Hello XXXXXXXXXX,
Could I get a little more information?
Does that dog seem to wheeze and breathe badly all the time or just have fits of doing this?
Does he seem to be less active or unable to exercise like previously?Does he have these episodes and then do right back to normal?
Do they seem to be worse when he is excited or on a leash?
Are his gums nice a pink?
Donna P.
Actual asthma in dogs is not common - but it is possible. The likely causes are, of course, lung and heart problems. As I need to leave for work I do not have time to type a proper answer right now. I will opt out so that someone else can help you. If they have not I will check back with you later.
With his age and this change in his breathing you really should see your vet to get him checked out.
As Donna mentioned there are a number of possible issues.
It may be his heart is not pumping as well as it should resulting in fluid build up leading to the wheezing.
He could have an upper respiratory virus infection such as kennel cough or canine influenza leading to pneumonia.
He might have a tumor pressing on his lungs or within the lungs.
His spleen or liver might be enlarged which can also put pressure on the lung area.
At 9 your dog is a senior boy so an in person check up and perhaps blood work or other testing may be in order to track down the problem to determine the best care options.
This may be something easily resolved with antibiotics, heart meds, a diuretic etc.
Hope this helps you!
Dog Expert:Rescue, Train,Breed,Care
30+ yrs dog home vet care & nursing, rescue, behavior&training, responsible show breeding, genetics