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Why is my dog collapsing, breathing rapidly, and going limp?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Staffordshire Bull Terrier | Male | neutered | 11 years old

My girlfirends dog breed staff, is breathing rapidly and collapsing or going limp, he cant move for about 10 minutes when he has an episode, is there any advice on what it could be before we take him to the vets thank you

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 15th, 2019

Hello. I am so sorry about poor Monty. He does need to see a veterinarian as soon as possible to rule out the various causes of his symptoms. These could be seizures, but it can also be a condition called syncope that would indicate that there may be a pretty serious heart problem going on. Other than protecting him the best you can when he collapses, there really is not much you can do at home. I do hope you can have him seen soon. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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