My mother brought home a stray dog, we’ve been caring for him for about /4 hours now but he just started rapidly

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Thank you for reaching out to me about your new furry friend. Rapid breathing can be concerning, especially if you are noticing it at rest with a closed mouth. I understand that this must be alarming, but let's take a moment to gather more information so I can offer the best advice.
Can you tell me more about the dog's breathing? Is it shallow or deep? Is there any wheezing or coughing? Also, is he showing any other signs of distress such as lethargy, loss of appetite or vomiting?
It's great that you're taking care of the dog, and I encourage you to continue monitoring him closely. If he is still behaving normally and eating and drinking regularly, it may be possible that he is just adjusting to his new environment. However, if he is showing other signs of distress or the rapid breathing continues, I recommend taking him to your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Regarding potential diagnoses, rapid breathing can be a symptom of several conditions such as anemia, heart disease, or respiratory infection. However, without further examination, it would be difficult to determine the exact cause.
As for treatment options, there are several at-home remedies that may help alleviate symptoms such as keeping him in a cool, quiet environment with plenty of water and avoiding strenuous exercise. However, if there is an underlying medical condition that requires treatment, your veterinarian will be able to recommend a comprehensive plan.
I understand how important your furry friend is to you and your family. You're doing a great job caring for him, and it's important to seek help when needed. Please feel free to ask any follow-up questions or concerns you may have.

That is great news that he seems to be doing better! I am glad that the Benadryl helped and that he is back to his normal self. Allergies can be the cause of rapid breathing, and it's possible that the Benadryl was able to help. Be sure to monitor him closely and if you notice any other signs of distress, it is best to reach out to your veterinarian just in case. If you are concerned about your perfume, try switching to a different scent or avoiding wearing it around the pup. Additionally, it's important to keep him in a cool and quiet environment with plenty of water - this can help alleviate any symptoms. Furthermore, if you plan on taking him out for walks or exercise, make sure to keep it light and avoid strenuous activity.I hope this information is helpful. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any further questions or concerns.

Happy to help :)

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