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Parasitic diseases in rabbits: the commonest threats and how to prevent them
Coccidiosis, encephalitozoonosis, ear mange and cheyletiellosis are the parasitic diseases pet rabbits meet most often, and they can go unnoticed for a long time. We explain how they are diagnosed in the laboratory, how they are treated, and which hygiene, quarantine and feeding rules keep infection at bay.
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How to protect your dog’s paws in winter
Frost, ice and road salt leave a dog's pads irritated, cracked and sometimes frostbitten every winter. We explain how to pick a route and a protective wax before the walk, how to rinse and dry the paws properly once you are home, and which signs mean it is time to call the veterinary clinic.
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Horner’s syndrome in dogs and cats: signs, causes, diagnosis and treatment
A drooping eyelid, a smaller pupil and a visible third eyelid on one side add up to Horner's syndrome. It is not painful in itself and does not harm sight, but it often signals another, more serious condition underneath. We explain the causes, the diagnostic steps, the pharmacological tests and the treatment options.
What is the resting respiratory rate and how do you count it?
An animal’s respiratory rate is the number of breaths it takes in one minute. Measuring it lets you quickly pick up the early signs of various illnesses in your pet.
How do you count an animal’s breaths?
It is very simple: all you need is a relaxed or sleeping pet in front of you and a watch or stopwatch.
Watch the chest as it falls and rises – that is your pet breathing.
One breath is one rise and fall of the chest. Count for a full minute, or for 30 seconds and then double the result. Both methods are fine.
While counting, also take note of how the animal is breathing: the length of the breaths, their regularity and quality.
What is a normal respiratory rate?
Dogs free of heart disease take 10-30 breaths per minute. The range reflects the difference in size between dogs: smaller dogs breathe faster, larger dogs a little more slowly. In cats the rate should be 20-30/min.
When can the result be outside the normal range?
Sometimes the rate is higher, and in these cases that is normal:
In healthy animals the rate may be lower than normal, but this is nothing to worry about.
When is the best time to count?
Your pet needs to be calm and relaxed. It is best not to let on that you are planning to do something with it, to avoid stress and an inflated result. Recent exercise will also distort the measurement.
You can even choose a moment when your pet is asleep, just bear in mind that the rate will then be lower.
Why is it worth counting your pet’s breaths?
Measuring the respiratory rate regularly allows heart or lung disease to be detected early. It costs you nothing – just one minute a day that could be vital to your pet’s health and life!
When should you see a veterinarian?
If the readings fall outside the normal range and there is no physiological explanation such as those described above, you should bring your dog or cat in for an appointment.
Whatever your concerns, it is important to discuss them with a veterinarian.