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Why is my senior dog breathing hard, weak, and falling over?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Chinese Crested | Male | 12 years and 4 months old | 15.4 lbs

Temp of 97 degrees labored breathing, fast heartbeat, loss of appetite, drinks OK. Slow movements. Will fall over if excited. Any ideas what may be wrong with him? He is 12 year old Chinese Crested.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on October 2nd, 2017

Poor Captain! I am very concerned about him and it sounds like he could have a problem with his heart and might be in heart failure. He needs to be examined by a vet right away to determine the cause and treat. Your vet can take a chest x-ray and run blood-work to help diagnose and then prescribe medications to help treat the problem. Please call your vet and have him examined.

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