In the framework of nonlinear wave optics, we report the evolution process of a dipole breathing wave in lossy nonlocal nonlinear media based on the nonlocal nonlinear Schrödinger equation. The analytical expression of the dipole breathing wave in such a nonlinear system is obtained by using the variational method. Taking advantage of the analytical expression, we analyze the influences of various physical parameters on the breathing wave propagation, including the propagation loss and the input power on the beam width, the beam intensity, and the wavefront curvature. Also, the corresponding analytical solutions are obtained. The validity of the analysis results is verified by numerical simulation. This study provides some new insights for investigating beam propagation in lossy nonlinear media