Welcome to the Pupster Passion website.
Our goal is to help you give your pet dogs the very best life possible.
In this article, we will look into:
- Excessive panting in older dogs
- Why it happens
- What you need to do about it
Table of Contents
- When is Panting Excessive?
- Why is Your Older Dog Panting Excessively?
- What About an Older Dog Panting and Pacing at Night?
- Video With Great Advice on Excessive Panting in Pet Dogs
If you have even the slightest concern that there might be something wrong with your older pet dog, please take him or her to the veterinarian right away.
When is Panting Excessive?
The first thing to think about here is, what does excessively mean? Panting in a dog is a normal and healthy function.
Obviously, they use it for breathing but also temperature regulation. Dogs can also pant heavily if they are excited.
The easiest way to tell if the panting is excessive is if you know your dog very well, and it is panting much more than it normally would.
If the dog is new to you or you still aren’t sure, it would be considered excessive panting when your dog is breathing heavily for no obvious reason.
If the dog hasn’t just exerted itself, isn’t hot or excited but is heavily panting, this suggests that there might be an issue with the dog.
(While we are on the subject of elderly dogs, you might want to read this post asking can older dogs get parvo? Or this one that asks do older dogs sleep more?)
Why is Your Older Dog Panting Excessively?
So what are some of the reasons for older dogs panting very heavily?
Respiratory Disorders
There are various canine respiratory conditions that make cause heavy panting. In all cases, these potentials need to be investigated by a vet as soon as possible.
Heat Stroke
If your dog has become dangerously overheated, they will pant a lot. If you think this is the case, make sure they have plenty of water, keep them cool using fans, ice, shade, etc. Also, get them to the vet to be checked out asap.
Heart Failure
If your dog has heart issues, excessively panting might be one of the telltale signs. Needless to say, this needs attention from a vet right away.
Cushing’s Syndrome
A condition affecting the dog’s adrenal glands and cortisol levels. Symptoms include heavy panting, excessive thirst, and a potbelly. Once again, if you are concerned, take your dog to the vets asap.
Poisoning
If your dog has ingested a toxic substance, this can also cause panting issues.
What About an Older Dog Panting and Pacing at Night?
If your older dog is waking up a lot during the night pacing and panting heavily, this might be a sign of anxiety caused by canine dementia.
As the dog starts to get more confused due to loss of brain function caused by old age, it can start to feel anxious.
The often happens with older dogs during the night.
So if your older dog is pacing and panting during the night, you should do two things.
Firstly take it to the vet to get it checked out and give it lots of love and care.
If you can help the dog feel safe, comfortable, and loved as possible, it will help lower the dog’s anxiety levels.
Before you go…