What to do if a dog is panting a lot?
Lavonne Larkin
2025-06-22 00:52:55
Count answers: 13
If your dog is panting because they are hot, that is a perfectly normal way for your pet to cool themselves off. Panting works by convection, heat from your dog's body is absorbed by the water on your pet's tongue, as your pet pants the air leaving your pet's body evaporates the water which releases the heat as a gas. To tell if your dog is panting heavily, count your dog’s breaths for a minute while they are resting or sleeping, anything under 30 breaths per minute is considered normal, anything above 35 may be a cause for concern and is worth contacting your vet over. If you see your dog excessively panting when they are resting, or breathing heavily when they are sleeping, they may be experiencing respiratory distress. If you see your pooch exhibiting any of the following signs the first thing you should do is call your vet immediately, they will inform you of the steps you should take until you reach the animal hospital. Rest and oxygen therapy will likely be needed to start your dog along the road to healing. Your vet might prescribe pain relief, intravenous fluids, or other medications to help restore your dog to good health. If your pup's heavy breathing is the result of anxiety or stress, your vet may recommend special training with a certified dog behaviorist.
Lance Reinger
2025-06-21 22:59:25
Count answers: 6
If you suspect heatstroke, first move your dog inside or to a shady spot. Submerge your dog in cool water or apply cold towels to your dog’s chest, neck, and head. Don’t spray your dog with a yard hose -- on hot days the water inside a hose can reach near boiling temperatures. Give your dog cool, not cold, water. Or give them ice cubes to lick. After you’ve started cooling your dog down, take your dog to the vet immediately. If you can’t find any obvious reason for a sudden change in your dog’s breathing, take them to a veterinarian immediately. No matter what kind of breathing your dog usually has, any unexplained change -- whether heavy panting, coughing, or wheezing -- always rates a call to your vet. Call your vet immediately if any of the following applies: Your dog’s panting starts suddenly. You think your dog may be in pain. The panting is constant and intense. Your dog’s tongue or gums appear blue, purple, or white -- a sign your pet isn’t getting enough oxygen.
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