It is totally natural for you to worry about your new puppy. Whether you are scared of letting them wander off or be at home by themselves, having a puppy is similar to having a newborn baby in many ways. You may also get nervous about any behavior that seems dangerous or worrisome. In today’s article we are going to cover why puppies breathe so fast when they sleep.

Why do puppies breathe so fast when they sleep?

While you might get scared when you notice how fast your puppy is breathing in their sleep, it is important to understand the reasons that cause this. The main reasons why puppies breathe so fast when they sleep is dreaming, faster breathing rate, and sleeping position.

Dreaming

The number 1 reason puppies breathe so fast is because they are avid dreamers. Behaviorists have done scans of puppies’s brains while sleeping, and they discovered that a puppy’s brain is greatly stimulated while they are in deep stages of sleep. While we have no idea what they are dreaming about, this is a clear sign that puppies have vivid and lucid dreams. Whether your puppy is having a pleasant dream or a nightmare, a large portion of its brain believes that it is real life. This means it can trigger certain body functions to become active during sleep, which is the main cause of them breathing so fast. Your puppy will most likely not breathe fast for a long period of time, as they will either wake up or shift back to a lighter stage of sleep. 

Faster breathing rate

Compared to adult dogs, puppies tend to have a much higher resting breathing rate. An adult dog typically takes around 15 breaths per minute, while a puppy usually takes 25 breaths in a minute. This is why if they are sleeping next to each other, it appears that the puppy is breathing much faster. Puppies breath faster because they have more energy and show more emotion. 

Sleeping position

Your puppy may also be breathing fast because it is in an awkward sleeping position. This is sometimes the case when your puppy is sleeping on its back. If a puppy is uncomfortable and breathing fast while sleep, they will likely wake up soon and their breathing will go back to normal.

Should I be worried if my puppy is breathing fast while sleeping

Absolutely not. Puppies naturally breathe fast while sleeping, so there is nothing to worry about. However, if your puppy continues to breathe very fast after he/she wakes up, then it is probably a good idea to call a vet.