Pet care

How can you tell that an animal has a breathing problem?

Breathing difficulty can look different depending on its cause, as it may originate in the respiratory system, the circulatory system or a breed predisposition. 

It is essential that owners always pay attention to the way their pet is breathing. 

The most common signs of breathing difficulty include:

• rapid breathing
• shallow or, conversely, very deep breathing 
• rattling or gurgling sounds
• pale mucous membranes
• lethargy or restlessness 
• wheezing when breathing 

Breathing difficulty is divided into inspiratory and expiratory dyspnoea, and the type of problem is one of the key pieces of information in reaching a diagnosis. 

Inspiratory dyspnoea is typically accompanied by sounds such as wheezing or rattling. It usually originates in the upper airways and may be caused by an infection, an allergic reaction or cancer. This is the picture we often see in brachycephalic dog breeds, whose anatomy makes breathing harder. 

Expiratory dyspnoea is characterised by resistance when breathing out. It can be seen, for example, in allergic bronchitis, when excessive secretions are produced that make exhaling difficult. It is often accompanied by a characteristic puffing or laboured breathing. 

What causes breathing difficulty in animals?

As described above, breathing problems can stem from the respiratory system, the circulatory system, anatomy or environmental factors. 

Left-sided heart failure is a particularly dangerous problem, because blood backs up in the pulmonary vessels, leading to pulmonary oedema. 

Polyps are another common reason why an animal may have trouble breathing. Polyps are growths that form on the lining of the nose or throat and restrict the flow of air. Tumours have a similar effect. 

Another cause of laboured breathing is so-called extreme breeding, which gives us dogs with very flat noses. Brachycephalic breeds often have a muzzle that is too short, nostrils that are too narrow and a soft palate that is too long. Together, these make every breath a struggle. 

A further anatomical defect, which may be genetic, is tracheal collapse, often seen in small-breed dogs. 

What should you do when your pet is struggling to breathe?

Whatever the cause, as soon as you notice anything abnormal about your dog’s or cat’s breathing, take them to a 24-hour veterinary clinic as quickly as possible.  Time is critical here, because the longer the condition persists, the harder it is to reverse. Clearly, an animal in respiratory distress can deteriorate suddenly, and the situation can quickly become life-threatening. 

Chemical castration is one way of preventing dogs from breeding without surgery. The procedure involves placing an implant under the skin that suppresses the release of sex hormones in males. The implant acts only on testosterone levels, and the active substance is released over a set period of time. The procedure has to be repeated to maintain the effect. If chemical castration is not renewed, behaviour driven by the sex drive will return, which means it can be used periodically, for example, without the need for surgery.

What are the advantages of chemical castration in dogs?

One of the main advantages of this type of castration is that the male’s gonads do not have to be permanently removed. The procedure is fully reversible, so if the animal is not given another implant, its fertility and sexual behaviour return to what they were before the first castration. The implant can also be used as a temporary solution.

What are the disadvantages of chemical castration?

First of all, it is a procedure that has to be repeated, and depending on the drug used, some time must pass before the product starts to work and block the release of testosterone. Bear in mind that each implant may come with possible side effects. The dog may react with digestive upsets such as diarrhoea and vomiting, or a general feeling of being unwell.

Which dogs is chemical castration recommended for?

This procedure is a good alternative for show dogs, which find themselves in a small space with many other dogs. A male may become distracted and focus on the bitches rather than on his owner.

Another group of dogs for which this type of castration is the better option are animals that are not suitable for surgery because of other health problems. In their case there is no anaesthetic risk, just a visit to the clinic. 

Stud dogs can also be given the implant during periods when no matings are planned. 

Is chemical castration effective in controlling aggressive behaviour in dogs?

If a dog shows aggressive behaviour, the first step is to consult a behaviourist to find out what is causing it. Our behaviourist at Zviropolis can help assess the dog’s behaviour and, with a full picture of the situation, advise on the best solution. When the problem is hormonal and linked to arousal from the scent of an unspayed bitch, chemical castration can prove a very good solution. Once the implant has had time to take effect, the animal will become noticeably calmer and stop paying so much attention to other dogs.

In this article we look at false pregnancy in dogs. We explain the biological mechanisms and risk factors that can lead to this condition. You will also learn how a false pregnancy can affect a bitch’s health, including the risks to her reproductive system and the increased likelihood of mammary tumours. We describe how false pregnancy is diagnosed and how to tell it apart from a real pregnancy. We also explore the treatment options, both medication and natural ways of shortening its course. There is advice on prevention too, including the role of spaying and other preventive measures. Finally, we offer tips on supporting a bitch with a false pregnancy, to help her cope with the symptoms and the stress this condition brings.

What is a false pregnancy in dogs? Causes of false pregnancy

False pregnancy in dogs is a natural phenomenon that stems from the biological mechanisms regulating a bitch’s reproductive system. After a heat cycle ends, levels of prolactin, the hormone that stimulates milk production and maternal behaviour, rise. This triggers the symptoms of a false pregnancy, which are similar to those seen in bitches that are genuinely pregnant.

Various risk factors can also influence whether a false pregnancy occurs. Unspayed bitches, especially those in contact with young puppies, are at greater risk of developing a false pregnancy. In addition, spaying a bitch during dioestrus (the phase between heats) can also bring on the symptoms of a false pregnancy, owing to the sudden drop in progesterone and rise in prolactin production. Understanding these biological mechanisms and risk factors is essential for managing false pregnancy in dogs effectively.

Effects of false pregnancy on a bitch’s health: risks to the reproductive system and mammary tumours

A false pregnancy can have a negative impact on a bitch’s health, particularly her reproductive system. Milk building up in the mammary glands can lead to mastitis, an inflammation of the glands that is painful and may require antibiotic treatment. What is more, repeated episodes of false pregnancy can increase the risk of reproductive diseases such as pyometra or ovarian cysts.

It is also worth noting the increased risk of mammary tumours in bitches that experience false pregnancies. The prolonged build-up of milk in the glands mentioned above can lead to abnormal cell growth and the formation of tumours. Mammary tumours are among the most commonly diagnosed cancers in bitches, so it is important to monitor the mammary glands and have regular veterinary check-ups to catch any cancerous changes early.

Diagnosing false pregnancy in dogs: how to identify it and distinguish it from a real pregnancy

Diagnosing a false pregnancy can be difficult, because the symptoms are similar to those of a real pregnancy. There are, however, methods that can help identify a false pregnancy and distinguish it from a genuine one.

One method is palpation of the bitch’s abdomen. The vet gently feels the abdomen to check for the presence of puppies. In a false pregnancy, none will be felt. This method is not always conclusive, though, because a bitch may react to being touched even when the pregnancy is false.

Naturally, the diagnosis should be made by a professional: a veterinarian or another member of the veterinary practice team.

Treating false pregnancy in dogs: medication and natural ways of shortening its course

Treatment of a false pregnancy depends on how severe the symptoms are and how they affect the bitch’s wellbeing. There are various options, including both medication and natural ways of shortening the course of a false pregnancy.

For bitches with pronounced and troublesome symptoms, the vet may prescribe anti-prolactin medication for a period of 5-10 days. These drugs reduce prolactin production and ease the symptoms of false pregnancy. In some cases, especially when the bitch shows aggression, anti-anxiety medication and sedatives may also be prescribed.

There are also natural ways of shortening a false pregnancy. Increasing the bitch’s physical activity with longer walks, training sessions or scent games can help distract her from maternal behaviour. Reducing the amount of food and access to water for a few days can also dampen milk production. It is also important to put away any objects the bitch may regard as her puppies, so as not to reinforce her maternal behaviour.

To sum up the key points: treating a false pregnancy in dogs may involve anti-prolactin medication together with natural methods of shortening the duration of the symptoms. Treatment should be tailored to the individual needs and health of the bitch. If the symptoms are severe or do not improve, it is always worth consulting a vet, who will select the appropriate treatment.

Preventing false pregnancy in dogs: the role of spaying and other preventive measures

An effective way to prevent false pregnancy is to have the bitch spayed. Spaying, which involves removing the ovaries and uterus, eliminates the risk of false pregnancy and other reproductive complications such as pyometra and mammary tumours. It is the most effective method of preventing false pregnancy and has many benefits for the bitch’s health.

Besides spaying, there are other preventive measures that can help reduce the risk of false pregnancy. One is to keep the bitch away from young puppies, which can stimulate prolactin secretion and increase the risk of a false pregnancy developing. It is also important to keep track of the bitch’s heat cycle and, if appropriate, consult a vet about the best time for spaying.

Supporting a bitch with a false pregnancy: helping your dog cope with the symptoms and stress

A false pregnancy can be stressful for both the bitch and her owner. There are, however, ways to help your pet cope with the symptoms and the stress associated with a false pregnancy.

The first step is to give the bitch peace and a sense of security. It is important not to disturb her while she is nesting and caring for her imaginary puppies. Do not take away the toys or objects she regards as her offspring. It is also best to avoid stroking her belly, as this can increase milk production.

During a false pregnancy it is also important to give the bitch enough physical exercise. Longer walks, training sessions or scent games can distract her from maternal behaviour and help reduce the symptoms of false pregnancy. Regular exercise can also bring her relief during this stressful period.

Supporting a bitch with a false pregnancy also means feeding her appropriately. It is important to adjust the amount of food to her current needs and reduce her portions. Bear in mind, though, that she still needs to receive adequate nutrients, so it is worth consulting a vet to work out the best diet for a bitch with a false pregnancy.

If the bitch is aggressive towards other members of the household or shows other unwanted behaviour, you should also consult a vet. The specialist may recommend anti-anxiety medication or sedatives to help her cope with the stress and anxiety associated with a false pregnancy.