It's a Sunday which doesn't help, we don't drive and to be honest, we're skint, but we are willing to do anything to help him (just thought i'd get that out of the way before someone says 'ask a vet').

two weeks ago our Yorkshire terrier developed what seemed like a cold, snivvely nose and sore throat, a few days later that was gone but ever since he keeps breathing heavily with his mouth open and he almost points his nose out to get air. We have been keeping an eye on this but today is worse, the breathing is loud and his sides are going in and out rapidly.

He seems content (not in pain) but tomorrow asap I will have to think about getting him to the vet, He's 8 which scares me because of the age thing but he's very lively (usually...a little too lively sometimes!).

I don't know what to do, I just wish pets could talk

Have you checked his gums to see if his colour is ok? Is his stomach swollen at all?

His mouth looks okay (as far as I can tell).

Not sure if this is relevent but maybe I should've mentioned it in the original post, but he has been suffering from constipation for the last week or so, he's been going but not very much (sorry if thats too much info), i'm wondering if this has something to do with it. Straight to the vets tomorrow without a shadow of a doubt.

Is he insured? if so, check your policy or contact them and see if they have a free vet advice line. We're with More than and they have one which have been really helpful.

Please at least phone your emergency vet and see what they say.

This could be very serious - the breathing could be pain or breathing difficulties or cardiac problems. He could have a blockage. All very serious and could get much worse by tomorrow.

If you talk to a vet at least you'll have a professional view point.

Is there anyone can give you a lift? Could you stick treatment on a credit card or arrange a monthly repayment with the vet?

I'm sitting here typing this and crying so much, it's the most awful day of my life.

We managed to get someone kindly to take us to a vet open on sunday, he died on the way there.

I can't type it all because i'm too sad and it hurts so much, i feel so sad right now x

I am so sorry to hear that M.D.N.A, You have my sincerest condolences.

Please let this be a warning to other dog owners though not to wait two weeks before seeking medical attention for breathing problems or a week for constipation.

Dear MDNA, I am so sorry to hear of your sad loss, it must have been a terrible shock. Please look after yourself and know, that miserable though you feel at the moment it will get better and the happy memories will start to outweigh the sad ones.
Mave
xxxx

To anybody else on here who is (understandably) frightened at the thougt of huge vet bills, PLEASE consider insurance, there are some good, basic vet fee only policies around nowadays at a reasonable price. If this is impossible and you are really on your uppers the PDSA will always try and help. My (lovely) local vet runs a scheme whereby animals are treated under the aegis of the PDSA in return for a donation. I haven't had to use the scheme myself (yet - dogs insured, cats not) but from what I can gather it works really well.

I am so sorry

I'm a little composed now but will just say that he's breathing was okay these past two weeks (although a little chesty i'll admit) however this morning was worse, which was why we got him to the nearest vet. Basically what happened was he had a flu which turned into an infection. (Nothing at all to do with constipation thankfully)

He looked so sweet bless him, 8 and a half wonderful years, it feels shorter than that,

just to say that when i got back home realized my pc was on, i saw this page open (which was where i left it) and its awful to see how much has happened in so little time

thanks for the messages though x