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My dog has pale gums, rapid breathing, swollen belly. Is it serious?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Are my dog's gums pale?she also started reverse sneezing.she has rapid breadth n her stomach slightly swollen.

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Catherine Stecyk

Veterinarian

Published on August 9th, 2018

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. From the pictures, it does not appear that your dog's gums are pale. Reverse sneezing is OK and can be normal in most pets as long as it is self-limiting. Rapid breathing may indicate that she is trying to pant or cool herself off. If she seems to be exhibiting significant effort to breathe (ie, it looks like she is using her abdomen to help her breathe), this could indicate respiratory disease. I'm not sure what you mean by her stomach being swollen, but if you are worried about potentially fluid in her abdomen, this would be concerning and she should be evaluated by a veterinarian. I would continue to monitor her breathing rate and effort. If at rest she is breathing more than 40 times per minute, or if at anytime it looks like she is using her abdomen to help her breathe, she should see a veterinarian. I hope this is helpful!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Unfortunately all I can see in the photos you provided is the gingiva (gum tissue) right above your dog’s teeth. I am not able to see the mucous membranes and so cannot determine if they are pale. However if you are concerned I would recommend taking her to the vet to be evaluated as soon as possible.

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