Excessive Panting in Dogs, Canine Symptoms, Medications


Discover the possible reasons why your dog is panting more than normal as the problem maybe more serious than you first thought, it might be due to a heart murmur or something as serious as canine congestive heart failure

Consequently it is important to act fast and get the best advice on specific canine medications to help cure the symptoms and help with the problem.

However, it is important to remember to always get advice from your vet before using any treatments or medications on your dog.

Excessive Panting in Dogs

Why is my Dog Panting…?

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  • Your dog maybe panting due to neurological complications. These complications maybe due to a disease in the nervous system which can of course affect the respiratory system.
  • This damage to the nervous system can also be caused by a trauma to your dog’s head, a brain tumor can also cause excessive panting in dogs.
  • If your dog has an abnormality in the muscles in his respiratory system, this may also be due to a neurological disorder.
  • It is not uncommon for dogs to pant if they are in pain. It is often difficult to find exactly where the pain is in your dog so your vet’s advice is very important.
  • Sometimes if your dog is bleeding he may pant due to suffering from anemia caused by the tiredness and weakness. It is important to mention that the bleeding may not always be viable i.e. he may bleed internally. Check for pale gums and get advice from your vet immediately as he may need to have a blood transfusion.
  • If your dog is suffering from vomiting, diarrhea and/or abdominal pain he may also show signs of excessive panting.
  • Canine congestive heart failure and cardiomyopathy can cause your dog to pant, there are a number of causes but heart worm is one possible cause. Along with your dog panting if your dog has heart problems you may see symptoms including, lethargy, fluid on the lungs, cancer, a collapse of the trachea and coughing.
  • Sometimes hyperthermia or heat stroke can cause excessive panting in dogs especially if he has been out in the sun has red gums and appears tired. Your dog is exhibiting heat stroke and a very high rectal temperature and will need to be cooled down fast. Cool your dog in some water and splash specific areas with cold water including the belly and the inside of your dog’s legs. Take him to the vet fast!
  • Your dog maybe needing to pant due to having a fever and increased temperature. A fever is normally diagnosed when your pooch has a rectal temperature of about 102.5 degrees.
  • If your dog is on specific steroid  medications like Prednisone he may pant more than usual. Increased urination and drinking may also accompany excessive drinking in dogs.
  • If your dog has been exposed to chemicals, poison and/or toxins he may also pant.

Please do not use this information as a diagnosis of excessive panting in dogs and always get advice from your vet first.