Dog Panting
Dog panting can occur for a number of reasons. Dog panting can be a temporary symptom of strenuous activity or sign of heat stroke. Some breeds of dogs are more prone to dog panting than others. Breeds such as pugs, bulldogs, and Pekinese are prone to dog panting due to their pushed-in snouts. These breeds are known as Brachycephalic breeds. Dogs such as these are more prone to dog panting in warm temperatures and you should watch them closely for signs of overheating.
Dog panting can also be a symptom of congestive heart failure, anemia, heartworms, obesity, or be associated with the pain and fever of another illness. How can you tell if dog excessive panting is a serious symptom? The best way is to be familiar with what's normal for your dog. If there doesn't seem to be a reason for your dog's panting, or if your dog pants excessively after exercise or in the heat, you should consider whether it might be a problem.
Dog panting can be a sign of obstruction in the throat, so your dog might have swallowed something. If your dog's gums are pale or even bluish in color, this is a bad sign. It means your dog's not getting enough oxygen and may be bleeding internally.
Check your dog for external injuries as pain can cause dog panting. You can rule out fever by taking your dog's temperature; it should be no higher than 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit.
Dog panting accompanied by shaking can be a sign of stress. Have changes occurred in your dog's life recently? Even small changes can be stressful for some dogs. Calm your dog by spending more time with her. Try natural remedies, such as oatmeal, with the advice of a vet.
Canine panting can occur as a result of poisoning as well, often accompanied by drooling, vomiting, lethargy, and convulsions. If you think your dog has ingested something poisonous try to find out what it is before calling your vet or poison control center. Tell them what the substance was, how much your dog ate, when she ate it, and what her symptoms are. If possible give the main active ingredient. Your vet or poison control specialist might instruct you to induce vomiting.
Puppies are more vulnerable than adult dogs to heat and a range of illnesses. Puppy panting should be investigated by a vet, especially if it appears in any way abnormal.
Dog panting symptoms are not always serious so don't panic if your dog pants. Most of the time your dog is panting to cool itself, because dogs don't produce sweat like humans do. With these guidelines, you'll easily be able to determine when your dog's panting symptoms are a sign of ill health or injury.