Very fast respiratory rate

[lougle]

Our new rescue has a resp rate of 80 when sleeping (that's 80 in-out resps). When I Google it sounds bad. Should I be getting him seen ASAP or can it be normal?

When he came to us he was a bit underweight (has put weight on in foster care but still some way to go) and didn't have great muscle mass, having probably only been walked consistently once in foster care.

He's doing well, putting on weight and muscle gradually. He's getting two or three good walks per day and is always happy to go. He always seems quite puffed after walks and will lay down after a few throws of a ball.

[lougle]

Hmm. Perhaps he was dreaming. It's now 40-50 resps per minute. Still not brilliant but not 80!

[villainousbroodmare]

He might be very unfit, but that's awfully fast for a resting resp rate.
I'm also a bit concerned about your mentioning that he always seems quite puffed after walks and lies down etc.
How big and how old is he? I would like to have a listen to his heart. I think you should have him seen by your vet soon.

[Muddymits]

Yeah definite heart check territory:(

[lougle]

Yes it's the genius grin. It varies but I've just taken it now and it's 68 rpm.

He's a GSDx, 12-18 months old. We've had him 2 weeks. He was only 32kg, put on a kg in foster and has probably put on another here, so he's starting to cover his ribs and put some muscle on.

He doesn't seem distressed but does seem low stamina. He keeps going on walks without signs of upset, but takes a long time to recover after, it seems. In the garden, he'll chase a ball happily but after two or three goes he'll lay down.

His eyes are bright, gums are pink and tongue looks good.

[Lonecatwithkitten]

The rule of thumb for any breed of dog is resting respiration rate of over 30 should be investigated. So yes he needs to see a vet.

[PacificDogwood]

Oh, lougle, how worrying!
Yes, get him checked.

Ours gets very short of breath after a lot of ball chasing (thrown with one of those ball-chucker things) and can pant faster than I can count. I think it's a combination of him being a sprinter, not a long distance runner, seeing that he is a greyhound, and him not being v fit.
I did have him checked out at the vet's and they had no concerns.
He definitely breaths v fast when dreaming, but it goes with jipping and feet twitching

Hope all is well with yours.

[lougle]

I think I'm going to observe him for a few days and see how he goes. He seems happy enough.

[PacificDogwood]

How is Trigger?
More funny breathing?

I hope he's ok

[lougle]

Thanks for asking

His resp rate is still high but he's keen for walks, keen for food, gaining weight appropriately and looks relaxed when he's settled, so I'm leaning towards 'very unfit dog suddenly getting exercise.'

[mrslaughan]

I also seem to remember from your photo that he has a long coat? or longish anyway.......I have a mountain dog and although not a long haired one, his double coat means that he feels the heat more ......

[Aked]

It's worth taking him just to get his heart listened to though. It is a high resp rate and for a young dog to be exercise intolerant.... I'd say definitely get a vet appointment and get it ruled out at the very least.

[PacificDogwood]

lougle, I'm just wondering how Trigger is doing?
Still breathless?
Fitter??

I bet he's all settled in and it seems like you've never not had him