5. Difficulty breathing.
When a dog is in respiratory distress, her breathing can be labored – meaning that not enough oxygen is reaching her tissues. Other symptoms of respiratory distress include shortness of breath, or difficulty when exhaling. Dogs with heart failure may not be able to pump enough blood to their tissues, and this can lead to difficulties breathing.
You may be tempted to wait until the weekend to take your dog to the vet, but it’s important to get them medical attention ASAP. Respiratory distress, which can often cause shortness of breath and coughing, usually accompanies a buildup of fluid in the lungs or chest cavity. If your dog experiences sudden breathing problems, take them to see a veterinarian as soon as possible.