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Why is my dog breathing fast, mouth open, tongue out, with spasms?

Updated on September 23, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | neutered | 5 years old | 15.2 lbs

Henry started breathing fast, with his mouth open and his tongue partially out and sometimes moving it in and out like he can't swallow or like something is dis-comforting him and as I was trying to calm him down, his belly was having some sort of fast cramps or spasms, I am not sure. This lasted for a few minutes; now he seems relaxed again but I can't help but to think there is something wrong. Yesterday he had a check up, x-rays & blood work and everything came out 100% good.What can this be?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on August 2, 2017

It is possible that Henry had something stuck in his throat that he cleared on his own. Other possible causes for the symptoms you describe are panting from stress or heat, something stuck in his throat (food, a bone, a piece of toy, or even a mass), reverse sneezing, gagging, or something else. What you saw in his belly may have been him trying to get up whatever was in his throat. If it happens again, carefully try to look in his mouth and see if you can see anything in the back - but don't get bit! If you don't see anything and the episode lasts more than a minute or two, or if Henry seems to have trouble breathing, he may need to see an emergency vet. If his bloodwork and x-rays were not part of his annual healthy pet exam, it could be related to this episode, but without having more information, it is hard for me to determine if it is relevant in this particular case. Feel free to initiate a consult so we can discuss this further.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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