Excessive Panting in Dogs

Panting is normal in dogs, but when it becomes excessive, it may be a sign of a larger health concern. In this blog, our Pflugerville vets share some potential reasons why your dog may be panting excessively and when you should bring them to the vet.

Panting in Dogs

To identify abnormal breathing and panting in your dog, it's essential to be familiar with your dog's normal respiratory rate. Typically, a healthy dog will breathe between 15 to 35 times per minute while at rest. Rapid panting in dogs is a cause for concern because dogs will take about 40 breaths per minute while at rest.

It's essential to know that panting doesn't always point to an issue and that it's your furry friend's way of cooling themselves down, regulating their body temperature, and letting heat and water evaporate from their mouth tongue, and upper respiratory tract.

Dogs cannot sweat to keep themselves cool. Instead, they use rapid breathing to promote air circulation throughout their bodies. Panting allows your canine companion to regulate their body temperature and return it to normal levels.

Signs of Excessive Panting in Dogs

To determine whether your dog is panting heavily, count their breaths for one minute while they are resting or sleeping. (You may also want to do this when you aren't concerned, to determine your dog's normal respiratory rate). Anything less than 30 breaths per minute is considered normal; anything more than 35 is cause for concern and should be discussed with your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will have a good understanding of your dog's normal respiratory rate based on previous exams.

Causes of Heavy Panting in Dogs

Dog breeds with squished faces or shortened snouts, like Boston Terriers, Boxers, and Pugs, are more prone to respiratory problems. Pet owners should diligently monitor these breeds for signs of heightened respiratory effort.

Short-nosed breeds are not the only ones who may have difficulty breathing normally. Heavy panting or rapid breathing in your dog, regardless of breed, may indicate an illness or injury requiring immediate veterinary care.

Some possible causes of rapid or heavy breathing in dogs include:

When to Call Your Vet For Your Dog's Panting

If you notice your dog panting excessively or breathing heavily while sleeping, he or she may be in respiratory distress. If your dog exhibits any of the following symptoms, you should contact your veterinarian immediately. They will explain how you should get to the animal hospital.

Is excessive panting ever an emergency?

Excessive panting in dogs can be a sign of heatstroke, which is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate veterinary attention. Other causes of excessive panting that may indicate an emergency include heart failure, respiratory distress, or poisoning. If your dog is panting excessively and showing other concerning symptoms such as weakness, vomiting, or disorientation, contact Pfennig Lane Animal Hospital or the emergency vets listed here.

Diagnosing The Cause of Your Dog's Excessive Panting

Your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical examination of your dog to identify the underlying cause of their excessive panting, which could stem from issues in the heart, circulatory system, lungs, airway, neck, head, or elsewhere. The overall health condition of your pup may also contribute to the problem.

Your vet will need to know about any previous medical issues that your pooch has experienced and may recommend diagnostic tests such as X-rays to check the heart, lungs and abdomen for issues such as lung tumors or broken ribs.

The veterinarian will also look for signs of anxiety, stress, or other psychological issues that may be causing your dog's rapid breathing.

Treating Excessive Panting in Dogs

The underlying cause of the issue will determine the treatments used for your dog's excessive panting. Excessive panting in older dogs will be treated by your vet with pain relief, intravenous fluids, or other medications to help restore your dog to good health.

If your dog's heavy breathing is due to anxiety or stress, your veterinarian may recommend specialized training with a certified dog behaviorist.

Rest and oxygen therapy are most likely required to get your dog started on the road to recovery. Most dogs will recover enough to be treated at home, but in severe cases, hospitalization may be required to monitor the dog's breathing and treat the underlying health condition.

How to Prevent Excessive Panting in Dogs

Excessive panting in dogs can be avoided by providing plenty of fresh water and shade, particularly during hot weather. It is also important not to overexert your dog during exercise, as this can result in excessive panting and heat exhaustion.

Furthermore, keeping your dog at a healthy weight can help prevent excessive panting because obesity puts additional strain on their respiratory system.

Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.

Are you worried about your dog's panting? Contact our vets in Pflugerville immediately for care.