This video is based on Barking Royalty’s article reviewed by our vet Margarita Boyd
https://barkingroyalty.com/dogbreath...
Whenever in doubt, better be safe than sorry and contact your vet if you notice some unusual changes in your dog.
Here are some reasons why your dog is panting:
1. Overheating 02:27
Heatstroke or overheating is a serious and lifethreatening condition that usually occurs when dogs are left in closed cars or are walked on a very hot day.
The clear signs of heatstroke include high body temperature, excessive panting, excessive salivation, bright red gums, increased heart rate, and collapse.
Heatstroke happens rapidly and there’s often not a lot of time to do anything. This is why it is important to do everything possible to prevent overheating from happening.
2. Exercise 03:00
This is the most obvious reason for panting, but some dog owners still worry when they see their dog panting after a good run. Usually, a dog’s breathing rate should go back to normal within minutes, but it may vary depending on your dog’s fitness level and weight.
Usually, panting after exercise isn’t a big deal, unless your dog was exhausted due to running on a very hot day which is highly discouraged.
3. Breed predisposition 03:27
As you may know, there are certain breeds that have a predisposition for developing breathing difficulties because of their short noses or “pushed in” faces. These breeds are called Brachycephalic breeds and include Pugs, Boxers, French Bulldogs, and similar breeds.
These cuties have narrow windpipes, which makes their breathing less efficient. Unfortunately, this means that these dogs are more prone to having a higher risk of heatstroke and a generally faster rate of breathing.
4. Pain 03:57
Sometimes it might be really difficult to interpret when a dog’s in pain. However, it may be good to know that fast breathing accompanied by excessive vocalization or constant licking might be a sign that something is hurting your dog.
5. Heart disease 04:11
Shallow breathing may be a sign of heart disease such as heartworm, heart valve disease, Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA), or congestive heart failure.
In these cases, fast and shallow breathing is caused by the heart’s inability to pump oxygen efficiently. Heart diseases are more often seen in older dogs and are often accompanied by symptoms such as: coughing, reduced appetite, lethargy, or swollen abdomen.
6. Milk fever 04:41
Milk fever, also known as Eclampsia, is a serious condition that occurs in pregnant or nursing mothers. It happens when there is a sudden drop in calcium levels in the blood.
Signs of milk fever often include increased breathing rate, tremors, weakness, or complete inability to stand or walk.
This is a lifethreatening condition, making milk fever one of the reasons why pregnant or nursing mothers should be monitored for any change in their behavior and brought to the vet checkup whenever there are some unusual physical signs.
7. Tickborne diseases 05:13
Ticks are known to transmit some pretty dangerous diseases. These parasites can transmit a large number of tickborne diseases such as: Lyme disease, Canine Anaplasmosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Canine Babesiosis, etc.
Often, the first signs of a tickborne disease are fever and increased breathing rate.
8. Traumas or accidents 05:36
After an accident or injury, a dog might start breathing rapidly as a result of a combination of pain and shock.
When dogs are under shock, their body requires higher levels of oxygen, making them breathe faster. So if your dog got into an accident or got hit by a car, panting might be a natural reaction to such an event.
However, there is always a possibility your dog may have injured an airway or lungs, which is why it is highly advised to bring your dog to the vet whenever an accident occurs.
9. Behavioral panting 06:07
This is another common reason that doesn’t include any serious underlying health issues. Just like some people sigh or breathe in a different manner when in stress, dogs can breathe faster than normal when feeling anxious, scared or stressed.
Usually, behavioral panting doesn’t appear alone. It is normally presented with trembling, lip licking, yawning, hiding, or excessive barking.
10. Anemia 06:31
Finally, when dogs have a lower level of red blood cells than normal, their body isn’t getting a sufficient amount of oxygen which leads to faster breathing.
Anemia comes with other symptoms like weakness, elevated heart rate, palecolored gums, and a visible mental confusion.
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