procedures: Veterinarians may conduct chest examinations, x-rays, or ultrasounds to identify the underlying cause of breathing difficulties.