Wheezing

Since air is so vital to life, nature made your pet's airways -- the passages through which oxygen flows -- exquisitely sensitive. The airways can expand and contract almost instantly, ensuring that the right amount of oxygen reaches the lungs. Sometimes, however, the airways narrow too much, forcing oxygen to push its way through. The result is a gasping, high-pitched wheeze.

"Wheezing in pets sounds just like a person having an asthma attack," explains Jeff Feinman, V.M.D., a holistic veterinarian in private practice in Weston, Connecticut.

Allergies are the most common cause of wheezing, says Dr. Feinman. With every breath, your pet inhales pollen, dust, or other particles that can potentially irritate the airways and cause allergic reactions. In addition, some pets are allergic to insect stings or the chemicals used in household cleaners. Even chemicals in new carpets may trigger wheezing in some pets.

There are a variety of upper airway conditions that can result in wheezing. Asthma is one of the most common, but it is much more of a problem for cats than for dogs, says Dr. Feinman. In addition, dogs and cats can get viral infections, such as colds or even pneumonia, which irritate the airways and cause mucus to accumulate. This makes it difficult for air to get through.

See Your Vet If...

• Your pet's wheezing occurs in the spring or summer
  
• She has been stung by an insect
  
• She has lost her appetite
  
• Your pet's voice has recently changed.
• Your pet is panting excessively
  
• Your dog or cat is coughing, wheezing, sneezing, or gagging
  
• Exercise makes him unusually tired or causes him to cough or wheeze
  
• Your pet has recently begun snoring, wheezing, or panting at night
  
• He is breathing rapidly or taking shallow breaths
  
• His belly is heaving when he breathes
  
• His nose is dry, crusty, or bleeding
  
• There is a discharge from his mouth or nose for two days or longer
  
• Your pet's tongue or gums are blue or pale

Next Steps:

• What you can do for your pet
  
• What your vet can do
  
• Find out other causes of wheezing

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