Why is My Dog Panting Heavily at Night Like it's Too Hot? How to Handle It

If your dog is constantly panting heavily, it could be due to several reasons including high temperature, anxiety, or respiratory issues.

Dogs don't sweat as efficiently as humans, so when they're overheated, they'll often resort to open-mouth panting to cool down. If you suspect heat is the problem, move your dog to a cool, shaded area and make sure they have access to plenty of fresh water. Anxiety, stress, or being startled can also cause dogs to pant heavily and become restless. Additionally, various respiratory conditions such as pneumonia, bronchitis, or even a common cold can lead to increased panting.

What to Do if Your Dog Suddenly Starts Panting Rapidly for No Apparent Reason

If your dog suddenly starts panting rapidly, the first thing to consider is if they've just finished strenuous exercise, as panting is a normal way for them to cool down. If this is the case, moving them to a cooler place to rest should resolve the issue. Another potential cause could be a congenital tracheal narrowing, which is a structural problem often requiring surgery or tracheal stenting. Pathological panting, stemming from issues in the upper respiratory tract, heart, lungs, or chest cavity, is also a concern. These conditions are usually severe and complex, requiring a veterinary examination, imaging, and viral tests and not suitable for home resolution. Finally, it is vital to check if a foreign object is obstructing their airway, If a dog is choking you should immediately clear their airway. The Heimlich maneuver can be used in an emergency.

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