Puppy Breathing Rate: Normal Ranges, Why Puppies Breathe Fast, and When to Worry

Puppies breathe faster than adult dogs. If you've noticed your new puppy's belly rising and falling rapidly while they sleep, you're not alone — it's one of the most common concerns new puppy owners search for. In most cases, fast breathing in a puppy is completely normal. But knowing the difference between normal and concerning breathing can help you act quickly when it matters.

What Is a Normal Breathing Rate for Puppies?

Age	Normal Resting Rate (breaths/min)	Monitor Closely	Contact Your Vet
Newborn (0–2 weeks)	15–35	Above 40	Above 50 or with distress
Young puppy (2–12 weeks)	15–40	Above 40	Above 50 or with distress
Older puppy (3–12 months)	15–30	30–40	Above 40 at rest
Adult dog (1+ year)	15–30	30–40	Above 40 at rest

Key point: Puppies naturally breathe faster than adult dogs, especially during sleep. A sleeping puppy breathing 35–40 times per minute during active dreaming is usually nothing to worry about.

Why Do Puppies Breathe So Fast?

Several completely normal factors explain rapid puppy breathing:

Smaller lungs. A puppy's lungs are proportionally small. More breath cycles are needed to deliver enough oxygen.
Higher metabolic rate. Puppies are growing rapidly. Growth requires energy, and energy requires oxygen — which means faster breathing.
Dream sleep (REM). Puppies spend more time in REM sleep than adult dogs. During REM, you may notice rapid breathing, twitching, small whimpers, and paw movements. This is completely normal — your puppy is dreaming.
Temperature regulation. Puppies are less efficient at regulating body temperature. In warm environments, they may breathe faster.
Recent activity. After play, excitement, or eating, a puppy's breathing rate can temporarily spike well above resting levels. This settles within 10–15 minutes.

How to Count Your Puppy's Breathing Rate

The most clinically useful measurement is the resting or sleeping respiratory rate — counted when your puppy is calm and undisturbed.

Wait until your puppy is resting or asleep. Ideally during deep sleep, not active REM dreaming (no twitching or rapid eye movement).
Watch the chest or belly. Each rise and fall counts as one breath. In puppies, belly movement is often easier to see.
Count for 60 seconds. A full minute gives the most reliable result since puppy breathing can be irregular.
Record it. Write down the number with the date. Better yet, use an app that tracks it automatically.

Make It Easy with an App

Breaths Per Minute is built for exactly this. Tap the screen once each time your puppy breathes in, and the app calculates the rate and saves it. Over weeks and months, you build a history that shows your puppy's personal baseline — invaluable if health issues arise later.

Use it in browser

Puppy Breathing Fast While Sleeping: When It's Normal

This is the number one thing puppy owners worry about. Here's the quick answer: fast breathing during sleep is almost always normal in puppies.

During REM sleep, puppies often:

Breathe rapidly (sometimes 40+ breaths per minute)
Twitch their legs, ears, or face
Make small sounds — whimpering, yipping, or soft barks
Move their eyes rapidly under closed eyelids

This is your puppy dreaming. It's a sign of healthy brain development. The fast breathing will return to normal when they shift to deep sleep or wake up.

When to actually worry during sleep:

Breathing stays fast even during deep, still sleep (no twitching or eye movement)
You hear wheezing, rattling, or labored sounds
The puppy's gums or tongue look pale or bluish
The breathing rate exceeds 50 consistently during quiet rest

Warning Signs: When Puppy Breathing Needs a Vet

Contact your veterinarian if you observe:

Resting rate consistently above 40 breaths per minute when calm and awake (not after play or excitement).
Open-mouth breathing at rest when the puppy is not hot or panting from exercise.
Visible effort. The belly heaves, the ribs pull in, or the nostrils flare with each breath.
Blue or pale gums. This indicates insufficient oxygen and is an emergency.
Persistent coughing paired with elevated breathing rate.
Lethargy combined with fast breathing. A puppy that's breathing fast AND unusually quiet or uninterested in food may be ill.
Breathing rate that's elevated relative to your puppy's personal baseline. If your puppy normally rests at 20 and suddenly reads 35–40 for two days, something has changed.

Conditions That Affect Puppy Breathing

Respiratory infections. Kennel cough, canine influenza, and pneumonia are common in young puppies, especially those recently adopted from shelters or breeders.
Parasites. Lungworms and heartworm can affect breathing in puppies.
Congenital heart defects. Some breeds are predisposed. Elevated resting respiratory rate can be an early indicator.
Brachycephalic breeds. Flat-faced breeds (French Bulldogs, Pugs, English Bulldogs, Boston Terriers) naturally have more labored breathing due to their shortened airways. Owners of these breeds should be especially diligent about monitoring.
Heatstroke. Puppies overheat faster than adult dogs. Rapid panting that doesn't resolve after cooling down needs immediate veterinary attention.
Allergic reactions. Can cause sudden respiratory distress.

Breed Differences in Puppy Breathing

Not all puppies breathe the same way. Breed plays a significant role:

Brachycephalic breeds (Pugs, French Bulldogs, Bulldogs, Shih Tzus): These puppies may have louder, faster, or more effortful breathing as a baseline due to their airway structure. Establishing a personal baseline is especially important for these breeds.
Large breeds (Great Danes, Mastiffs): Tend to breathe slightly slower at rest than small breeds.
Toy breeds (Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers): May breathe slightly faster at rest than larger breeds, similar to how smaller animals generally have higher respiratory rates.

Regardless of breed, the most important thing is knowing your puppy's normal resting rate so you can recognize changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it normal for a puppy to breathe fast while sleeping?

Yes. Puppies often breathe rapidly during REM (dream) sleep. You may also notice twitching, whimpering, and leg movements. This is normal brain development and nothing to worry about. The breathing should slow during deep sleep phases.

How many breaths per minute is normal for a puppy?

A resting puppy typically breathes 15 to 40 times per minute, depending on age and size. Young puppies (under 12 weeks) tend toward the higher end.

Why does my puppy breathe faster than my adult dog?

Puppies have smaller lungs and a higher metabolic rate due to growth. They need more breath cycles to meet their oxygen needs. As they mature, their breathing rate will gradually decrease to adult levels.

Should I count my puppy's breaths while they're dreaming?

For the most accurate baseline, count during quiet rest or deep sleep — not during active dreaming. Dream-phase breathing is naturally erratic and elevated, which can give a misleadingly high reading.

At what age does a puppy's breathing rate slow down?

Most puppies reach adult-level breathing rates by 12 months, though large breeds may take slightly longer to fully mature. The rate decreases gradually — you won't notice a sudden change.

My puppy is breathing fast and has hiccups — is that normal?

Puppy hiccups are very common and usually harmless. They're caused by diaphragm spasms and are especially frequent after eating, drinking, or excitement. Hiccups combined with fast breathing in an otherwise healthy, active puppy are rarely a concern.