Dogs pant. They pant when they exercise, when they are hot, they pant when they are excited. Panting is your dog's way to cool their body. Because dogs don't sweat like we do the only effective way they can cool themselves is by panting. All dogs do that and it is perfectly normal.
If your dog is panting more heavily than usual, or without an obvious reason, he might be in trouble! You share your life with your dog and nobody knows him better than you do. That's why it is so important for you to know when to start worrying. Excessive or unexplained panting can be a symptom of a serious health issue.
Obesity is a common cause of excessive panting in dogs. An obese dog is more likely to overheat. Activity is also more exhausting for an overweight dog. Before you rejoice that you don't have anything to worry about, please note that obesity can lead to a number of health problems including heart and cardiovascular disorders, pancreatitis, joint disease, liver disease and other conditions. Please consider obesity a serious health risk and keep your dog slim!
Heatstroke is another common cause of heavy panting. That doesn't make it any less dangerous! Heatstroke can cause catastrophic damage to your dog's body and can lead to brain damage and even death.
If your dog is panting heavily and you have a reason to suspect heatstroke, check for other signs. If your dog's gums and tongue are deep red, purple or blue with thick sticky saliva, move your dog to a cool place and spray him with cool (not cold) water or place wet rags or towels over him, particularly near the stomach and inside of legs. Do not immerse your dog in cold water! If your dog's temperature is over 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40°C) take your dog to a vet immediately.
A heat stroke is a hyperthermia due to environmental causes. Fever is caused by your dog's immune response. Your dog might get a fever as a response to infection or other illness. Fever can be accompanied by loss of appetite, lethargy, changes in behavior and other signs. If your dog has a fever see a veterinarian to determine the underlying cause. As with heatstroke, temperature over 104 degrees Fahrenheit is an emergency and needs immediate medical attention.
There are a number of respiratory and cardiovascular disorders that can cause unexplained panting in your dog. If your dog is panting for no obvious reason or continues to pant longer than ten minutes after exercise, talk to your veterinarian.
Your dog can be panting as a response to pain. If your dog is panting and salivating excessively, retching and has a distended abdomen, he might be suffering from bloat. Bloat is a life-threatening condition, take your dog to a vet immediately!
Other causes of pain can include pancreatitis or joint pain. Has your dog checked by a veterinarian to determine the underlying cause?
Excessive panting can be a sign of some hormonal disorders, such as hypothyroidism or Cushing's disease. In these cases, panting could be accompanied by other symptoms, such as weight gain, excessive drinking, coat changes, changes in appetite or behavioral changes.
These are just some of the causes of excessive panting in dogs. If your dog is panting excessively, or without an obvious reason, take it seriously and consult your veterinarian. Excessive panting is an important symptom to keep in mind.
Further reading:
Panting in Dogs
Panting in Dogs – Is it Normal?
How to Determine When Dog Panting is a Bad Sign
Causes of Panting in Dogs
Excessive Panting in Dogs
Related articles:
Know Your Dog's Enemies: Overweight
Medical Jargon Explained: Hypo- Versus Hyperthermia
A Word on Pain
Medical Jargon Explained: Hypo- versus Hyperthyroid
Medical Jargon Explained: Hypo- versus Hyperadrenocorticism
So if panting is normal, why should you worry about it?
If your dog is panting more heavily than usual, or without an obvious reason, he might be in trouble! You share your life with your dog and nobody knows him better than you do. That's why it is so important for you to know when to start worrying. Excessive or unexplained panting can be a symptom of a serious health issue.
Obesity
Obesity is a common cause of excessive panting in dogs. An obese dog is more likely to overheat. Activity is also more exhausting for an overweight dog. Before you rejoice that you don't have anything to worry about, please note that obesity can lead to a number of health problems including heart and cardiovascular disorders, pancreatitis, joint disease, liver disease and other conditions. Please consider obesity a serious health risk and keep your dog slim!
Hyperthermia/Heatstroke
Heatstroke is another common cause of heavy panting. That doesn't make it any less dangerous! Heatstroke can cause catastrophic damage to your dog's body and can lead to brain damage and even death.
If your dog is panting heavily and you have a reason to suspect heatstroke, check for other signs. If your dog's gums and tongue are deep red, purple or blue with thick sticky saliva, move your dog to a cool place and spray him with cool (not cold) water or place wet rags or towels over him, particularly near the stomach and inside of legs. Do not immerse your dog in cold water! If your dog's temperature is over 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40°C) take your dog to a vet immediately.
Fever
A heat stroke is a hyperthermia due to environmental causes. Fever is caused by your dog's immune response. Your dog might get a fever as a response to infection or other illness. Fever can be accompanied by loss of appetite, lethargy, changes in behavior and other signs. If your dog has a fever see a veterinarian to determine the underlying cause. As with heatstroke, temperature over 104 degrees Fahrenheit is an emergency and needs immediate medical attention.
Respiratory or cardiovascular disorders
There are a number of respiratory and cardiovascular disorders that can cause unexplained panting in your dog. If your dog is panting for no obvious reason or continues to pant longer than ten minutes after exercise, talk to your veterinarian.
Pain
Your dog can be panting as a response to pain. If your dog is panting and salivating excessively, retching and has a distended abdomen, he might be suffering from bloat. Bloat is a life-threatening condition, take your dog to a vet immediately!
Other causes of pain can include pancreatitis or joint pain. Has your dog checked by a veterinarian to determine the underlying cause?
Hormonal imbalances
Excessive panting can be a sign of some hormonal disorders, such as hypothyroidism or Cushing's disease. In these cases, panting could be accompanied by other symptoms, such as weight gain, excessive drinking, coat changes, changes in appetite or behavioral changes.
Bottom Line
These are just some of the causes of excessive panting in dogs. If your dog is panting excessively, or without an obvious reason, take it seriously and consult your veterinarian. Excessive panting is an important symptom to keep in mind.
Further reading:
Panting in Dogs
Panting in Dogs – Is it Normal?
How to Determine When Dog Panting is a Bad Sign
Causes of Panting in Dogs
Excessive Panting in Dogs
Related articles:
Know Your Dog's Enemies: Overweight
Medical Jargon Explained: Hypo- Versus Hyperthermia
A Word on Pain
Medical Jargon Explained: Hypo- versus Hyperthyroid
Medical Jargon Explained: Hypo- versus Hyperadrenocorticism
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Nice article.
ReplyDeleteIt seems the number of dogs suffering from obesity is on the rise just as it is with owners. Glad to see more awareness and options to provide opportunity to get fit with your dog in a healthy safe manner.
Knowledge is King or Queen! :) Action is even better.
Thanks for the post.
Hi! Thank you for reading. You're right, obesity is an epidemic today. There is an article dedicated to obesity specifically under Know Your Dog's Enemies.
ReplyDeletegreat article...I'm gonna tweet this puppy :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you! And thank you for reading.
ReplyDeleteVery informative article. Usually when my dog pants too heavily and with her tongue out, I would think that he needs water. But I never thought that it could be this serious.
ReplyDeletePanting heavily with tongue far out is usually result of heat. Overheating is dangerous. If no obvious reason for your dog to be hot, than something else might be going on.
ReplyDeleteIt is always good to be aware of what is normal for your dog and what is not. Unless you get used to a symptom, because that can seem normal then also.
it is 3 in the morning and my dog is panting excessivly i dont know what to do she is licking the floor and chewing the carpet what is going on here cant do anything till the morning im so scard for her
ReplyDeleteI hope you have done something in the meantime; sounds to me like a serious stomach upset perhaps, maybe pancreatitis.
DeleteHave you seen a vet since you wrote this?
My seven year old westie has been panting and licking the furniture etc. Shevis due for a cut do you think she is just hot .she is the same as usual other than the above. Any suggestions .thanks
DeleteDiana
Hi Diana,
Deletepanting COULD mean she's hot depending on what the air temperature is where you are. But somehow, from what you're describing it doesn't sound like it--neither you think that by the sound of it.
More importantly, if this is combined with furniture licking - this activity would not cool her down.
Excessive licking of surfaces has been linked to gastrointestinal issues. So that would be at least one other thing to consider besides being hot.
Also, does she seek cold surfaces to lay on? (e.g. hardwood/tile rather than a carpet or her bed?) If not, that I think being hot can be ruled out.
Something is going on, though, and with this constellation of signs I would consult a vet for some testing.
You need to check it out with the vet dear and fast. This could be serious and the longer you wait the worse it will get.
DeleteGreat article. Lately I've witnessed my 10 year old dog Madeline panting when she wakes up, though it is very cool in my house.
ReplyDeleteOnly when she wakes up? Where does she sleep? Any other signs (changes in drinking habits, urination, appetite, activity ...)?
DeleteHi i have a 13 yr old lab she had hysterectamy2 yrs ago she has many lumps an bumps on her she keeps having these turns where she doesnt know where or wat shes doing her eyes flick from side to side she is blind due to catarachs but continuously pants except when she goes to sleep she drinks excessively but still eats well ivecalso noticed bits that fall from her mouth are frothy
DeleteThere may be a number of different things going on there. Sounds like at least two problems in one. Please do see a vet.
DeleteMy dog is a 6month old staffy bitch, she is in her first season and has started to pant a lot :( does this meen that she is in pain or is this a usual thing for a dog in heat? Also is there anything I can do for her x
ReplyDeleteActually, I have to admit I know nothing about dogs in heat; our dogs have always been spayed. Try my Dog Health Issues FB group https://www.facebook.com/groups/132431313454015/
Deletesomebody there might have experience. Or talk to your vet. I would imagine that some increase in panting might be normal but I really don't know.
I have a lab she seem to alaway panting excessive every nigth she seem find i am worry please email cynthiasulak@ol.com
ReplyDeletePlease tell me more about your lab. Age, known medical condition, is she overweight, when was the last vet visit and what was checked, any other signs such as not sleeping at night, pacing, drinking and/or peeing more than usually etc
DeleteWhat other symptoms did Zoey have?
DeleteMy 3 year old chocolate lab has been having issues for well over 6 months now and the doctor said it's just food allergies. I don't believe it is. It started with him growling when we'd go in near his stomach/bum for a hug/pet...then after he eats he is uneasy. He doesn't like to sit down - he will push his bum up against furniture. He pants and salivates eccessively, his stomach is so grumbly. the last 24 hours he's had excessive almost clear diarrhea. He doesn't lay down, and he doesn't like to walk. He basically has gas and poos while walking. I feel so bad for him. We got a stool sample done and they said it was high yeast (one vet said bad, other one said normal?) We got blood allergy tests done and he's allergic to a number of things all fillers in dog food. He's on vet recommended Purina Hyrolyzed dog food (apparently his body doesn't register that it has those allergens in it?)
I have no idea what to do. My vet is not helping, the last thing was "if the food doesn't work, we'll just have to put him on an anti-inflammatory for the rest of his life". I feel sooo bad for him. If anyone can help I would be forever grateful. I want my old happy puppy back!
Thanks
Steph
Have a question my English bulldog had bracacephalic surgery about a month ago and the last couple nights he seems like he has a hard time relaxing and sleeping he is up and down breaths per min seem to be normal but U can tell somthing is bothering him what is causing this
DeleteTianna, there can be a number of different things causing this. Most commonly it's an expression of pain of any sort or discomfort. This may or may not be related to the surgery (post-op infection maybe?) or the original reason the surgery was done, or it could be something unrelated all together.
DeleteIt's good that you noticed and I would talk to the vet about it and have him seen to get to the bottom of it.
my dog had puppies 5 days ago...and just yesterday she began panting....would u know why????
ReplyDeleteHi Angie, here are couple pretty good articles I'd recommend you look at:
DeleteAsk the Veterinarian/Nursing dog - rapid breathing & panting
Dog Panting After Giving Birth: Postpartum Panting Explained
We just got our dog from the spca & he is on the chubby side but we are going to get him a vet check up since i don't think it's normal that he is always Panting Heavily like at first when we got him i just thought it was cause of him being hot from outside & being excited but now that we had him the past two days that's all he does is pant.
ReplyDeleteHaving him checked up by your vet is something you want to do anyway.
DeleteWhat breed is it and how much overweight is he? (some panting could be due to stress/excitement from the new situation)
My French Bulldog gave birth 2 weeks ago and she keeps panting really heavily like she does when she is too hot but it's cold! Does anybody know why?
ReplyDeleteDebbie, generally, panting isn't unusual for a bitch during lactation and even more so for a first time mother.
DeletePlease check these articles:
Ask the Veterinarian/Nursing dog - rapid breathing; panting
Dog Panting After Giving Birth: Postpartum Panting Explained
However, if you feel there is a reason for concern, particularly with your breed, please talk to your veterinarian.
please help me my dog is exsexibli panting im only 12 and i dont know what to im scared and cryingbplease help me
DeleteHi hon, is he still panting or did it stop? Given the time of year, could it be that he's afraid of fireworks?
DeleteIf it hasn't stopped, please have your mom or dad take a look at him, check the temperature and how he's doing. Is he eating and drinking normally? Playing normally?
Thank you very much for your reply it has been really helpful.
ReplyDeleteI have a 5 year old choc lab mix, I just moved to AZ from MI about 2 months ago, I have the AC on in the house to about 70 and still she pants non stop acting like it is 100 inside. Laying down at night she has rapid short breaths. taking her outside she gets out of breath easily. no coughing or wincing, just breathing heavy and panting
ReplyDeleteClearly, you feel this is not normal for her at all. And I agree.
DeleteIs this all the time? Could it be anxiety related? In any case, you do want to book a vet visit.
I have an 8 year old yellow lab. Since December 2013, she started panting at night and won't sleep. We have had her to the vets, and all her tests came back normal, except her ALP level in her liver was elevated to 397. The vet put her on SAMe and that helped somewhat. During the day, she pants occasionally, naps well, plays outside with her brother and sister. (also labs) this only happens at night, she also leaves her bed and starts moving slowly, stopping to pant more. She lets me love her, but, she won't come back to bed. In the morning, she is in her bed. We can't figure what is wrong. Nothing has happened to upset her, the other dogs are fine. Please help, as it hurts to see her so distraught.
ReplyDeleteI do agree with you that this is not normal. I believe you need to keep investigating what the true cause for the signs you're seeing and for the elevated ALP levels is.
DeleteWas she tested for Cushing's?
Alkaline phosphatase
She is scheduled to be tested for Cushing's. However, I have had a dog with Cushings, and she gained weight, lost her hair, and drank alot of water. Samantha has lost weight, does not drink alot of water, and hasn't lost any hair.
DeleteNot all dogs always get exactly the same signs. I think that testing the adrenal function, whether there is too much or too little is the logical next step. Diabetes was ruled out, right?
DeleteAs far as I know. the vet never mentioned diabetes.
DeleteMy 3 yr old min pin has been laying around for 2 days. Now she picks her head up , looks like she's trying but unable to yawn, and pants constantly. What could be wrong with my roxy
ReplyDeleteLisa, these are serious symptoms and you should not delay visiting a vet. Nobody can diagnose this without examining the dog and running some basic tests. It is serious, though, please do see a vet as soon as possible.
DeleteWhat was the cause of this? My dog has the same looking like shes trying to yawn constantly (Though I've seen her yawn). Shes less playful (aka not playing at all), drinking a lot of water, panting, breathe stinks more then normal, and drooling more then usual. Shes a 2 1/2 year old Newfy/ Bordercollie mix. It just started last night so I'm keeping an eye on her for now.
DeletePlease stop keeping an eye and take her to the vet asap.
DeleteThis is very similar to my pup. I noticed that she doesn't really yawn fully, like she tries, but it looks fake..She has been panting and breathing heavily for a few months now, most of the time. She gets winded with very little exercise and pants like crazy..but she is a lively 7 month old GR, and plays and eats like normal. I have taken her to the vet TWICE, two different vets, and both say she seems fine and is probably just not acclimating well to the Summer (Arizona). My house is always 77-79 degrees. I don't buy it, but THAT is what you get from the professionals, folks.
DeleteThis is very similar to my pup. I noticed that she doesn't really yawn fully, like she tries, but it looks fake..She has been panting and breathing heavily for a few months now, most of the time. She gets winded with very little exercise and pants like crazy..but she is a lively 7 month old GR, and plays and eats like normal. I have taken her to the vet TWICE, two different vets, and both say she seems fine and is probably just not acclimating well to the Summer (Arizona). My house is always 77-79 degrees. I don't buy it, but THAT is what you get from the professionals, folks.
DeleteI have a 11 month old German Shepher she seem to panting a lot at night when we are trying to sleep, it keeps her up and me. i just got her 2 months ago.
ReplyDeleteThank you!!
What is the room temperature? Are there any other symptoms of a potential problem? Does she have issues with anxiety? When was her last vet check-up?
DeleteWhat about anxiety? I find my dog pants when I start getting ready to leave the house (for the day or weekend). Even when he is coming with me.
ReplyDeleteYes, anxiety and/or excitement can certainly cause panting. The above listed are medical reasons, meaning panting without a discernible cause such as heat, exercise, excitement etc.
DeleteWho should I see if my dog pants due to anxiety. He also gets very anxious when I leave. He shakes and pants. I hate leaving. How do I help him relax when I leave?
DeleteDepending on the severity of the problem you may or may not want to see your veterinarian first. The main part, though, will be done by a good positive reinforcement trainer who will create a behavior modification training plan for you.
DeleteThe goal of such training is changing how the dog feels about the situations that presently make him anxious. With properly tailored training your dog will learn to be ok with those things.
My 10 year old dog has been panting a lot lately. He was just tested a couple of weeks ago, and no heart issues. His liver levels were slightly elevated a few months ago, but after being on meds...his levels are great. The weather did get very warm in our area, but he's inside the house all the time. He's eating like a champ, and doesn't seem distressed at all. I'm not sure if I'm overreacting.
ReplyDeleteI'd say it's a safe assumption you're not overreacting. You know your dog and you're the only one who can tell whether he's panting more than it makes sense.
DeleteGlad to hear the heart has no issues. Glad to hear the liver is happier. Did you test thyroid and adrenal function?
Symptoms: panting excessively at night, with increased salivation. Drinks more during this time as well. She is super calm all day (almost too clam), but gets a burst of energy at night, and acts "like a normal dog" for about an hour. She will play and interact with her doggie sister. Normally when she pants it means she needs to go poopy. Lately she has been doing it even after going poopy. She is of normal weight, and does have some anxiety, but I wonder if it could be something more serious? Thyroid? Why does she act "normal" for such a short time at night? Any suggestions on tests to run?
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that it is something to pay attention to, particularly combined with being calmer than normal.
DeleteWhen was her last wellness exam? I'd start with full physical, fecal, urinalysis and blood panel and go from there.
Typically, labs do bundles, such as a senior panel, which include T4, HW etc. T4 by itself isn't indicative of thyroid problem but can show you whether you should do full thyroid test or not. (decreased T4 levels can mean problem with thyroid function BUT it can also simply mean a sick dog)
With urinalysis, I'd also look at cortisol:creatitine ratio.
Does the burst of energy happen before or after meal? Before or after elimination? How many meals a day does she get? What food is she on?
Another option is to consult an integrative vet, who will likely want to do all of the above (unless done recently and all clear--but if you have the labs do take them with you) as well as with TCVM there is a particular significance to timing of symptoms as well.
My dog in the past two days has seemed very skittish and jump at anything even sometimes nothing, she also has heavy panting and wines alot , any thoughts?
ReplyDeleteWhat has changed recently? Any changes in environment or life-style? Any events that could have caused it? (even things such as new neighbors, construction near by ...) Any signs of injury or pain?
DeleteMy friend has a boxer approx 8 + half...he doesn't get out much because she has become disabled. He pants excessively even though he has had no exercise maybe just a quick nip in garden. He has a heart murmur and his tounge to me looks bluey purple. He's restless..drunks quite a bit, I've just been with him and filled his big bowl twice. I don't think he is right and I didn't want to leave him but had to come home do tea. I think he should go vet but his owner says he's fine...help!!
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that the dog needs to see a vet, probably asap. Unfortunately, it is not your dog and there isn't a whole lot you can do other than try talking to your friend. Depending on where you live, you might be able to involve animal control or something like that but it is hard to make such a decision.
DeleteThere are articles you could show your friend to convince him his dog is in bad shape. Excessive drinking is a big warning sign. Excessive panting is a warning sign. And blueish/purple tongue (with exception of certain breeds) is a MAJOR warning sign. There are articles on each of these symptoms on my blog as well as you can find them on petMD, Veterinary Parner and other reputable websites.
Please try talking to your friend again, perhaps showing him some of those articles.
My dads yorkie is 9 years old and has diabetes they are visting and my dad cannot see so i am giving her shots but she is acting strange pant and do not kn if her sugar is to high or to low her belly looks swollen any help on this would great the little yorkie is drinking lots of water she is calm and now but before it's like she just freaked out barking and running around in the kitchen but now like i said calm and laying pn her back all fours up sleeping am i over reacting
ReplyDeleteDo you have means to monitor her sugar levels at home? Considering the increased drinking and swollen abdomen, I'd see veterinary help and would not delay.
DeleteI rescued a 8 month old shepherd lab mix from the south 3 weeks ago. He's utd on his shots and is very active. He eats fine and drinks fine. He breathes really fast like 70 times a minute. He had a vet check before he came up but I'm worried
ReplyDeleteHe breathes very fast when? At rest?
DeleteDogs at rest have a normal respiration rate of 10 to 35 breaths per minute. The average dog at rest takes 24 breaths per minute
How long should my 9month old puppy be breathing hard after a walk? Im starting to think something is wrong!
ReplyDeleteThat depends on a number of things, particularly ambient temperature. When it's really hot, the panting can continue a while after exercise before the dog cools down. Other than that they should stop panting quickly.
DeleteUnless you have some very hot weather, and since you're starting to think something isn't right, do have her checked.
Hi Jana,
ReplyDeleteMy 8 year old cairn terrier woke me up three times last night with his panting. This is not normal for him. Also, last week he pooped on the floor twice while I was at work, which is not entirely out of the ordinary, but it was a much greater quantity and runnier than usual. Plus he hadn't had an accident for a while until then. Should I take him to the vet, or wait a fre more days to see if it passes?
Rachael, I am not a big fan of the "wait and see" approach, particularly since panting in the middle of the night is a sign of a greater problem or discomfort. Always better safe than sorry.
DeleteI have a female dog in heat abs the male is going crazy with whining and panting bad and shaking is that normal?
ReplyDeleteI never had a dog in heat but heavy panting and shaking does not sound normal to me. Please talk to your vet.
DeleteIf you mean that the boy dog is panting and whining whilst your female dog is in heat - then yes this can happen - HOWEVER if really really panting to the point of looking tired then it is not normal and the boy dog may have spiked a temperature in which case you need to get him to vet ASAP - this happened to my large breed dog and he had to have emergency ice baths at the vets to bring his temperature down fast to avoid him fitting or worse - so if it is constant and not occasional check his temp or go to a vet to check it.
DeleteMy puppy is 5 months old she cut her paw pad kind of deep but not too deep. Because the bleeding stopped after about 5 minutes. She's been panting real heavy for over an hour. Is it just because she's never been in pain before?
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to tell without being there. How much blood did she lose? How deep is the cut? Panting this heavily isn't normal. Whether it's pain or something else, please talk to your veterinarian about this. Particularly if there could have been substantial blood loss.
DeleteHi my Westie Buddy will be 12 years old September,1 , & he seems to be panting a lot even with out exercise and I have not given him any heart worn meds for over 6 months in Ohio. I usually don't give it to him in the winteraanyway. Our last vet appointment last October, I waited in the vet for one hour and the receptionist and nobody said anything so I got mad and left without saying anything.
ReplyDeleteI noticed a couple of small lumps or little balls of something one on left front shoulder and another a little lower that I thought may have been a warble or something not actually knowing what it might be and didn't think about heartworms because he had been tested negative the previous years.
Now I don't know but he has been a little bit I don't know how to describe but maybe little agitated and whining or whimpering the other day and I have been worried about him but because I am a senior citizen and disabled Vietnam veteran I sleep during the day and when we get up the next day/night I forget to call the vet and time seems to fly and I also miss my doctor's appointment and I have emphazima and type 2 diabetes and poor health. I know I need to get a vet appointment after we fly back home next week from my friends funeral here in Oregon.
Does this seem like it could be heartworm symptoms he does vomit usually after eating grass and sometimes if I give him chicken and the chicken skin and I need to get him back on dog food, he is my best friend and companion and I always took good care of him but in the last year or so I been giving him to much junk food.
Could you email me a response or can I be notified if you leave me a response to this.
My email address is
rogerdlama48@gmail.com thanks I appreciate your help.
Hi Roger,
Deleteit's hard to tell what it might be. I'd expect some cough with HW ... but it definitely is SOMETHING and yes, he does need to get checked.
My
DeleteMy miniature chihuahua is in pain, whimpering a lot, weak, lathargic with her tongue hanging out. Dragging her rear when taking a step. What does this mean? What do I do????
If it was you, crying, weak, lethargic, with your tongue hanging out, not being able to use your legs, wouldn't you call an ambulance? You need to see a vet now.
DeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteI found this reading very informative but i have a question....
My bf has a 7 year old (human yrs) Labrador and he is very overweight due to lack of exercise. Now that the owner, my bf is not in denial about the weight issue we have been trying to take him out on slow and not too long walks on trails or at the park. However, I'm worried we are hurting him more than actually helping because after the walk he is panting heavily and this lasts for about an hour or so
.... do you have any suggestions on how to ease this process? should we take shorter walks
Dogs become overweight for a few reasons
Delete- lack of exercise
- the amount and type of food they eat
- metabolic disease
A dog might pant after a walk because
- got too much exercise
- got too hot
- has an underlying disease
Being overweight does contribute to excessive panting too.
I would first start with a wellness check up at the vet to make sure that other than being overweight he's healthy or catch and address any potential issue.
You will need to take another look at what and how much he eats also. A dog can lose weight with exercise only but it is an uphill battle without diet adjustments.
If it is too hot where you are (it is where we are right now), then you might need to adjust the timing on the walks, ensure good hydration and might need to adjust the length of the walks in favor of frequency.
Some panting after a walk in an overweight dog would be expected.
I have an 8ish year old unspayed shnouser/cocker spaniel cross (we were told but I think there's wire hair terrier in her) anyway, she is currently laying beside me shaking and panting (the panting is off and on). She is towards the end of her being in heat and has never done this before. I felt around her tummy to see if she might have pulled another muscle because the last time she was acting like this she had pulled a muscle and I noticed a hard lump under her last left nipple that was shaped almost like a comma descending towards her vagina. What's going on with her?
ReplyDeleteI can't tell you what going on but panting, together with shaking, she's likely in a lot of pain or big trouble. Please do call your vet.
DeleteI took your advice and contacted my vet immediately and I'm glad I did. Turns out her uterus was filled with puss, and the hard spot was two tumours.
DeleteHi Katryna,
Deleteglad you did. Hopefully she'll be alright ...?
Yup! She's home and doin well! She soaking up all of this attention and pampering.
ReplyDeleteSummer season is probably most dangerous season for all pets. But specially for dogs. All dog people should keep an eye on dog's drooling and other symptoms to understand if the dog is doing fine. Dehydration and heat stroke could even kill dogs in no time.
ReplyDeleteHi there, my 11 year old lab has had osteoarthritis for a while now. She has lost most mobility in her back legs, and will only move if encouraged verbally or physically (whistling, calling her name excessively, or lifting her up). She will wait as long as she possibly can last to hold in urine and feces, get water to drink or eat food, if it means she won't have to get up and move. She can't climb the stairs anymore, and walks, which used to be her favorite activity, are becoming less and less appetizing. We have pain medicine for her, which is a narcotic. So she's sleeping a lot more and she is a bit dopey. She eats fairly well, but is losing weight. She is panting all day and night, and I'm concerned she's in too much pain. What is the best next step? Is it her time? Should I try to keep managing as we are?
ReplyDeleteYou know, I'd start with getting a second opinion, with an integrative vet, with a physical therapy vet. The panting could be from pain but it could also be from the meds or from something else all together.
DeleteI'd want a second pair of eyes to evaluate her. If her arthritis is this bad, there are things that might help, such as hydrotherapy, acupuncture, platelet-rich plasma therapy ... Things that actually help the joints and muscles rather than just trying to mask the potential pain. Getting a different vet take a look at things would be my place to start.
Thank you your info was very helpful
ReplyDeleteI have a 10year old lab
ReplyDeleteOne morning after coming back from playing a bit with his friend my dog started panting heavily for about an hour or so
So is this condition normal or is there any severe problem??
Happened only once? Was it a hot day?
DeleteHi! My 5 year old lab is acting normal (very active) but is panting and breathing fast even when he's doing nothing. I also noticed that he yawns most of the time now. Gums and tongue are normal in color (pink). So what could it be?
ReplyDeleteUnless it's really really hot, even indoors, you should see a vet to have him checked out. It can be a number of things which cannot be determined from the symptom alone. Requires physical exam, blood work etc.
DeleteHello, Ireally appreciate that you respond to messages even all these years after you posted the article. I have a 9 year old Yorkie who has begun suddenly panting for no apparent reason for several years now. It always starts when he is at rest and lasts for no more than 30 minutes and then he will be peacefully sleeping again. I HAVE taken him to the vet for this on more than one occasion, but have been unable to get a clear cut reason. He has been tested and cleared for pancreatitis at least 3 times. He has had some initial tests for Cushing's also, but they have been inconclusive. The vet has suggested further testing that is more invasive and requires my dog to be at the vet for 8 or more hours which would make an already nervous dog even more so, which could affect the result of the test because of the elevated cortisol levels that indicate Cushing's, but also occur with anxiety. So, we've held off on that since he doesn't exhibit any other signs ( no excessive eating or drinking, no change in coat condition, no extended belly). He may be slightly over weight and the vet has suggested a 1/2 to 1 pound loss, which we are working on. However, he doesn't get a lot of exercise because he also has a very narrow trachea ( discovered during surgery for degenerative disc disease about 3 years ago) and when he is on a leash he pulls to much or when playing vigorously indoors he gets overly excited and begins coughing. I started reading your article when he first started panting today and already he is back to sleep and breathing normally. Any other insights or suggestions that you might have would be appreciated. My dog is my only "child" and we have already spent nearly $10,000 on his various health issues, so we certainly don't put off going to the vet when necessary, but this is something we have yet to figure out. Thanks for your time!
ReplyDeleteHi Jackie,
ReplyDeletewas there anything out of range on blood panel? Cushing's typically causes elevated liver values. They ran the urine cortisol : creatinine ratio? (is that what was inconclusive?)
I understand your concern with anxiety messing up the ACTH stimulation test. You might want to look into hair analysis. Apparently that can shed some light into this matter as well. Hair analysis can provide all kinds of useful information and it's perfectly non-invasive.
Getting down to optimal or thin body condition score is a good plan for many reasons, including the bad back.
I'm assuming the heart was checked and there is nothing wrong with the heart? Panting at rest would kind of point to heart/lungs/breathing to me too.
It is well possible that the narrow trachea and/or the bad back (pain) can play role in these episodes.
One thing I would do no matter what is switching collar for a shoulder harness. There are also positive ways of teaching to walk on a loose leash (at least for much of the time)
Here are some options of what I'd consider doing.
- you could get a consultation with a specialist/at a specialty hospital or teaching hospital
- you could get a consultation with an integrative vet (when we hit a dead end with conventional medicine with Jasmine, that's what we did). They look at things differently.
- you could ask your vet about the Voyce Pro Wellness Monitoring Program; this might provide some important clues about heart rate, breathing patterns, pain etc
Hi Jade, thanks for your quick reply. Yes, it was the urine test that was inconclusive. I don't recall if there were any out of range numbers, but I'll double check with the vet. I had never heard of hair analysis, so I'll definitely look into that. His heart has always been good and there has been no obvious signs of pain in his back since his surgery ( before surgery, it was very obvious). From day one he has only worn a harness and we've tried several different kinds. We've also tried all the walking tricks to get him to stop pulling, but he is very strong willed and perhaps we haven't tried often enough. He learns tricks quickly, but there are a few behavior issues that we can't seem to overcome. We've often considered a trainer but my only experience with one when my dog was a puppy was not positive ( she dragged him behind her when he wouldn't walk with her!). So, we've been reluctant and don't know how to choose a good one. As far as I know, there are no teaching hospitals in my area ( I live in the Palm Springs, CA area) and have never heard of any integrated vets in the area either, but will look into that further, and will check into the Voyce monitoring program. Thanks for your insight. You've given me some options.
ReplyDeleteWithout liver values being elevated, I think the Cushing's would be much lesser of a suspect.
ReplyDeleteGood on the heart and pain, though pain can hide cleverly sometimes, particularly if it was intermittent, such as certain sleeping position causing it. According to our animal communicator, Jasmine was at pain level 7 (on scale 1 to 10) when he pain stopped being readily apparent.
Good on the harness. Much easier on the neck and trachea.
Here is the thing with a dog pulling - they pull to get where they want to go faster. If it works, only just sometimes, they'll keep doing it. The way to get them to stop pulling is 100% consistency. If pulling NEVER works, they'll learn what does and do that. This means EVERY time a dog pulls stop and wait for the leash to become loose, or turn and go in the opposite direction. Dogs do what works, even when it works only sometimes.
Of course, not all trainers were created equal, just as in any profession. Check out Donna Hill's channel on youtube, great stuff there.
CA has all kinds of integrative veterinarians, google Chi Institute Veterinary. Also one of my veterinary friends, Dr. Patrick Mahaney is in Los Angeles
I have ano 8yr old dachshund. She is usually very lovable, vocal and loves to play. All of the sudden, she won't play, doesn't want to be held, hides and pants a lot. Our home is kept very cool, so she has never really panted unless. Playing outside. She just isn't herself at all. I don't know what to do. I cannot afford a vet right now, but hate to see her hide from me like she's afraid of me. Don't know what to do. Any advise?
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry your baby isn't feeling well. The way she's acting, I'd suspect pain. A great deal of pain. Given the breed I'd worry about spinal issue but could be something else painful too. Please do find a way to have her seen.
DeleteIs she spayed? If not, you could also be looking at potentially deadly pyometra.
Please find a way to have her seen.
My 12 year old Cairn is diabetic, injecting caninsulin 13 units twice daily with just over 100g special diet twice daily, also takes Thyforon, just changed from Soloxine as this is no longer available. After doing 3 curves in the past few weeks my Vet as increased the Caninsulin twice to 13 units twice per day. He pants such a lot, I am very worried, he is going for a Blood Test for both complaints in 2 weeks time please can you tell me more about the panting.
ReplyDeleteHi Christine,
Deletedid that start about the same time you changed the thyroid meds? Did they at any point checked the response to it (thyroid levels)? When having difficulty managing a diabetic dog, it's important to look for issues that might be interfering with insulin working, such as UTI or low thyroid hormone and resulting high cholesterol ...
Check out this podcast
http://www.radiopetlady.com/shows/podcast-ev/the-expert-vet-5016-12-04-2013/#t=12:24.090
I am taking Jack for blood tests for both Diabetes and Thyroid in two weeks, he has been on the Thyforon for about 3 weeks now, get asked me to take him for Blood Test for Diabetes after
DeleteI did curves for three weeks, thought it would be good to get both tests done at the same time, as you can imagine it is very expensive getting Caninsulin, Syringes, Thyforon and special food. Will let you know when I get results, thank you.
Jack has been taking Thyforon for about 3 weeks, after doing 3 weekly curves for Diabetes Vet asked me to take him for a blood test in three weeks, now it will be two weeks. Thought I would get his Thyroid tested at same time, as you can imagine it is very expensive getting Caninsulin, Syringes, Thyforon and Special Food although I do get them all cheaper on line. Will let you know the results. Thank you.
DeleteDon't wait around if your dog is panting more than usual. My Chinese Crested was doing the same thing and I assumed it was from our brisk walks in the morning or perhaps the temperature outside. I learned the hard way and $1490.00 later that it was actually Diabetes. Luckily, my very said I caught it quick enough and my dog would not have any lasting effects from long term untreated otters that they see so often. Now, he's on two insulin shots a day, a balanced diet and is happier than ever. So, don't wait around because you've read some stuff on the net, take your pet to your vet, better safe than sorry. God-Bless
ReplyDeleteDefinitely better safe than sorry. When something changes it's time to investigate. Of course, sometimes things can creep up on a person quietly, that's why regular wellness exams are also a good idea to catch things before one can "see" them.
Deletemy 2 year old yorkie it is 3 in the morning and my dog is panting excessivly i dont know what to do
ReplyDeleteWell, that depends, how badly is she panting? Is she also restless or oddly acting? Has this ever happen before? Did she eat anything unusual? What is the gum color? What is the temperature?
DeleteHi, I had a 14 year old female pit pass away last night and my 6 year old lab male is now breathing short rapid breaths and panting while drooling way more than usual, is this normal grief for a dog or is there something more serious I need to be worried about?
ReplyDeleteDogs do grieve but this sounds a bit extreme to be just that. What did your girl pass away from?
DeleteWe aren't sure, but we are leaning towards a stroke. She went in her sleep. But my male is doing much better today.
DeleteGlad to hear he's doing better. If this continues you do need to see a vet to make sure there isn't anything medical in the mix.
DeleteI have a 9 year old Rottweiler. She went out to potty this afternoon 6pm and came back inside shaking and panting non stop. It is now 6 am and it hasn't stop. She keeps panting hard, shaking like when she is afraid of the Lightning. All night, not sleeping at all.
ReplyDeleteIs there any lightning? Or anything else she'd have a reason to be scared of?
DeleteDid you see what she was doing while outside? Unless you know what might have scared her, I'd urge you to consider pain as a reason behind this.
Any other changes? Such as drinking more, going to pee more often, having diarrhea, loss of appetite ... ? Any vomiting? Attempts to vomit but nothing coming out? Any distention of the stomach? (does her belly look swollen?)
Please see if there is anything that could be causing pain.
Hi there I'm just reading this forum now and glad I am.I have a 7 month old Golden Retriever boy who likes the cold floors he's been sleeping in the bathroom on the cold floor every night I was wondering why.He pants nearly all the time but I thought it was because he's warm so I've been putting the fan on for him but he never lays near it he just goes in the bathroom I'm getting worried now I love him soo much
ReplyDeleteIt COULD be because he's warm, depending on what temperature there is in the house. But if you don't feel the temperature warrants all the panting, do have him checked.
DeleteI'd recommend an integrative vet, who can not only do what a conventional vet can, but also has different way of looking at things.
Thank you for all your help 😊
DeleteI have a 5 year old GSD. He is 110 lbs...not fat, just a big boy. He pant excessively no matter what he is doing. He get regular exercise and had a great check up at last annual check up. He also drinks a lot of water in one setting. Sometimes I have to make him stop as he has made himself sick from drinking to much at once. Its definitely not hot out in january. I'm concerned. Any thoughts?
ReplyDeleteWhen was the last check-up? Panting a lot and drinking so much does warrant another check-up and lab work. Unless it's really hot in your house, this should not be happening. Please see a vet so you can get to the bottom of it.
DeleteHiya i have a 22 week old lab cross akita ive not had him that long on monday i took him to the vets for his first of 2 injection since monday night his tummy as felt warm and the pads on his paws have too and his breathing seems a bit faster but only when hes sleeping :/ and hes been panting too his behaviour apart from this is normal hes playing still hes eating is fine his drinking his fine ive checked his guma they are pink ive pulled the fur at the back of the neck into a tent and let it go and its gone back to normal straight away as soon as i let it go ive pressed on the gums and let go and they have gone straight back to normal ive used stop watch for 60 seconds and counted each breath hes taking ( one breath i classed as each time his body moved up as if he was breathing in) he did 68 in the minute while he was sleeping is that normal? Hes just woke up and he felt hot and started panting was wanting to play too :( have you any advice? It only seems to have started since he got his injection :/ which was monday we are on thursday now well early hours thursday :( im scared i love him so much x
ReplyDeleteIncrease in temperature and some mild signs can be associated with vaccinations. But I would take the temperature to make sure it's a mild elevation and not fever. And I would definitely talk to the vet about the reaction.
DeleteIf not better, gets a high fever, or other signs crop up, please see an emergency vet.
Yes i agree like i say hes still has playful and joyful as ever but he is panting a lot more but im guessing hes panting because of the temperature ? Is the 70 breathes in 1 minute normal? And it only seems to start when hes sleeping, how long after the injections if it is that causing his temperature should he get better?
ReplyDeleteNormal respiratory rate is about 15-30 breaths a minute. So that's not normal for sure. Did you take the temperature?
DeleteIts just weird how its only come about since his injections :/ what would the vet advise if it is a reaction to his injection? Because he still needs his second one will they still go ahead and do it?
ReplyDeleteA number of reasons you want your vet involved
Delete- your dog may or may not need medical help
- it may or may not be from the shots
- if it is from the shots, if nothing else it needs to be on his medical record and any further vaccination needs to be considered with extreme caution
I have a 1w hear old black lab, she has been panting heavily now for some time, she is over weight but not alot. She has had some hip issues in the past, she is not up to date with shots as she would get very I'll from them. It has been at least 5-6 years since she has been to a vet. She recently stopped eating abd drinking. I have been giving her pedialyte by syringe every hour to two hours. I have also gotten her to eat a bit or two of her favor human food. But nothing more. Her breath smells. Is there more I can do.
ReplyDeleteYou need to take her to a vet. You need to take her to a vet asap. She is ill and needs to be diagnosed and treated.
DeleteMy dog is acting really weird, we let her out at 11:30pm, right before we went to bed. And she woke me up at 1:30 panting really heavily. She wouldn't stop, then she tried to get,as close to me as she possibly could. She practically sat on me. Then she started whining. So I took her outside. She went out, went to the washroom, and she started to run around, acting crazy. She was turning really fast, and jumping all about. And then shed randomly stop,and try to go to the washroom again. Finnaly she came in the house. Brought her back up to bed and thought nothing of it. 4:30am rolls around and she does it,all over again. I don't know what's wrong with her, she's a two year old German Shepherd. Is something very serious happening?
ReplyDeleteExplain "trying to go to the washroom". Did she actually go? Or just strained? Any chance she ate something she shouldn't? Any chance of an obstruction?
DeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteMy brother has a large around 89-90lbs. black lab about 8 years old. He can't get up most days on his own (back legs & hips) so my brother lifts him up. As soon as he's up he acts fine for an older dog. He walks around, eats lots and drinks normally. My concern is he has developed small under the skin lumps? Also, when taking him for his walk he wasn't "panting" like typical, it was much more closer mouthed it made me feel like something was wrong with his heart, if that makes sense.
Hi Jessica, the dog needs to see a vet as soon as possible. The vet will find out why he's having a hard time getting up and such things can be managed with medication and physical therapy. There might be weight issue - is he thin, heavy or really heavy? Physical exam and blood work will tell about organ function and about what might be going on with the body. Lumps need to be examined and aspirated.
DeleteMy 3 year old female pug has been breathing heavily at night the past few nights. If I wake her up, she starts panting heavily for a bit and then falls back to sleep and the heavy breathing starts again. She doesn't pant during the day. Is this something I should be concerned about? She just got over being in heat.
ReplyDeleteI would be concerned as it's happening during the time of rest. I would do a vet check-up to make sure her heart is working properly and nothing else is wrong.
DeleteHello I honestly don't know which is wrong with my dog and I am very scared she is a 13 year old overweight Chihuahua she weighs 20 pounds and doesn't eat much anymore I am worried I'm going to lose my best friend because I cannot diagnose what is wrong with her and I cannot afford to take her to the vet I don't want to have to put her down and I don't want to have to lose her but I don't want her suffering in pain I am so scared I don't know what to do please help
ReplyDeleteHelp I can't decide what is wrong with my baby girl. She is a 13 year old Chihuahua Pug mix that is 20 pounds and I am so scared to lose her. She started panting like crazy just a few hours ago. Yes it's been hot but not hot enough to make her pant this hard. She also has small hernias all over her stomach and I am terrified. Is my best friend dying? Am I going to have to bury her or put her down for her own good? God the line between right and wrong is hard to define right now... please I really need some help please tell me what to do I can't afford to go to the vet to have her properly taken care of and I don't know how to diagnose anything I am only a massage therapy student. Please just tell me what to do I'm scared...
ReplyDeleteHon, the internet isn't a good place to come to with emergencies nor I can even begin to guess what's wrong with your girl. You mean the "hernias" popped up out of the blue? I would strongly recommend you call around to see if any veterinarian or dog rescue would help you.
DeleteMy Lilith is panting constantly!!! She also can barley bark!!! She lives with my parents now as i cant have her at my house (looking to move to have her with me) since then ive noticed that she has begun panting way more and recently she has lost her voice!!! Shes able to bark a low woof but thats it. I thought maybe she barked too much and maybe strained her vocal cords but this has been over a week now. I do know she has separation anxiety from me shes used to being by my side since she left her mother. But her beautiful bark is gone and she just keeps panting!!! Does anybody have an idea what is wrong with her? Im trying to raise the money to take her to the vet but as a single mother its hard i love her so much!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat breed is Lilith? How old? While panting could be due to anxiety from the change, loss of bark would not be. There are a number of things that could be going on but to find out which and to treat it you need to see a vet. Please do that. Physical exam and consultation does not cost that much.
DeleteI have a 13 week old Great Dane. We got her with her first shots and deworming at 8 weeks. She's now had all her shots (except rabies) been dewormed 3 times. At her 12 week vet visit they gave me an antibiotic for her for puppy rash. She was fine with it for the first 4 days, then had vomiting and diarrhea so we stopped the antibiotic, the rash is gone, but this morning I took her out and she had roundworms in her poop. Picked up deformed at vet and gave it to her with a meal. But all evening she's been restless, won't lay down, is panting, whining. Is this a side effect of the worms or the mess or could something else be happening here?
ReplyDeleteShe is showing serious signs of distress. I cannot tell you what is going on but with these signs I'd be back at the vet. Particularly with a dog this young, you don't want to take chances.
DeleteJust had an incident with my Pomeranian. Got home, let the boys out to pee. When they came back in they get their treat. Well, the bigger dog started excessive panting with his tongue out farther than I've ever seen it. Took about 20 minutes to figure out that he had a bad case of stomach pain, due to gas from gobbling up his chicken strip as fast he could. Gave him Nutrical first... since I had No idea what was going on. Then grabbed him and started a general massage along his back. Then started a gental massage on his belly and such. He eventually burped, wanted more massage, and now seems to be getting himself back to normal. Dogs do wierd shit when they have pain of any type, just like us. Go for a simple explanation before running to a Vet ER.
ReplyDeleteMy dog will be 10 next month and she's been walking pretty gingerly like her hips are sore. She has recently started panting, too. Is there anything to be done about that or is it just a sign of aging?
ReplyDeleteAging it itself doesn't come with any symptoms. Diseases and medical conditions that can crop up with age do. Walking gingerly could be indeed hips, or could be something internal. Abdominal pain can cause posture changes as well. Panting can be sign of pain or other problem. Most of these things can be well managed if addressed properly.
DeleteI'd start with full physical and labs to determine what exactly is happening and then see what options there are to fix or manage it.
I have a Rotti she started panting slow then faster drinking licking the covers fixed her so her head is flat and she has stopped panting, she is 9 1/2 and the panting is off and on more in the evening I asked my vet about checking for Cushing but she didn't think it was needed.
ReplyDeleteSince she started behaving unusually, there is something causing it. While the test for Cushing's is quite demanding, starting with urinalysis and basic blood panel can provide clues as to what to look for next.
DeleteHi my dog is normally pretty healthy playful but the last three days now he is had a rotten egg smell when he burps and has spewed twice in the three days but has been dry reaching a few times I know dogs can get the flu but I'm worried should I take him to see a vet his still drinking and eating n playful but I'm just worried can anyone help with this Q plz ?
ReplyDeleteYes, I'd see a vet with this and not wait for things to get worse which they could. There could be a foreign body, obstruction, or something else equally serious going on there. Please do see a vet.
DeleteThank u I spoke with my vet today they said give my baby aka dog few days as it could be a diet problem causing the symptoms so have to try him on chicken necks chicken thighs n rice as he has had other dog dry food which I normally give him super coat but my mum's dogs don't eat the one they brought them so they gave it to me to try so it didn't go to waste so back to super coat n diet for few days to see how it goes he didn't have any yukky burps today so I'm praying it's just the diet but of no better before Friday then our vet wants to run test but have booked him in for a check up anyhow for Friday even if he is better thank u for ur reply means alot I worry so much about my dog like I do my own babies part of the family he is a amazing n beautiful
ReplyDeleteYes, I agree that a check-up and some basic labs are a good idea in any case.
DeleteI have a 16 year old staffy. In the last week or so everytime she is fed (twice a day) as soon as she is finished she starts to pace around and pants. Why is she doing this?? She doesn't eat quick always takes her time, she has been on the same food for years ECT. I can't find an explanation
ReplyDeleteYou won't find the explanation in the bowl. Please see a vet for an evaluation.
DeleteIts around 65-70 degrees here so its not hot, I have a Staffordshire bull terrier who just started heavy breathing and panting. Stomach has been rumbling so I figured it would stop after she used the bathroom but it hadn't. I'm sure its not heat related. No noises around either. She is overweight but I've cut her food back and doing more exercise as well but it just started out of the blue.
ReplyDeleteYes, panting can be from stomach upset and/or pain. Stools and appetite normal?
DeleteI have an English Springer Spaniel who is 11 years old. He has had blood tests this year and all have come back OK. However, he pants too much, paces and seems reluctant to settle down. This can be throughout the day but especially in the evening. Wants to go out and urinate but does not drink too much. Not sure if this is a behaviour issues or do I need to tell the vet to do more blood tests for something like Cushings? once he settles down in the late evening he sleeps all night.
ReplyDeleteYes, there are some more things I'd want to rule out; talk to your vet about the symptoms. It is also possible that he's getting cognitive issues, but there are treatments for that too.
DeleteMy boxer emma,working towards 2 years old hasnt been herself .last week one or 2 days she threw up 6 or 7 times and seemed to be ok after the course of a few days and today she has been licking lips and swallowing a lot .hasnt thrown up though but has been eating grass- was fine over last 3 or 4 days though
ReplyDeleteThrowing up that many times would get me to a vet. Since something seems to still be going on, I'd want to have her seen and basic labs done to see what is up with that.
DeleteA good reminder that Kilo needs to lose a pound or two. Pugs pant a lot and overheat easily and are very greedy. Can be a dangerous combination in this hot weather.
ReplyDeleteOh, yes, in these breeds, it's even more crucial. Perhaps the name Kilo was not the best choice? Perhaps you called something onto yourselves with that. LOL
DeleteMy 4year old bichon is a very hyperactive little boy. We have had him a year. He is very happy and his tail is always wagging... But he pants a lot of the time. Is this normal?
ReplyDeleteWell, it may or may not be. Excitement itself can cause panting. Activity that goes with all the excitement can cause panting. So it's possible it's perfectly normal for his emotional state and activity. Cannot exclude the possibility it's not normal ... you know your dog. If you're concerned, have him checked out (make a video of what you consider is excessive panting for the vet to see.)
DeleteI have a 7 year old American Bulldog named Bella. When it's hot out she does pant some because she is a bulldog, however, this morning about 2am she barked at me like she does whe she needs to go out. When I went to go take her out she was panting way harder than she normally does. Bella is about 15 lbs overweight and I have been cutting back her food, but I have never seen her pant like this when she hasn't been out running, etc. I have another dog as well that is Bella's best buddy, an Amstaff that is 11 years old with Cushing's. Could Bella be stressing out because my other dog's Cushing's has been getting worse? The house has been kept at around 75* and is pretty comfortable. After I took Bella out to go she still wouldn't settle down for about another hour until I came out to get on my computer. Now she is laying down snoring like a baby. I know she is trying to tell me something as she is a very smart dog, and being one of those dogs with the type of muzzle and nose that bulldogs have it is normal for her to pant some, but this was beyond normal. It has been pretty hot here the past couple of days, but she stays indoors. Could she be having some other issues as well? She has always been a really healthy dog and seemed fine until this morning. Thank you in advance for answering :)
ReplyDeleteSince it's new it does mean something. Yes, it could be stress/anxiety, it could be pain, it could be all sorts of things as you can see above. If it keeps happening, try to film it and talk to your veterinarian.
Delete