Why Is My Dog Panting? 18 Reasons For Breathing Fast

1. Exercise and Excitement

Panting or intense breathing in dogs caused by exercise is normal and should not be much of a concern. The panting serves as a physical mechanism to cool down its body after an exercise session.

Similarly, excitement triggers a release of adrenaline, raising heart and respiratory rates. To counter the excessive heat generated by this process, panting becomes an instinctive response.

2. Heatstroke

Dogs living in tropical regions are more vulnerable to heat stroke, particularly in the summer or during hot days. You may be tempted to lower their body temperature using ice packs, this is a serious mistake many pet owners make.

Instead, use normal tap water, ideally at 59-61°C. Gently pour the water over the dog’s skin or use a wet towel and put it over the sensitive spots, including the head, abdomen, and neck.

3. Stress and Anxiety

During fight-or-flight, a dog’s body needs extra oxygen to deliver energy to the muscles. Consequently, dogs breathe faster to fulfill the oxygen requirement.

As stressful situations are common, so is a dog’s reaction to increased breathing. But, watch out for persistent anxiety as it can lead to chronic fast breathing.

4. Pain

Dogs communicate physical pain through a series of mediums, including low growling, barking, and panting, among others. By potentially reducing muscle tension and distributing oxygen throughout the body, excess breathing can alleviate the severity of the pain.

The fast breathing, in itself, doesn’t imply something painful is bothering your dog. Look for additional symptoms like loss of appetite, lack of sleep, or flattened ears to be sure.

5. Anemia

Though anemia is considered a genetic condition, it’s not the only cause - the blood disorder can also be caused as a result of poisoning or excessive bleeding. As the illness hijacks a dog’s ability to produce enough hemoglobin, it triggers a weakened immune system and disturbs the physical balance.

Overall, the process puts more work on the heart and lungs to circulate enough oxygenated blood. Hence, fast breathing in an anemic dog is a sign that its body is overworked.

6. Congestive Heart Failure

Congestive heart failure in dogs is fatal and uncurable; but, with early diagnosis and treatment, you can significantly increase the chances of your pet’s survival. Characterized by a dog’s inability to pump blood effectively, CHF ultimately builds up fluid in the lungs.

Dogs, to compensate for the lack of oxygen, breathe rapidly. However, this can further complicate the issue, causing difficulty in breathing and discomfort.

7. Nausea

Clear signs of nausea are generally indicators of stomach upset; gasping often occurs immediately as the autonomic nervous system's response to discomfort. A nauseous dog initiates a stress response, triggering an increase in heart rate and respiratory rate.

As the dog attempts to cope with the feeling and reduce discomfort, the sensation of canine nausea itself can induce shallow and rapid breathing.

8. Smoke Inhalation

From carbon dioxide poisoning to heat injuries, the dangers of accidental smoke inhalation is wide and varied. Dogs exposed to a recent housefire or even a forest fire can get seriously affected, especially if they are in the vicinity of the fire.

The threat of smoke inhalation in dogs should not be taken lightly. Dogs exposed to these fumes need immediate medical care; the vet may recommend advanced imaging procedures like an ultrasound or X-ray to determine the severity of internal injuries.

9. Lung Disease

Lung disease is used as a key term for a wide range of conditions, including bronchitis, tumors, cancers, and so on. When the lungs malfunction, shortness of breath is one of the first visible symptoms.

If your dog runs out of air after small walks or can’t finish a standard training routine, check for the known symptoms of common lung diseases.

10. Asthma

Asthma, though not very common, can still be a possible factor for over-panting in dogs. Small dog breeds are often more at risk of this condition, due to their relatively smaller air passages.

An asthma attack gets triggered when the dog gets exposed to allergens. And, like asthma in humans, the vet may prescribe an asthma inhaler in some cases.

11. Kennel Cough

Also called infectious tracheobronchitis, the kennel cough develops as a dry cough and can be highly contagious. Lethargy and running nose soon follow with a visible increase in breath.

While kennel cough is generally mild, severe cases can progress to pneumonia and also worsening breathing difficulties. Don’t let the sick dog near other pets before the symptoms have subdued.

12. Trachea (Windpipe) Issues

Tracheal issues in dogs are caused due to structural or inflammatory conditions affecting the windpipe (trachea). Shortness occurs in conditions like tracheal collapse, where the tracheal walls weaken and restrict airflow.

When the trachea's ability to conduct air effectively is compromised, the dog is prompted to breathe faster to compensate for reduced airflow.

13. Rhinitis

A treatable condition, rhinitis can irritate a dog’s nose and even block its mucus membranes. As a result, the dog may resort to mouth breathing while also showing additional symptoms like nasal discharge, sneezing, and discomfort associated with rhinitis.

The use of antibiotics is generally recommended to recover from this condition.

14. Collapsing Trachea

Hernia in dogs is not limited to a single region; it can affect the abdominal wall or even the diaphragm. In simple words, hernia is a condition where an organ or tissue expands through an abnormal opening.

While hernias themselves don’t directly cause fast breathing, complications like organ displacement or constriction of organs can lead to acute or chronic shortness of breath.

15. Laryngeal Paralysis

Although incurable, laryngeal paralysis can be managed with surgery. The disease, which affects nearly 25% of all dogs, is genetic in nature and may take years to develop visual symptoms.

A surgical seam is usually attached to the opening of the larynx to widen the air passages. Although not a risky surgery, it can burn a hole in your pocket, costing around $3000-$4000.

16. Age

Aging in dogs comes with various bodily changes, a weakened lung capacity is normal. This diminished respiratory function then gets compensated through rapid breathings, appearing to be running out of air.

Give plenty of rest during walks and other physical exercises; create a soothing environment fit for an aging dog. Also, consider reducing play time if your dog is finding it hard to catch up.

17. Obesity

Despite knowing the harmful effects of obesity and other eating disorders, some parents can’t deny their pet’s request for a sweet treat. These occasional rewards, especially human foods for dogs, seem harmless but these high-calorie foods are not safe for excessive consumption.

Along with increased pressure on the joints and heart due to increased weight, obesity is also responsible for a series of serious health conditions, including diabetes and heart diseases. It can also significantly limit the dog’s movement and lead to bloating.

18. Fever

You might have seen your dog breathing like it just finished a marathon, and immediately feel a burning sensation when you try to pet it. Dogs, with an average body temperature of 101°-102.5°F, are naturally hotter than humans. When the temperature gets above 103°F, check for signs of fever.

Although the fever needs to be taken care of immediately, also look for the cause of the fever. If possible, seek a vet to discuss potential treatments.

What Can You Do To Monitor Your Dog’s Breathing?

Breathing issues need to be monitored for any abnormalities early on. These steps should be taken to detect these issues in the initial stages:

Observe Resting Breathing

Conduct a simple breathing test by counting your dog’s breath. 30-35 times per minute is the average, meaning the dog is breathing normally; however, a higher count may require additional testing.

Check for Changes

After finishing the first step, pay attention to any minor changes in your dog’s breathing pattern. The shortness of breath, combined with shallow breathing, noisy breathing, or labored breathing, could indicate an underlying issue.

Note Activity Level

Monitor breathing during activities like exercise or play. Dogs may naturally breathe faster during exertion, but excessive panting or prolonged recovery time afterward can signal a problem.

Look for Physical Signs

A persistent breathing issue can take a toll on a dog’s physique, making it appear unhealthy. Flared nostrils and exaggerated chest movements, indicators of respiratory distress, should be dealt with accordingly.

Listen for Sounds

Be wary of any strange noise coming out of your dog’s body; especially unusual sounds like wheezing, coughing, or noisy breathing.