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After intense exercise or during hot weather, it’s normal for dogs to pant. This behavior involves sticking out their tongues with rapid, shallow breathing and isn’t cause for concern.
However, if a dog’s panting appears abnormal, uncomfortable, or painful, or if the wheezing sounds louder/harsher than usual, it could indicate health issues like Cushing’s disease (excessive cortisol secretion from adrenal glands) or other medical conditions.
This article explores the various underlying causes behind dog wheezing.
Table of Contents
Why Do Dogs Wheeze Heavily?
There are many reasons behind dog wheezing, and it’s important to observe their body language and overall condition. Below are some of the most common causes:
- Temperature Regulation
Unlike humans, dogs lack efficient sweat glands. Instead, they sweat minimally through their ears and paw pads. Dog wheezing helps them exchange hot air from their lungs with cooler external air, speeding up moisture evaporation from their tongue, mouth, and upper respiratory tract. As this moisture evaporates, their body temperature drops, effectively cooling them down. - Anxiety or Fear
Wheezing is one of the primary behaviors dogs display when anxious. Common triggers include loud noises, thunderstorms, or fireworks.
Dogs experiencing anxiety or fear-related wheezing may also show symptoms like trembling, repeated yawning, whining, pacing, drooling, hiding, lip-licking, crouching, tail-tucking, refusing food, clinginess, loss of bowel control, or—in extreme cases—bladder incontinence.
- Anemia
Anemia can occur in both humans and dogs. It’s diagnosed when there’s a drop in red blood cell (RBC) count, which are responsible for delivering oxygen throughout the body. Oxygen deprivation caused by anemia may lead to increased dog wheezing. Other signs include pale pink or white gums and lethargy. - Brachycephalic Syndrome
Brachycephalic breeds (e.g., French Bulldogs, Pugs) often wheeze due to their shortened nasal passages, which restrict normal breathing. This is especially noticeable after exercise or while eating. The condition, called Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS), stems from narrowed upper airways.
These dogs struggle with persistent breathing difficulties and are less efficient at cooling themselves through panting, raising their risk of heatstroke.
- Respiratory Diseases
Dog wheezing can also result from respiratory illnesses like pneumonia, lung tumors, or laryngeal paralysis. Any respiratory issue may cause labored breathing, with wheezing or difficulty breathing as a key symptom.
In laryngeal paralysis, one or both cartilage flaps in the trachea fail to open properly, making breathing strenuous. This condition is common in middle-aged to senior dogs due to gradual degeneration of the larynx.
- Obesity
Obesity is a growing concern and can lead to diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and arthritis. Excess weight makes it harder for dogs to pump oxygen-rich blood to vital organs, often causing heavy dog wheezing.
How to Tell If Your Dog Wheezing Is Abnormal
To determine whether your dog’s wheezing is abnormal, watch for these signs:
- Rapid breathing rate far exceeding normal levels.
- Heavy panting when the dog hasn’t exercised and the weather isn’t hot.
- Louder or harsher wheezing sounds than usual.
- Increased effort during panting compared to normal.
Excessive dog wheezing combined with restlessness, trembling, or distress could signal overheating, anxiety, or a serious health condition.
FAQs
① When Should I Worry About Dog Wheezing?
You should be concerned if your dog:
- Panting lasts over 15 minutes while resting.
- Shows labored breathing(e.g., struggling to inhale/exhale).
- Is too exhausted to walk before lying down.
- Has gums that appear darker, paler, or bluish, indicating insufficient oxygen.
② What If My Dog Breathes Rapidly While Resting?
Heavy or rapid breathing in a resting dog could signal a potentially life-threatening issue. Immediate veterinary evaluation and treatment are critical.
③ What’s a Normal Panting Rate for Dogs?
According to experts, a healthy resting dog’s breathing or panting rate ranges from 15 to 30 breaths per minute (bpm).
Conclusion
While dog wheezing after exercise or in hot weather is normal, rapid panting in calm states may indicate health issues like heart disease or pain. Whether the panting seems normal or abnormal, always consult a veterinarian for diagnosis and a treatment plan.