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When should I worry about dog panting?

It’s normal for dogs to pant from time to time, but excessive or abnormal panting can be a sign of an underlying health issue. Knowing when panting is normal and when it’s time to call the vet can help you keep your dog happy and healthy.

What is normal dog panting?

Normal dog panting is a way for dogs to cool themselves off. As dogs don’t have sweat glands like humans, panting allows them to regulate their body temperature by evaporating moisture from their tongues, mouth, and upper respiratory tract. Here are some examples of normal panting in dogs:

  • Panting after exercise or play
  • Panting in warm weather or temperatures over 80°F
  • Mild panting when excited or stressed
  • Panting for a few minutes after drinking water

This type of panting is rapid breathing but shallow, and the dog is usually able to settle down within a few minutes. The tongue may hang out but the dog appears comfortable.

When is dog panting abnormal or excessive?

Panting in dogs can turn abnormal or excessive when it occurs in situations that it normally wouldn’t or if it persists for a prolonged period. Here are some signs of abnormal or excessive panting:

  • Panting heavily even when relaxed
  • Panting non-stop for longer than 30 minutes
  • Panting with no explanation like exercise or heat
  • Panting loudly making noises like wheezing or rasping
  • Pacing and panting anxiously and unable to settle
  • Panting and trembling

Dogs that are abnormal or heavy panters may also hold their mouth open and have their tongue hanging out further than usual. Their breathing might sound strained or raspy.

Common causes of excessive panting

There are many possible medical reasons that can cause a dog to pant excessively. Here are some of the most common:

Pain or injury

Dogs may pant heavily when dealing with pain or trauma from an injury. This can include panting after being hit by a car or falling. Other signs include limping, cuts, or holding a limb against the body.

Heat stroke

With heat stroke, dogs pant excessively and uncontrollably as their body temperature skyrockets. Their gums may be bright red or purple, they collapse or vomit, and have diarrhea. Heat stroke is a dire emergency.

Respiratory disease

Upper airway conditions like collapsing trachea, laryngeal paralysis, and narrowing of the windpipe can obstruct airflow and cause strained, heavy panting.

Heart problems

Heart disease and congestive heart failure can cause fluid buildup in the lungs that leads to difficulty breathing. Dogs may pant heavily at rest.

Anemia

Dogs with anemia have reduced red blood cells and may pant to compensate for decreased oxygen circulation. Pale gums are also a symptom.

Pyometra

This uterine infection makes dogs very ill and they may pant heavily. Symptoms also include vomiting, lethargy, and bloody or smelly discharge.

Tick disease

Tick-borne diseases like Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and ehrlichiosis can cause inflammation and neurological issues leading to abnormal panting.

Pain or itching

Dogs may pant excessively from pain or discomfort associated with conditions like ear or bladder infections, skin allergies, dental disease, arthritis, and cancer.

Obesity

Overweight dogs often pant heavily with minimal exertion or in warm environments. Extra fat makes it harder to breathe and regulate temperature.

Stress and anxiety

Dogs may pant anxiously during stressful events like car rides, separation from owners, or loud noises like fireworks or thunderstorms.

When to see the vet for panting

Most vets recommend calling if abnormal panting lasts for more than 30 minutes or happens frequently. It’s also important to see the vet if panting:

  • Occurs for no apparent reason
  • Is accompanied by other symptoms like collapse or vomiting
  • Worsens or changes in nature
  • Occurs in a puppy or adolescent dog
  • Happens along with weight loss

Watching a video of the panting can help the vet evaluate respirations and diagnose the cause. Vets also recommend monitoring resting respiratory rate (normal is 15 to 30 breaths per minute) to quantify changes.

What diagnostics are done for excessive panting?

To determine the cause of excessive panting, vets often pursue the following diagnostic steps:

  • Medical history – Ask about any recent injuries, the dog’s environment and activity level, and other signs like coughing or collapse.
  • Physical exam – Check for fever, pain, heart and lung abnormalities like murmurs or crackles.
  • Bloodwork – Evaluate blood counts, chemistry, and electrolytes to check for anemia, infection, organ issues, and hydration status.
  • Urinalysis – Assess kidney function and check for urinary tract infection.
  • Radiographs – Chest X-rays allow visualization of the heart and lungs.
  • Ultrasound – Used to examine the heart and abdominal organs for issues like tumors or pyometra.
  • Endoscopy – A camera inserted into the airway lets vets visualize the mouth, throat, and upper airways.
  • Bronchoscopy – Examines the lower airways and lungs for obstructions, infections, and masses.
  • Specialist referral – For complicated panting cases, referral to a veterinary internal medicine specialist may be recommended.

Identifying the underlying cause guides proper treatment to relieve excessive panting.

How is excessive or abnormal dog panting treated?

The treatment for abnormal dog panting depends on the cause:

Infection

Infections causing panting are treated with appropriate antibiotics, anti-fungal, or anti-parasitic medication. Intravenous fluids may be given for dehydration.

Heart disease

Heart medications like ACE inhibitors, diuretics, and Pimobendan can improve heart function and relieve fluid in the lungs. Oxygen therapy provides respiratory relief.

Pain

Pain medications like NSAIDs help make dogs more comfortable and reduce panting from pain. Surgery may be done to fix orthopedic injuries or dental disease.

Obesity

Weight loss through diet change and exercise improves stamina, respiration, and quality of life.

Airway disease

Treatment depends on the type of airway disease but may include surgery, stents, or tracheostomy tubes to open up the airways.

Allergies

Allergy testing and immunotherapy (allergy shots) can reduce environmental allergies. Anti-itch medication and antibiotics provide relief from skin infections secondary to allergies.

Urinary issues

Antibiotics and sometimes surgery can resolve bladder infections and stones. Special diets or medications control urinary incontinence.

Anxiety

Behavioral therapy, pheromones, and medications can all help dogs cope with stress and anxiety that causes panting.

Home care for dogs with excessive panting

While the underlying cause is addressed, the following tips can provide relief at home:

  • Keep the dog comfortable in an air-conditioned space
  • Use cool (not cold) water on paws and belly
  • Provide fresh, cool drinking water
  • Help the dog relax with calming music, massage, or distraction with toys
  • Use calming pheromone sprays or diffusers
  • Go for short, gentle walks to provide mental stimulation

Monitoring breathing rate, gum color, and appetite can help gauge if the panting is worsening. Worsening panting warrants an urgent vet visit.

How can excessive panting be prevented?

While some causes of excessive panting cannot be prevented, you can take the following steps to reduce panting in dogs:

  • Maintain a healthy weight with diet and exercise
  • Avoid strenuous exercise in hot, humid weather
  • Use a harness and leash to prevent injuries
  • Treat any medical issues like heart disease or arthritis
  • Provide a stress-free environment
  • Microchip dogs and keep tags on their collar
  • Keep vaccinations current to prevent infectious diseases
  • Use flea, tick and heartworm prevention medications
  • Spay or neuter to decrease hormone-driven disorders

With good preventive care, dogs are less likely to develop conditions that can cause abnormal panting and distress. Contact your vet promptly if your dog shows signs of excessive panting.

Conclusion

While moderate panting is normal for dogs as a cooling mechanism, excessive or abnormal panting can signal an underlying health problem. Heavy panting that arises for no clear reason, persists beyond 30 minutes, occurs alongside other symptoms, or represents a change from baseline warrants veterinary attention. Diagnostic tests help pinpoint the cause so it can be properly treated. With vigilance and prompt care for excessive panting, dog owners can help their pets breathe easier.