The normal respiration rate for dogs is 10 to 30 times per minute.  For cats, the rate is 10 to 40 times per minute.  When your pet is resting quietly, anything other than quiet, effortless breathing requires medical attention and possibly artificial respiration. 

Dogs that are hot or exercising breathe faster and may pant up to 200 times per minute.  Panting and open-mouthed breathing in cats are considered danger signs because cats do not use panting routinely as a means to cool off, the way dogs do.  If your cat is panting or breathing with her mouth open, call the vet immediately.

The following is a list of warning signs to look out for:

Respiratory Signs         What They Mean              Call the Vet?                                 

Effortless breathing,       Normal                              No                       

quiet to soundless                 

Increased respiratory     First sign of breathing        Yes, immediately,                             

rate                              problems                           if condition                             

                                                                            is worsening.                                     

Excessive panting or        EMERGENCY –                          

gasping; dogs stand w/      Progression to early      Yes, immediately 

elbows outward, cats sit     respiratory failure.     

crouched w/ head and

neck extended.

Labored, open-mouthed      EMERGENCY –          Yes, immediately              

breathing and blue gums.    Pulmonary failure;      

                                         pet is suffocating.     

Slowed, shallow or            EMERGENCY –           Yes, immediately      

stopped breathing;            Respiratory collapse;                         

unconsciousness             prepare for artificial                  

imminent.                         respiration.