The Mystery of My Dog's Excessive Panting: Unveiled
Nov 19,2024 | puaintapets
As a dog owner, it can be quite concerning when you notice your furry companion panting excessively. Panting is a normal behavior in dogs to some extent, but when it becomes more frequent or intense than usual, it often holds hidden meanings. "The Mystery of My Dog's Excessive Panting: Unveiled" aims to shed light on this puzzling phenomenon.
Dogs communicate with us in various ways, and their breathing patterns are no exception. Excessive panting can be triggered by a multitude of factors, ranging from simple day - to - day activities and environmental influences to more complex underlying health problems. Understanding the reasons behind this excessive panting is crucial for every dog owner. It not only helps in ensuring the well - being of our four - legged friends but also enables us to take appropriate action when necessary. Whether it's a sign of excitement, a reaction to the heat, or an indication of an illness, this exploration will help dog owners decipher the mystery of their dog's excessive panting.
Why Is My Dog Panting So Badly?
I. Physiological Reasons
①After exercise
After strenuous exercise, a dog's body needs more oxygen to supply energy metabolism. Just as a person will pant after running, a dog will inhale more oxygen and expel carbon dioxide by breathing rapidly. For example, your dog may pant heavily after you have taken him for a longer outdoor run or play.
②Environmental factors
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Excessive temperature
Unlike humans, who can dissipate heat by sweating profusely, dogs regulate their body temperature mainly by panting. When the ambient temperature is too high, such as on a hot summer's day, dogs will pant sharply to lower their body temperature by exhaling hot air.
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Poor air circulation
If a dog is in an airless, stuffy space, such as a closed car or a small, poorly ventilated room, it will pant heavily due to a lack of oxygen.
③Physical Condition
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Obesity
An obese dog's heart and lungs are more heavily burdened, and in order to maintain the body's normal physiological functions, its respiratory rate will increase and panting will be more pronounced. Just like obese people are more likely to feel short of breath.
Also Read: How to Help Dog Lose Weight
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Diseases
Heart disease: like cardiomyopathy, congenital heart disease, etc., will affect the pumping function of the heart, resulting in a lack of oxygen in the body, which will aggravate the dog's panting.
Lung diseases: Lung diseases like pneumonia and asthma can affect a dog's respiratory function, making it short of breath and panting heavily.
Also Read:Can A Dog Have Heart Attack
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Physical trauma
Pain caused by wounds on the dog's body may also lead to shortness of breath, and owners can check the surface of the dog's skin for redness, swelling, and trauma.
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Parasites or allergies
Certain parasites (such as filarial worms, hookworms or nematodes) live in the dog's lungs and airways, or the dog may be allergic to airborne pollen, mold, dust mites, cigarette smoke, etc., which can cause respiratory problems such as allergic asthma and lead to abnormal panting.
II. Psychological reasons
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Nervousness and anxiety
Dogs may feel nervous and anxious when encountering unfamiliar environments, strangers or hearing loud noises. For example, if you take your dog to a new vet hospital or if you encounter thunder, it may pant badly due to psychological stress.
If your dog is panting badly and has not been relieved for a long time, or is accompanied by other abnormal symptoms, such as depression, coughing and vomiting, it is recommended to take it to the vet hospital for examination promptly.
What to Do with Abnormal Panting in Dogs?
I. Observation and judgment
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Observe the dog's state
If the dog shows pain, discomfort, or is accompanied by other abnormal symptoms (e.g. coughing, wheezing, loss of appetite, depression, etc.) while panting abnormally, it may be caused by a health problem, and you should contact your veterinarian immediately for an examination.
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Consider environmental factors
If your dog is in a hot environment or has just finished intense exercise, abnormal panting may be a normal physiological response. At this point, make sure your dog has plenty of fluids and a cool place to rest and watch for relief.
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Watch for Duration
If your dog's abnormal panting lasts for a long time and does not improve significantly, you may need to seek veterinary help.
II. Emergency Treatment Measures
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Keep the airway open
Check whether the dog's mouth and nasal passages are obstructed by foreign bodies, if so, remove them carefully, but avoid doing so blindly to avoid damaging the airways.
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Provide oxygen support
If the dog is experiencing respiratory distress and insufficient oxygen supply (e.g. purple tongue, etc.), try to provide additional oxygen. In an emergency, oxygen can be administered using an oxygen mask or nasal cannula, or the dog can be placed in a well-ventilated environment with a high oxygen content.
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Avoiding Stimulation
Keep your dog in a quiet, comfortable environment, avoiding noise, bright light and other stimuli to reduce its tension and anxiety.
III. Treatment methods
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Treatment for different causes
Respiratory diseases: If the dog suffers from asthma, the treatment is based on expectorant cough, supplemented by antibiotic therapy to control secondary infections, you can take the breath net cool, speed Novo and other drugs, and at the same time to strengthen the care, to give a quiet environment, to avoid irritating gases, smoke and dust stimulation.
Related:Dog Respiratory Illness
Cardiovascular disease: If the abnormal panting is caused by heart disease, cardiac medication (e.g. diuretics, vasodilators, etc.) may be needed to improve cardiac function and alleviate the symptoms, and the specific treatment plan should be based on the veterinarian's diagnosis and recommendations.
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Other diseases
If abnormal panting is caused by infection or poisoning, appropriate treatment is needed to address the specific cause, such as antibiotics for infection and antidotes for poisoning.
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Surgical treatment
For some structural respiratory problems, such as laryngeal paralysis, short head airway syndrome or diaphragmatic hernia, surgical treatment may be required to improve airway patency.
IV. Preventive Measures
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Regular health check
Take your dog to the veterinarian regularly for a comprehensive health checkup to detect potential health problems early so that they can be treated promptly.
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Environmental management
Keep the room well ventilated, especially in hot weather or when using chemical cleaners and disinfectants, to ensure air circulation and avoid exposing your dog to irritating odors.
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Avoid exposure to allergens and toxic substances
Know what substances may be toxic or cause allergic reactions in your dog and avoid your dog coming into contact with them, such as certain foods, medications, chemicals, and plants.
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Control exercise and environmental temperature
Avoid strenuous exercise for your dog during hot periods to prevent heat stroke and abnormal panting. If your dog develops panting after exercise, allow him to rest in the shade and provide plenty of water.
How Do I Adjust My Dog's Diet When He's Panting?
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Increase protein intake
Protein-rich foods such as chicken can help strengthen your dog's body and boost the immune system.
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Control salt intake
Choose low-salt fish, as excessive salt can adversely affect your dog's health.
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Increase fiber intake
Fiber-rich vegetables can promote gastrointestinal motility in dogs, which helps digestion and absorption of nutrients.
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Choose low sugar fruits
Moderate intake of fruits with low sugar content, such as apples and bananas, is beneficial to your dog's health.
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Feed at regular intervals
Separate feedings several times a day to keep the gastrointestinal tract healthy.
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Drink clean water
Ensure clean and hygienic drinking water to avoid harmful substances.
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Avoid human food
Such as chocolate, onions, etc. to avoid causing adverse reactions.
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Dietary modification should be combined with medical treatment
Although diet can be a great aid to your dog's health, it must be combined with medical treatment and regular reviews to better manage the condition.
It is important to note that these recommendations are based on general conditions. If a dog's panting is due to a specific medical condition, such as pneumonia, asthma or heart disease, dietary modifications should be made under the guidance of a veterinarian to ensure that the dog's specific nutritional needs are met. For example, a heart disease dog may need low-fat meats and omega-3 rich fish, while an asthmatic dog will need to avoid allergens and high-sugar foods.
What to Do If Dog Can't Pant After Eating?
Dogs that can't pant after eating can be caused by a variety of reasons, such as a foreign object stuck in the airway, a toxic reaction, and cardiopulmonary disease.123 Here's what to do for this situation.
⑴Emergency treatment measures
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Check the mouth
Gently lift your dog's mouth and check for foreign objects or injuries to the teeth, tongue, and throat. If a foreign body is found, it can be carefully removed with tweezers or pliers, but be sure not to injure the dog8.
⑵Use the Heimlich maneuver
If your dog is choking on a foreign object that is blocking the airway and making it difficult to breathe, you can use the Heimlich maneuver. Depending on the size of the dog, take different ways of operation:
Small dogs or cats: Hold the cat/dog against your chest (keep their back against your chest and keep their head up). Use 2 fingers to push upwards and forwards in a set of 3 - 5 repetitions up to a maximum of 3 - 4 repetitions on a soft spot just below their ribcage, then check for spat out foreign objects.
Large dogs: stand behind the dog, attach your arms under their abdomen and make a fist with both hands on a soft spot behind the end of the ribcage. Thrust upwards and forwards in the direction of where the obstacle is located in sets of 3 - 5 repetitions up to a maximum of 3 - 4 repetitions, then check for spat out foreign objects.
Lying down/unconscious animals: kneel behind the dog, clench your fist and press it against the soft spot on their abdomen behind their chest. Push inward (toward you) and toward the pet's head 5 times in rapid succession, then check for spit-up foreign objects.
Adjust the environment: make sure the environment your dog is in is well ventilated and does not have excessive dust or odors. Also, try to avoid exposing the dog to too much stimulation, such as too much sound or light, to reduce the dog's anxiety.
Warm wet towel on the nose: You can prepare a warm wet towel to put on your dog's nose. The temperature and humidity of the wet towel can help reduce your dog's breathing difficulties and relieve tension. At the same time, the wet towel can also act as a cooling agent to keep your dog comfortable
⑶Steps to seek medical attention
Contact a veterinarian immediately: If your dog's symptoms are not relieved after emergency treatment, or if you are unsure of your dog's condition, contact a veterinarian or pet emergency center immediately, describing your dog's symptoms and the first-aid measures you have taken.
Prepare items for medical attention: While waiting for your veterinarian, prepare dog-related items such as a kennel, towels, and water to keep your dog comfortable during transportation.
Record Symptoms: Record as much detail as possible about the time your dog develops symptoms, items that may have been accidentally ingested, and the severity of the symptoms so that your veterinarian can make a diagnosis.
Follow veterinary advice: Once you arrive at the hospital, follow your veterinarian's recommendations for examination and treatment. Diagnostic procedures such as x-rays and blood tests may be required to determine the exact cause of your dog's breathlessness.
Follow-up care: Based on the veterinarian's diagnosis, treat and care accordingly. If your dog requires medication, make sure it is given on time as prescribed and keep an eye on your dog's recovery.
When dealing with a dog that can't breathe after eating, the owner needs to remain calm, quickly take appropriate first aid measures, and promptly contact a veterinarian for professional help. Meanwhile, in order to prevent this from happening, owners should pay attention to the safety of their dog's diet and avoid exposing their dog to items that may cause choking or poisoning.
FAQs
When Should I Worry About Dog Panting?
Increased panting rate: normally, dogs have a respiratory rate of 10-34 breaths per minute. If your dog's respiratory rate reaches 60 breaths per minute at rest, or if the respiratory rate between 34-60 continues for 15-20 minutes without decreasing, medical attention may be needed.
Panting with other symptoms: If your dog's panting is accompanied by coughing, wheezing, loss of appetite, weight loss, lethargy, and pale or purple gums, it may indicate a health problem and require prompt medical attention.
Panting unrelated to the environment or exercise: If your dog is not engaged in strenuous exercise and the ambient temperature is not high, but still continues to pant, it may be a sign of a health problem.
Unusual panting sounds: If your dog's panting is louder and harsher than usual, or if there are signs of breathing difficulties, such as a bulging belly or a stretched-out neck, medical intervention may be needed.
How Do You Calm Down a Panting Dog?
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Creating a comfortable environment
If the ambient temperature is too high, your dog may be panting to lose heat. Move your dog to a cool, well-ventilated area, such as an air-conditioned room, where a temperature setting of around 22 - 25°C is more appropriate. Cool mats, such as ice pads, can be placed on the area where the dog is resting. Reduce noise and distractions around you. If the house is noisy, take your dog to a relatively quiet corner and draw the curtains to minimize outside visual distractions. Turn off TVs, stereos, and other devices that make noise.
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Soothing
Talk softly to your dog, call his name in a gentle tone of voice, and gently stroke his head, back, or belly (if your dog likes to have his belly stroked). Slow, rhythmic strokes can help your dog feel relaxed. Give your dog his favorite toy or blanket. For example, if your dog has a particular favorite stuffed toy, keep this toy near him; the familiar scent will make your dog feel secure and help calm him down.
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Check for health conditions
Carefully inspect your dog's body to see if there are any injuries, especially on the legs, paws, and abdomen. If you find wounds, treat them according to their severity. Minor wounds can be cleaned with saline and sterilized by applying iodophor. If your dog continues to pant and is quiet, it could be the result of a health problem. For example, heart disease, respiratory disease, etc. If a disease cause is suspected, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment.
Why Is My Dog Panting So Fast While Resting?
Physiological reasons
Some short-nosed breeds of dogs, such as Bulldogs and Pugs, may also pant relatively fast when resting due to the shorter nasal structure and the relative difficulty of breathing itself. And dogs with obese body types have a heavier cardiorespiratory load and are also prone to panting faster when resting. The heart and lungs of older dogs can decline, and just like older people, they may pant faster when resting. Additionally, puppies' respiratory systems are still in the developmental stage, and they can sometimes experience a slightly faster breathing rate.
Health Problems
Heart disease can cause your dog's heart to be unable to pump blood efficiently, and the lungs may become bruised, which can lead to faster panting. Examples include cardiomyopathy and heart valve disease. Respiratory diseases such as pneumonia and bronchitis can narrow or block the airways, and the dog will pant faster in order to get enough oxygen.
Anemia can reduce the ability of your dog's blood to carry oxygen, and the body will try to compensate for the lack of oxygen by breathing faster to get more oxygen. Also, a fever can cause your dog's metabolism to speed up and its breathing rate to rise.
Environmental Factors
If the environment is too warm or too humid, your dog will also pant faster when resting. This is because dogs regulate their body temperature mainly through panting, and in hot and humid environments, where heat dissipation is difficult, they will pant faster. Poor indoor air quality, such as the presence of smoke, dust, and chemicals, can irritate your dog's respiratory tract and lead to faster panting.
Conclusion
While panting is a natural behavior for dogs, excessive or unusual panting can indicate an underlying issue. By understanding the common causes and taking proactive steps to address them, you can ensure your dog stays healthy and comfortable. If you’re ever unsure about your dog’s panting, it’s always best to consult your veterinarian for advice.
Also Read:Why Does My Dog Pant So Much