Dogs can have different types of heavy breathing. Panting is one version of increased respirations. Panting involves a rapid rate of breathing with a regular rhythm, open mouth, and a relaxed attitude. It can follow excitement, hard exercise, or anxiety.

If the panting is related to anxiety, your dog’s posture may be a tad stiff. Breathing tends to return to normal in five to 15 minutes, however. True panting is not an emergency. Panting doesn’t take much effort for the dog to do. It’s his main way of cooling his body.

What Does Labored Breathing Look Like?

Labored or hard breathing is respiration with effort. Any type of heavy breathing is hard work. Your dog may stretch his neck out and look like he is gulping air. His elbows may go out at the sides.

Unlike the pink gums you may see during regular panting, with heavy breathing a dog’s gums may be blue or gray. His respiratory rate may be rapid or perhaps not that much above normal due to the effort required for each breath.

Your dog’s nostrils may flare as he tries to move air, and his rib cage visibly moves. He is clearly working hard to get oxygen in. You might hear a wheeze or a whistle during the movement of air. Most dogs will avoid lying down during labored breathing, or if they do lie down, they will stay in sternal position. Your dog will appear to be worried or anxious.

What Causes Dyspnea in Dogs?

The medical term for labored breathing is dyspnea. High on the list of causes are cardiac conditions and respiratory disease. Trauma can also cause breathing difficulty.

Any obstruction may cause your dog to work hard to breathe. The obstruction may be an inhaled foreign body, laryngeal paralysis, scar tissue, or cancerous growth. Due to their conformation, brachycephalic dogs may have trouble breathing if heavily exercised or in hot, humid weather.

Many cardiac conditions can interfere with breathing and adequate oxygenation of the dog’s body. Congestive heart failure, cardiomyopathy, and heartworm disease can all cause your dog to work hard to breathe. Pneumonia is a serious respiratory reason for labored breathing.

What Should I Do If My Dog Has Trouble Breathing?

If your dog is having trouble breathing, head to your veterinary clinic or an emergency clinic, if your regular vet isn’t open. The veterinarian will examine your dog including a full auscultation of his chest with a stethoscope. Hearing a heart murmur or “crackles” in the lung field may give your vet an idea of the cause behind the labored breathing

The next step is generally X-rays to evaluate the heart and the lungs. The veterinarian is looking for changes in the size of the heart, any neoplasia (cancers) that are visible, and changes in the appearance of the lungs. Free fluid or free air in the chest can make it hard for your dog to breathe. Ultrasound or echocardiograms may help to pinpoint the cause.

Blood oxygen levels will be checked if possible. Many dogs with labored breathing will need oxygen. This may be given via a nasal cannula or by placement in an oxygen cage.

Further treatment will be based on therapy for the cause of the labored breathing. That might mean antibiotics, diuretics, surgery to remove a mass or foreign body, or drugs to regulate your dog’s heart.

Vitiligo is a genetic condition in dogs that affects skin and hair color. With vitiligo, the melanocytes—the cells that produce pigment—degenerate or die off, leaving behind white skin and white hair. For some dogs, this is due to a genetic predisposition. For others, vitiligo cases are caused by autoimmune problems that attack melanocytes. An injury can also temporarily damage the melanocytes. Regardless of why your dog has spots of white hair, vitiligo itself is not dangerous.

Vitiligo is different from the graying that many dogs develop as they age. Graying due to age tends to be slowly progressive and often starts with the muzzle. Some dogs will get “frosting” early, but it often does not progress to whole body. Other breeds will get white hairs uniformly over the body. Vitiligo tends to stand out because it usually appears as bright white patches.

Breeds predisposed to vitiligo include Rottweilers, Belgian Tervuren, Belgian Sheepdogs, and Doberman Pinschers as well as Dachshunds and German Shepherd Dogs. Some dogs are adults when vitiligo becomes obvious and may have already been bred, possibly spreading the gene without the breeder considering it.

When Does Vitiligo Start in a Dog?

A puppy predisposed to vitiligo is born with normal coloration, but as he grows, the melanocytes die off and white hair replaces the normal color. The age of onset can vary. The face is often the first area that is affected, but it can progress all over the body and even onto the footpads. Focal cases have specific areas, usually the head or even just the nose and lips affected. Generalized cases may have patches of vitiligo all over. Most cases stabilize after six months from the start of signs but not always.

Many dogs will have white hair grow in after an injury (the scar will be covered with white hair). This is not vitiligo. In this case, the melanocytes for that area were destroyed by the injury. Sometimes the hair will grow back in normal color after a shed or two if the melanocytes were damaged but not destroyed. My male Belgian Tervuren, Doc, stuck his nose in a nest of yellow jackets (very aggressive ground wasps). For almost a year, he had multiple white spots on his muzzle where he had been stung. Eventually color came back.

Does My Dog Have Vitiligo?

The diagnosis of vitiligo is generally based on history and physical exam. If there are signs of other skin conditions, your veterinarian may want to do a skin scrape, a biopsy, and/or test for autoimmune problems.

You may have read that supplements such as omega 3 fatty acids or vitamin C will reverse or at least slow the progression of vitiligo. None of these claims are proven effective by research. If your dog is one of the less common cases with an underlying medical problem, treating the problem may reverse the skin coloration.

Dogs with generalized vitiligo and short hair, like a short-hair Dachshund, may benefit from dog-safe sunscreen when they go out and general precautions against sun exposure.

While vitiligo is not desirable, remember that it is purely cosmetic, unless it is associated with an autoimmune disease (and then there are other symptoms). Your dog will have a “unique look,” but he won’t suffer.

We get it! Tiny dogs are adorable! But the term “teacup dog” is usually a red flag that indicates irresponsible breeding practices. Thankfully, you can get a dog that stays small without compromising on health or longevity.

People want small dogs for many reasons. In cities, tiny dogs are perfect for apartment living (your landlord may even have weight limits for dogs) and carrying on public transit. If you fly a lot, a small dog can ride in a bag under the seat. Some hikers prefer small dogs because they are easy to carry if they get tired or hurt. And of course, there is the age-old reason of just wanting a warm little dog to curl up in your lap and cuddle.

Small Dog Breeds

Most dogs who will stay small even as adults come from the toy breeds. The “toy group” is a grouping of breeds that were developed to be small, friendly companions. Many terriers are also petite, but these dogs tend to have a lot more attitude and energy.

Exact weight ranges can vary by breed or mix, sex, and the individual, but breeds and mixes of breeds in the toy group all weigh under 20 pounds, and many weigh far less. We get predictability in size thanks to the efforts of breeders over the centuries who came together to develop and follow the breed standard that acts as a blueprint for each breed.

You can occasionally get outliers who grow larger than their brethren, but this is uncommon when getting a puppy from a breeder who adheres to the breed standard. Mixed breed dogs will of course be more varied than purebred dogs, but if both parents are small, their puppies should be as well.

Toy or Teacup?

All teacup dogs are toys, but not all toy dogs are teacups.

“Teacup dog” is a marketing term that refers to a dog that is unusually small, sometimes so small that it could maybe fit into a teacup. Often this means the dog will weigh less than 5 pounds or so as an adult, but the term has been applied to members of larger who breeds who are just smaller than most of their relatives.

There are no teacup breeds, just individual dogs within breeds that can be considered teacup varieties. For example, a teacup Chihuahua is just an extra-small Chihuahua, not a separate breed.

Some toy breeds that are commonly caught up in the teacup fad include the Chihuahua, Maltese, Pomeranian, Poodle, and Yorkshire Terrier.

Why Teacup Dogs Are Bad

Teacup dogs aren’t inherently bad. The problem is that whenever humans latch onto a specific marketing term, we tend to hyper fixate. All it takes is one celebrity posting a photo of their teeny tiny dog, and suddenly everyone wants one. And, of course, some people jump in to try to make a quick buck breeding these tiny canines.

Breeding happy, healthy dogs is much more complex than just putting two dogs in a room together. Many behavior traits, characteristics, and health factors are controlled by recessive genes that are not obvious to the naked eye. Dogs who appear perfectly healthy could be carrying genes for serious health problems that doom their puppies. It is our responsibility when considering breeding dogs to collect as much information as we can about each individual dog and their relatives to get a more complete picture of the genes that dog might carry and the risks those genes might bring.

Many toy breeds are already predisposed to certain health problems, and it is very easy to make those issues worse if a breeder is only making breeding decisions based on size.

Problems common with toy breed dogs include:

• Luxating patella
• Collapsing trachea
• Portosystemic shunts
• Open fontanelle (literally a hole in the skull that leaves the brain unprotected)
• Legg Calve Perthes Disease
• Mitral valve disease
• Pancreatitis
• Periodontal disease
• Hypoglycemia

Every person breeding toy breed dogs, including mixes, should be aware of these issues and know of the prevalence in their lines. Some of these problems can even be tested for. In Pomeranians, it is recommended that all breeding prospects receive evaluations from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) for their hearts, patellae, eyes, thyroid levels, hips, and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease.

You can find out what health testing is recommended for your breed on the OFA website thanks to the Canine Health Information Center. If considering a mixed-breed puppy, look up all the breeds that are involved with the litter. Tests that are recommended for multiple breeds are the most important for these mixed-breed litters.

People breeding teacup dogs often do little to no health testing. Doing this generation after generation can quickly increase the frequency of health problems within a line or gene pool. These disorders can cause pain and distress for your dog, are costly to treat, and can even be fatal.

Temperament of Tiny Dogs

Temperament and socialization can also suffer when a person is fixated on producing the tiniest puppies possible. If one or both parents are shy or aggressive, the puppies are likely to share those flaws. And while a ferocious Pomeranian may be cute, it isn’t much fun to live with and can make veterinary care challenging.

Puppies need to be safely exposed to a variety of surfaces, smells, people, animals, and experiences while they are young and impressionable. Most toy breed dogs do not go to their new homes until at least 12 weeks of age, so it is critical that the breeder has a plan to provide their puppies with safe experiences to prepare them for the rest of their lives.

If you are considering a “teacup” puppy, ask the breeder for a detailed description of their socialization protocol. Breeders passionate about the wellbeing of their dogs will have an answer, while those who are just taking advantage of the fad likely will not.

Tiny Dog = Big Care

Thanks to their diminutive size, teacup dogs are extremely fragile and require extra day-to-day care compared to larger dogs.

Their tiny bones are extremely fragile, and teacup dogs can experience fractures from simple activities like jumping off a couch, being dropped by a person, or getting caught in a door. They are also vulnerable to being stepped on or sat on by humans or other pets.

Toy and teacup dogs alike are prone to hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. Puppies require at least three meals a day, often four to five to ensure adequate blood sugar levels. Even in adulthood a teacup dog may require small frequent meals to stay healthy.

Tiny dogs are also vulnerable to hypothermia because of their small size and increased surface area compared to body mass. Puppies and adults alike require access to warm blankets and coats and may need to use a pee pad rather than walking outside in the winter.

How Long Do Teacup Dogs Live?

Lifespan varies by breed, but toy breed dogs routinely live into their mid or upper teens. Unfortunately, the health problems and fragility of teacup dogs can shorten this time by several years.

There are no guarantees, but purchasing a puppy from a knowledgeable breeder who does health testing and can tell you the health and longevity of a litter’s ancestors gives you the best chance at a healthy puppy.

Dogs have a sweet tooth, just like their human companions. With functional sweet taste receptors on their tongues, dogs prefer sugary foods when they’re available. In a series of two-bowl tests reported in the Summer 1984 Neuroscience & Behavioral Reviews, Beagle puppies aged two to four months preferred sugar and nonnutritive sweeteners in semi-moist dog food over the same unsweetened food, and they preferred solutions of lactose, fructose, glucose, and galactose over plain tap water. But is sugar bad for dogs?

The Effects of Sugar on Dogs

Just as in humans, sugars and starches (carbohydrates that the digestive tract quickly converts to sugar) cause canine blood glucose levels to rise. Although the speed of blood sugar spikes varies depending on the type and amount of sugar or carbohydrate, research shows that high-glycemic treats and foods harm dogs by promoting:

• Obesity
• Metabolic disease (including diabetes)
• Dental disease
• Gut/microbiome imbalances
• Joint pain
• Cardiovascular disease

Sugar and starchy carbohydrates are key ingredients in many dog foods and treats that are inexpensive, easy to manufacture, and attractive to dogs. Many dry dog foods and treats contain up to 50% starch, so even if their labels don’t list sugar as an ingredient, they deliver a daily “sugar load” to the dogs who consume them.

Is Sugar Toxic to Dogs?

Sugar in any of its many forms will not immediately poison a dog, but sugar is not part of the natural canine diet. As interest in species-appropriate or biologically appropriate diets grows, more Americans are turning away from commercial kibble and adopting fresh, frozen, freeze-dried, or home-prepared low-carbohydrate raw or gently cooked foods based on meat, bones, and organs.

Are All Carbohydrates Equivalent to Sugar?

Fiber, the indigestible part of plants that does not break down into sugar molecules but instead passes through the body, reduces a food’s carbohydrate load. Dog foods and treats list their fiber content on their labels. Subtracting fiber from total carbohydrates gives you the product’s “net carbohydrates,” meaning the carbohydrates your dog’s body can digest.

Some carbohydrates are resistant starches, which slows their digestion in the small intestine. Resistant starches raise blood sugar more slowly than refined starches do. Green bananas, legumes, and some specially treated starches are considered resistant.

High-fiber and resistant carbohydrates may be less likely to cause the serious health problems associated with sugar, but as main ingredients in foods or treats, they both contribute to sugar-related illnesses.

Is Honey Safer for Dogs than White Sugar? What about Brown Sugar? Whole Fruits? Brown Rice Syrup?

When it comes to sweet ingredients, all natural sugars are high in carbohydrates. There is no “safe” sugar, meaning that all natural sugars can contribute to the health problems described here. You can make an ingredient like honey or sweet fruits “safe” by giving your dog small quantities infrequently, but not in large amounts every day.

The glycemic index (GI) is a scale from 0 to 100 that ranks carbohydrate-containing foods by how quickly they raise blood sugar levels. Pure glucose (dextrose), with a GI of 100, acts fastest. According to the Dietitian Prescription’s Glycemic Index Sweeteners Chart, brown rice syrup, which is sometimes incorrectly described as a healthy alternative to refined sugar, has one of the highest possible GI ratings. Fructose, barley malt syrup, and agave nectar’s GI numbers are much lower, but they are still potentially harmful sugars.

• Dextrose (Glucose): GI 100
• Brown Rice Syrup: GI 98
• Tapioca Syrup: GI 70
• Date Sugar: GI 68
• High Fructose Corn Syrup: GI 62-68
• White Sugar (Sucrose): GI 65
• Turbinado Sugar: GI 65
• Honey: GI 58
• Molasses: GI 55
• Maple Syrup: GI 54
• Coconut Sugar: GI 54
• Agave Nectar: GI 15-30
• Palm Sugar: GI 35
• Barley Malt Syrup: GI 42
• Fructose: GI 23

Sugar Contributes to Weight Gain in Dogs

According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, in 2022, 59% of dogs and 61% of cats evaluated by veterinary professionals in the United States were classified as overweight or obese. Dogs easily gain weight on high-carb foods and treats.

Sugar Causes Insulin Resistance and Can Lead to Diabetes in Dogs

Insulin resistance, also known as impaired insulin sensitivity, occurs when cells in muscles, fat, and the liver do not respond to the blood sugar-lowering effects of insulin, a hormone released by the pancreas. Overweight dogs who regularly consume sugar or high-glycemic carbohydrates are at risk for diabetes, which requires daily insulin injections, carefully controlled carbohydrate intake, and lifelong management.

Sugar Causes Dental Disease and Oral Health Problems in Dogs

According to research published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science in 2020, 80% to 89% of dogs over age three have periodontal disease. Sugars in pet foods and treats contribute directly to dental plaque and tartar by altering a dog’s oral microbiome, increasing the risk of gingivitis, tooth loss, oral pain, and systemic (whole-body) inflammation and infections. Sugar-rich treats indirectly harm heart valves and other parts of the body as well as directly affecting the teeth and gums.

Sugar Causes Microbiome Disruption in Dogs

Regular sugar consumption creates microbial shifts in the digestive tract, leading to inflammation, diarrhea, gas, bloating, and even vomiting. Chronic low-grade inflammation can cause intestinal permeability known as “leaky gut,” which allows toxins, bacteria, and undigested food particles to cross the intestinal barrier and enter the bloodstream, triggering immune activation that contributes to autoimmune disorders, lethargy, recurrent infections, and slow wound healing.

Sugar Contributes to Hyperactivity and Behavioral Problems in Dogs

Rapid blood glucose variations in dogs who consume sugary foods and treats have been associated with short-term hyperactivity followed by energy “crashes” and increased hunger, behavioral problems, and weight-management challenges such as begging, food-seeking, and overfeeding habits that are difficult for dogs and their owners to break.

Sugar Causes Inflammation

Compounds called Advanced Glycation End-products or AGEs, which form when sugars bind to proteins, have been linked to chronic systemic inflammation in dogs, contributing to joint degeneration, arthritis, cognitive decline, and accelerated cellular aging.

Is Sugar Content Listed on Dog Food and Treat Labels?

Sugar content is almost never listed on dog food and treat labels, but you can learn the Dry Matter (DM) carbohydrate content of any food or treat with information that appears on the product’s package. See What to Look for on Labels.

Start by reading the first five ingredients on the label. The ingredient that weighs the most in the product comes first, and the ingredient that weighs the least comes last. Any treat whose first ingredients include obvious sugars or starches should be approached with caution. A small treat or two every few days probably won’t cause a problem, but high-carb treats given several times a day along with high-carb foods can wreak havoc with your dog’s health.

Some manufacturers provide carbohydrate content on their websites. For example, the website of a popular soft dog training treat whose first ingredients are peanut butter, potato, wheat flour, cane molasses, glycerin, peanuts, chicken fat, banana, and peas lists its Dry Matter carbohydrate content as 59%. This treat is extremely high in sugar!

Hidden Sugars in Dog Food and Treats

As you read ingredient lists of dog foods and treats, watch for all forms of sugar, which produce sharp glycemic spikes and are especially problematic in treats and semi-moist foods. These include:

• Agave nectar
• Barley malt extract
• Barley malt syrup
• Beet sugar
• Brown rice syrup
• Cane juice crystals
• Cane sugar
• Carob syrup
• Coconut sugar
• Corn maltodextrin
• Corn syrup
• Date sugar
• Demerara sugar
• Dextrose
• Evaporated cane juice
• Fructose
• Fruit juice concentrate
• Glucose
• High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS)
• Honey
• Invert sugar
• Lactose
• Maltodextrin
• Maltose
• Maple syrup
• Molasses
• Palm sugar
• Raw sugar
• Rice syrup solids
• Sucrose
• Tapioca syrup
• Turbinado sugar

High-glycemic Carbohydrates in Dog Food and Treats

Just as important are starches that a dog’s digestive system quickly converts to glucose, causing blood sugar spikes. These ingredients are not sweet to taste but they quickly break down into glucose and can make up 30% to 60% of a dry dog food.

• Rice
• Wheat
• Corn
• Potato
• Barley
• Oats
• Peas
• Chickpeas
• Tapioca
• Other processed grains, tubers, and legumes

Beware of Xylitol

Dogs are attracted to sweet tastes, including the tastes of artificial sweeteners and sugar substitutes. The most dangerous of these is xylitol, a popular ingredient in sugar-free chewing gum, mints, peanut butter, allergy medications, and other products. Even small amounts can lead to canine hypoglycemia, liver failure, and death. Read labels carefully and keep your pup away from any products containing xylitol.

Are Artificial Sweeteners Safe for Dogs?

Xylitol is by far the most dangerous artificial sweetener to dogs and should be avoided at all times. According to Emergency Vets USA, other artificial sweeteners have the following effects:

• Erythritol, used in sugar-free baked goods, candies, and weight-loss products can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and decreased appetite if consumed in large amounts.
• Stevia, one of the most popular sugar substitutes, is considered non-toxic to dogs and cats.
• Aspartame, used in sugar-free sodas, low-calorie sweets, and the sugar replacement product Equal, is unlikely to impact a dog’s health.
• Saccharine, found in Sweet N Low, is listed as non-toxic to dogs although it can cause mild gastrointestinal upset if consumed in large amounts.
• Sucralose, commonly known as Splenda, is a staple in many homes. Though generally safe for dogs, it can lead to diarrhea if consumed in large amounts.
• Monk Fruit, from a plant native to Southeast Asia, is used as a sugar replacement in some ice creams, diet sodas, protein bars, and low-fat baked goods. It is considered safe for dogs.
• Allulose, an increasingly popular sugar substitute, does not appear on the Emergency Vets USA list, but in September 2017, the Journal of Veterinary Medical Science published ”The long-term safety of D-allulose administration in healthy dogs”, which concluded that allulose is well tolerated in dogs and deserves future study because it may be appropriate in the treatment of dogs with diabetes or obesity.

Dogs can develop congestion just like humans do, resulting in snuffling, snorting, and loud breathing. Dog congestion has many potential causes, and treatment will depend on what sort of infection or illness your dog has.

Symptoms of Dog Congestion

• Loud, wet sounds when breathing through the nose
• Snorting
• Snoring
• Sneezing
• Discharge from the nose
• Coughing
• Open-mouth breathing

In severe cases, your dog may gag or even vomit after heavy coughing fits, and he may also have difficulty breathing. Difficulty breathing is an emergency and requires immediate veterinary care.

Should I Panic if My Dog Is Congested?

Most cases of dog congestion are mild and will resolve on their own. If your dog sounds congested but seems otherwise fine, you can monitor him at home for one to two days.

Here are some things you can do to support your dog’s health:

• Encourage rest. Less activity means less strain on his inflamed and irritated airways.
• Increase humidity. Break out your humidifier if you have one or keep your dog in the bathroom while you take a hot shower. The steam will help to clear his airways and relieve congestion. Ideally your dog should be in a steamy room for 5 to 10 minutes at least once a day.
• Encourage hydration. Be sure your dog has plenty of fresh, clean water available and that he is drinking.
• Provide good nutrition. A complete and balanced diet will help to support your dog’s whole body and health.
• Clean his nose as needed. Crusts and discharge can be wiped from the nose with a warm damp cloth. This will both help your dog feel better and clear his external nostrils.

If your dog has other symptoms of illness or doesn’t improve within 48 hours, it’s time to call your vet.

Why Dogs Get Congested

Many things can cause congestion in dogs:

• Upper respiratory infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi
• Allergies
• Foreign body stuck in the nasal passages
• Chronic heart failure
• Heartworms
• Tumor within the respiratory tract

Brachycephalic dogs with smooshed faces, obese dogs, unvaccinated dogs, and dogs living in crowded conditions have the highest risk of developing congestion.

Your veterinarian will determine the cause of your dog’s congestion based on his symptoms and lifestyle. A dog with a dry, honking cough probably has the upper respiratory infection called kennel cough, which can be caused by viruses or bacteria. If your dog sounds congested and is reverse sneezing plus has reddish eyes and paws, he may have allergies.

Treatment will vary by the case. For mild congestion that hasn’t responded to home care, your vet may prescribe a short course of steroid or anti-inflammatory medication to give your dog relief. Bacterial infections can be treated with antibiotics, while viral infections require either antiviral medications or just supportive care. If the congestion is caused by something stuck in your dog’s nose, removing the offending object will resolve the issue.

Most dogs will experience congestion at some time in their lives. To minimize your dog’s risk, keep him at a healthy weight and up to date on his vaccinations and heartworm preventive medications. Vaccines are especially important if your dog goes to doggy daycare, boarding kennels, dog training classes, or dog shows.