Excessive Panting in Dogs
Panting is a common dog behavior you might have observed in every dog. But are you aware that excessive panting in dogs may be a symptom of some underlying disease or medical condition? This article will help you know more on excessive panting in dogs.
Before you start to panic regarding excessive panting dog, keep in mind that an obese dog may pant a lot. This is due to the tendency of their body to over heat. Dogs of different breeds such as Pugs, Bulldogs, Pekingese, etc. are brachycephalic dog breeds. This means that they have short nasal passages and pushed-in face structure, that causes them to pant more and overheat. Thus, if you have a pet dog that is obese or one of the above breed types, don't worry, because they are more prone to excessive panting. Female dogs tend to pant a lot after giving birth to puppies due to contraction of her uterus for a few weeks. This contraction is to stimulate lactation, that is, milk production. Once you rule out the above possibilities then you may look out for the following causes of excessive panting in dogs. Know more on dog obesity.
Causes of Excessive Panting in Dogs
If there are no observed causes that may be triggering excessive panting in the dog, then you should become alert, regarding the underlying dog health problems. The causes of excessive panting in dogs may include:
- Heart Problem: Cardiomyopathy, congestive heart failure, heart murmurs, heartworms, are some serious heart disorders in dogs, that may lead to excessive panting in dogs. Watch out for other signs like breathing trouble, lethargy, coughing spells, etc. which may be a symptom for these underlying causes.
- Hematologic Problem: Blood diseases such as anemia and carbon monoxide poisoning may be the reason behind excessive panting in your dog.
- Respiratory Problem: Upper respiratory tract infections or complications lead to blockage of the nasal passages of the dog. In order to breath in more oxygen, you may find excessive panting in dogs. The dog may also have extra growths that develop in the nose or the back of the throat. Or a collapsed trachea may be the reason behind an excessive panting dog. Lower respiratory tract complications such as lung disorders may be one reason triggering heavy panting in the dog. Fluid or gas filling up in the lungs or development of abnormal masses may also cause excessive panting in dogs.
- Hormone Problem: Hypothyroidism may cause excessive panting in dogs. Cushing's disease may develop in dogs that are on long term steroid medications. You should look out for pot belly and distinctive panting periods to underline this cause.
- Bleeding Problem: Another cause other than anemia may be bleeding. This bleeding may be internal therefore, unnoticed by the owner. Pale gums are an indication of anemia.
- Pain: Dogs tend to pant when in pain. It is difficult to find the source of pain as it may be an upset stomach or joint pain due to arthritis in older dogs. Know more on arthritis symptoms in dogs.
- Heat Problem: Hot sun may cause the dog to undergo hyperthermia, that is, heat stroke. Examine the gums of the dog and if they appear dark red, then it indicates hyperthermia. A high rectal temperature is observed in these dogs and you should immediately cool them off in a cool water tub. You should take care that the dog is getting wet near the belly region and inner sides of legs. After cooling down the dog, take him to the vet immediately.
- Fever: A rectal temperature of over 102.5 degrees indicates fever in dogs. You need to apply cool sponges on the paws, abdomen and armpits to help cool the dog. Follow all the instructions given by the vet to take care of your pet's health.

Use the feedback form below to submit your comments.

Use the form below to email this article to your friends.

- Older Dog Health Problems - Common Health Problems Facing Senior Dogs
- Dog Health Insurance Plans – Getting the Best Health Insurance for Your Dog
- Holistic Dog Health Strategies
- Does Your Dog Need a Dog Health Diagnosis?
- Senior Dog Health - Excellent Ways to Keep Your Senior Dog in Healthy Condition
- Questions About Dog Health – What Dog Lovers Need to Know
- 10 Ways to Keep your Dog Healthy, Young and Energetic
- Dog Food Supplements - Tips on Keeping your Dog Healthy
- Nature Recipe Dog Food To Keep Your Dog Healthy
- Keeping Your Pet Dog Healthy
- Discover the Top Tips from Dog Grooming To Diet to Keep Your Dog Healthy
- Keep your dog healthy and happy
- The Basics Of Dog Health
- Dog Health: Puppy First Aid And Top Three Problems You Can Solve At Home
- Dog Medical Insurance: 4 Things To Consider Before Making Your Purchase
- Don't Let Fido Get Sick as a Dog!
- Dog Flea Bites – How to treat them
- 3 Favorite Small Dog Breeds - The Pomeranian, The Pug and The Papillon
- Toy Dog Breeds: The Top Ten Dogs Of This Group
- Dog Ear Infections - Prevention, Symptoms, Causes
- Before Buying a Designer Dog
- Prednisone Side Effects in Dogs
- Homeopathic Remedies for Dogs
- Milk Thistle for Dogs
- Artificial Insemination for Dogs
- Dogs in Heat - Symptoms
- Hiccups in Dogs
- Amoxicillin for Dogs
- What Causes Hiccups in Dogs
- Dog Breeding for Beginners
- Snoring Cures for Dogs
- Melatonin Side Effects in Dogs
- Rat Poisoning in Dogs
- Stool Softener for Dogs
- Muscle Relaxers for Dogs



