Why is My Dog Panting?

If your dog is panting excessively, it may be a sign of a health issue. While it is normal for dogs to pant during periods of hot, humid weather, during energetic play, and excitement, excessive panting or restlessness may be a sign of more serious disease. For this reason, it is important to consult your veterinarian.

Arthritis

If you’re wondering why your dog is panting, the first thing you should do is consult your veterinarian. He or she may perform blood tests or order an ultrasound or radiograph to determine what may be causing the problem. A bleeding tumor, for instance, can reduce the amount of oxygenated blood in your dog’s system. Also, heat exhaustion or heat stroke can be caused by vigorous exercise, particularly in triple-digit weather.

Your veterinarian can diagnose your pet’s condition by taking a detailed history and physical examination. You may also want to look for other symptoms of an illness, such as excessive urination or significant thinning of hair. Panting may also signal other health issues, such as anemia, heart disease, and respiratory diseases.

Anxiety is another common cause of excessive panting. Fortunately, anxiety can be managed with the right medication. A veterinarian will also prescribe calming treats or medications to help your pet relax. Sometimes, a dog just needs a distraction from stressful situations. Playing with a chew toy will help your pet release some of its pent-up energy.

A more serious problem could be Cushing’s disease, a condition that affects the adrenal glands. This condition can cause your dog to pant excessively and seem thirstier, hungrier, and more tired. Your veterinarian will run lab tests and may perform ultrasound tests to help diagnose Cushing’s disease. After a thorough exam, your vet will recommend a course of treatment.

Most dogs pant because they are hot. They cannot sweat, like humans, so panting is their only means of cooling down. Dogs can pan up to 10 times faster than they normally do and breathe 400 times faster than their normal rate. When panting becomes excessive, your dog is likely experiencing heatstroke or overheating.

Cushing’s disease

The underlying cause for Cushing’s disease is an overproduction of cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. The body produces this hormone normally to control body temperature and regulate many functions, but when it’s too much, it can cause extreme symptoms. These symptoms can be slow to develop, or they can appear suddenly. Dogs with this disease have increased thirst and hunger, and often develop abdominal and chest fat deposits.

Dogs with Cushing’s disease also tend to need more frequent potty breaks. In addition, their urine is more concentrated, and they may even have an accident inside the house. The exact cause is unknown, but increased levels of the stress hormone cortisol interfere with the kidney’s ability to absorb water, resulting in more urine being produced.

As a result, veterinarians can prescribe medication to control the cortisol levels in the blood. If medication is not enough, surgery may be recommended. During treatment, dogs should be closely monitored by their veterinarian to ensure they are responding appropriately to treatment. Routine blood tests and physical exams will help monitor the disease’s progress.

Cushing’s disease is a condition where the adrenal gland produces too much of the stress hormone cortisol. Too much cortisol can suppress the immune system of dogs and make them vulnerable to disease. Because of this, early detection is critical. Fortunately, it is relatively easy to detect and treat Cushing’s disease in dogs.

If your dog suddenly starts panting or shows symptoms of Cushing’s disease, you should visit the vet to get a diagnosis. Treatment for the symptoms of Cushing’s disease is effective and can lead to normal life for your pet. If the symptoms continue for several weeks or months, it may be a sign that your dog has Cushing’s disease.

Urinalysis is a highly effective tool to diagnose the condition and rule out other causes. The urine cortisol/creatinine ratio test is important for ruling out other causes of elevated levels of cortisol in the blood. The ACTH stimulation test must be done without stress to ensure accurate results.