614-236-8549 Request Appointment
Online Pharmacy
  • Home
  • Our Staff
  • Testimonials
  • Services
  • Online Pharmacy
  • New Client
  • Contact Us
  • Staff Chat
  • Home
  • Our Staff
  • Testimonials
  • Services
  • Online Pharmacy
  • New Client
  • Contact Us
  • Staff Chat

Why is my dog panting so much?

Why is my dog panting so much?

Why is my dog panting so much?

Why is my dog panting so much?

We’re in typical central Ohio August weather – hot and humid! As you know all too well, it’s not only us humans who are affected by the heat and humidity – our canine companions are feeling the effects, too. Put on a fur coat to see how they feel!

Let’s start with what “normal panting” is like. We sweat as a cooling mechanism when we get hot – a dog’s skin isn’t set up the same way. They cool off by – you guessed it – panting! Panting is rapid, shallow breathing that speeds up the evaporation of water from the tongue, from inside the mouth, and from the upper respiratory tract. That’s why the tongue is out – to help with evaporation! As the water evaporates, it helps to regulate their body temperature. Side note – dogs have sweat glands underneath their paws, but these glands contribute very little in the cooling off process. Dogs will also pant when they’re excited or energetic, but being hot either from the weather, or from exercise, are the most typical causes. If your dog’s been out in the heat, has been playing in the yard, or is meeting someone new – panting is probably a normal reaction.

Homework time – get to know what your dog’s normal respiratory rate is while resting. Watch them while they’re completely relaxed, and count how many times they inhale and exhale for 15 seconds. Multiply that by 4, and you have a good average. Normal is going to be somewhere between 15 and 30 cycles per minute – so your count will most likely be between 4 and 8 cycles for that 15 second period. Once you know your buddy’s regular respiratory rate, it will help you decide if their panting is normal or heavy.

When should you be concerned about heavy panting? Look for other signs that accompany it – do they have glassy eyes, show signs of lethargy, are they acting as if they’re in pain, or is the panting much more rapid, or harsher sounding, than normal? If so, this could be them trying to show you that something’s wrong. A big concern, with the weather we’re having, is heatstroke.

Heavy and excessive panting, if caused by heatstroke, can be accompanied by other symptoms including glassy eyes, weakness, rapid heart rate, drooling, gastrointestinal upset, and a body temperature over 104 F. If you suspect heatstroke, move your dog to a shady spot or inside. Call us, or if we’re closed, call an emergency clinic – heatstroke can be fatal if not treated quickly and correctly.

Steps you can take to help them while calling the vet – you can cool them down with cool (not cold) water – both externally, and to drink. You can give them ice cubes to lick, and put ice packs or cold towels on their chest, neck, and head.

The best way to manage heatstroke is to prevent it from happening. When at home, ensure your pet has plenty of shade and cool water, and monitor their outside play – set a timer when you let them out, to remind you to bring them back in within a certain time period. Never leave them in a parked car – “just a couple of minutes” can turn into “a couple of minutes too long” for their well being.

There can be other medical causes of excessive/heavy panting in dogs – chronic illnesses like heart failure, Cushing’s disease, or respiratory disorders. Pain or trauma, poisoning, anemia, and respiratory illness can also cause heavy panting.

Something to be aware of - brachycephalic dogs, like bulldogs, pugs, and Boston terriers, tend to breath heavier than other dogs because their short snouts and smaller mouths make cooling off more difficult. They will most likely have less of an exercise or heat tolerance than a “normal nosed” dog.

Bottom line – know what is normal for your dog, and what is abnormal. If their breathing seems labored and/or much more rapid than normal, with or without other symptoms, call us!

Thanksgiving Food and Your Pet

Author:Mike GingrasDate:2022-11-15

National Veterinary Technician Week

Author:Mike GingrasDate:2022-10-11

An Ounce Of Prevention

Author:Mike GingrasDate:2022-08-19

Microchips Work!

Author:Mike GingrasDate:2022-07-14

Beat the heat(stroke) Part 2

Author:Mike GingrasDate:2022-06-10

Beat the heat(stroke)

Author:Mike GingrasDate:2022-05-11

Our Front Desk is Awesome!

Author:Mike GingrasDate:2022-04-21

Easter and Your Furry Family

Author:Mike GingrasDate:2022-04-12

Vaccinations Save Lives

Author:Dr. Katie HuterDate:2022-02-18

Why Is My Dog STILL Licking?

Author:Mike GingrasDate:2022-02-09

Why Does My Dog Lick Everything?

Author:Mike GingrasDate:2022-02-01

Holidays Are For Families

Author:Mike GingrasDate:2021-12-17

What are Wellness Exams?

Author:Mike GingrasDate:2021-10-26

Is that Kennel Cough?

Author:Mike GingrasDate:2021-09-23

We Have Great Technicians!

Author:Mike GingrasDate:2021-09-02

Why is My Cat Vomiting and Should I be Concerned?

Author:Date:2021-08-26

Why is my dog panting so much?

Author:Date:2021-08-12

Back to the Office

Author:Date:2021-07-19

Vaccine Talk - Part 3

Author:Date:2021-07-13

Vaccine Talk - Part 2

Author:Mike GingrasDate:2021-07-06

Lets Talk About Vaccines

Author:Mike GingrasDate:2021-06-29

The Volunteer Experience

Author:Date:2021-06-08

Take Me Home

Author:Date:2021-06-01

Five Seasons

Author:Date:2021-05-27

Xylitol - great for you, toxic to your dog!

Author:Date:2021-05-18

Spring is still here!

Author:Date:2021-05-11

Spring is here!

Author:Mike GingrasDate:2021-05-03

Wellness Testing

Author:Date:2021-04-26

Laser Therapy

Author:Dr. Joe BandoDate:2021-02-11

Recovering From Your Loss

Author:Michael GingrasDate:2020-12-31
In the veterinary field, we not only experience and share in the loss of our client’s pets, but also in the loss of our own.

Holiday Happiness and Hazards

Author:Date:2020-12-22
The holidays are here! We hope all of you – and that includes your furry family members – have a happy and safe holiday experience. We want to share some various tips with you that will help keep your pets safe.

National Veterinary Technician Week

Author:Mike GingrasDate:2020-10-13
This week is National Veterinary Technician Week. You may think of our technicians as “that nice person that talks to us before the doctor, and then brings us medications when we leave” – but they do so much more.

Have we seen your cat lately?

Author:Date:2020-09-15
Let’s talk about our feline friends!  They can be attentive and loving, or at times independent and aloof – they definitely have minds of their own, which is part of what makes them so interesting.

Fireworks, Thunderstorms, and Dogs

Author:Dr. Katie HuterDate:2020-06-24
​​​​​​​It’s summertime and for my dog Chloe, her arch-nemesis is here…loud noises from fireworks and thunderstorms! I know many other dog owners are in the same position as I am and I thought I would share some tips to try to help your furry friends.

Thunderstorm Phobia

Author:Dr. Joe BandoDate:2020-05-19
Does your dog’s behavior change during a heavy rainstorm or thunderstorm?  Do they become reclusive, shake, hyperactive, or destructive?  If so, you are probably dealing with Thunderstorm Phobia.

COVID-19 and your pets

Author:Dr. Joe BandoDate:2020-05-04
The COVID-19 virus and pandemic is constantly changing.  We are learning new information and new questions are coming to light constantly.  

COVID-19 Update

Author:Dr. Joe BandoDate:2020-04-02
I know we are all concerned for our loved ones during this time of the corona virus pandemic. I thought it would be a good idea to take a minute to discuss our furry, four-legged family members.

When a Vet Loses a Pet

Author:Date:2020-03-16
For those that didn’t know, Dr. Bando’s wife is also a veterinarian and is the practice owner at Clintonville Animal Hospital.  Unfortunately, she and Dr. Bando recently lost one of their own pets, Ollie.

Grow Your Love, Not Your Dog!

Author:Dr. Joe BandoDate:2020-02-25
For more information on how to keep your dog at a healthy weight, please call the Berwick Animal Clinic at 614-236-8549 to schedule an appointment today!

February is Pet Dental Health Month

Author:Dr. Luke HaverDate:2020-01-30
Berwick Animal Clinic supports pet dental month. Call us today at 614-236-8449 to schedule a pet dental cleaning or a pet dental exam today.

Canine New Year's Resolution

Author:Date:2020-01-02

Happy Holidays!

Author:Date:2019-12-19

National Pet Diabetes Month

Author:Dr. Luke HaverDate:2019-11-22

Food for Thought - Updated!

Author:Dr. Katie HuterDate:2019-10-23

Fleas fleas go away!

Author:Date:2019-09-09

Why is the Lepto vaccine important?

Author:Dr. Joe BandoDate:2019-07-16

Lets talk about Heartworms

Author:Dr. Joe BandoDate:2019-06-18

Food for Thought

Author:Dr. Katie HuterDate:2019-03-19

Dental Health

Author:Dr. Luke HaverDate:2019-02-12

Puppy Love!

Author:Dr. Joe BandoDate:2018-12-19

Welcome Dr. Haver!

Author:Dr. Joe BandoDate:2018-11-30

Is your furry buddy being bugged?

Author:Date:2018-10-09

Online Pharmacies

Author:Date:2018-05-24

Thank you!

Author:Date:2018-05-10

Lyme Disease in dogs

Author:Date:2018-03-29

Welcome to Staff Chat

Author:Date:2018-01-29

CONTACT INFORMATION

Address: 3272 Refugee Road
Columbus, OH 43232

Phone: 614-236-8549
Email: SEND EMAIL
Connect:

OFFICE HOURS

Monday: 8:00am - 6:00pm
Tuesday: 8:00am - 6:00pm
Wednesday: 8:00am - 6:00pm
Thursday: 8:00am - 6:00pm
Friday: 8:00am - 6:00pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

QUICK CONTACT FORM

Form submitted successfully!
You are missing required fields.
Dynamic Error Description
There was an error processing this form.
Copyright © 2023 Berwick Animal Clinic Articles
Powered by: powered by Roya.com

Send Us A Message

Form submitted successfully!
You are missing required fields.
Dynamic Error Description
There was an error processing this form.

Request Appointment

Complete the form below and We will get back to you to confirm your schedule.
Form submitted successfully!
You are missing required fields.
Dynamic Error Description
There was an error processing this form.

Dental Care

We offer both preventative care services (much like your visits to the dentist), along with dental x-rays and tooth extractions. Good oral hygiene is the best thing that you can do to ensure a longer life, with less health concerns, for your pet. Call us to schedule a dental exam or service.

Close

x

Pharmacy

Our fully stocked pharmacy can fulfill your companion’s medication needs, for both short term medical care and chronic conditions.

Close

x

Hospice & Euthanasia

We can assist with questions and concerns regarding your loved one’s quality of life, in addition to providing respectful, compassionate hospice or euthanasia services. Call us to find out how we can help.

Close

x

Laboratory

Laboratory services are a vital part of the diagnostic process when it comes to veterinarian care. This is because in many cases it is not possible to be able to give a firm diagnosis without undertaking additional tests to confirm the root of the problem. If you have any questions or concerns your vet will be happy to speak to you.

Close

x

Parasite Prevention

We offer a variety of products for year-round parasite prevention – call us to find the best solution for your pet.

Close

x

Radiology

Our digital radiology machine offers state of the art services for your pet. Whether it’s OFA certification, skeletal concerns, or other internal diagnostic requirements, our highly trained team can help.

Close

x

Surgery

It may be very upsetting for owners when your pet has to undergo surgery. There can be a number of reasons that it may be necessary for them to undergo an operation, but any good veterinarian would not insist on surgery without adequate cause.

Close

x

Wellness Exams

Do you have a new dog or cat in the house, or has it been a while since your furry friend has seen a Veterinarian? We’ll be happy to conduct a thorough examination to ensure that they are enjoying good health. Call us to schedule an appointment.

Close

x

Bathing

We offer drop-off bathing services for your dog from Monday through Friday. Call us to schedule a visit!

Close

x

Boarding

If you’re traveling for business or pleasure, and can’t take your pet with you, let us help! Call us to discuss how we can assist in ensuring your dog or cat (or both!) is safe, healthy, and happy while you’re gone.

Close

x

Hospitalization

If your loved ones need specialized care, our team will provide compassionate, professional care while they are hospitalized with us.

Close

x

Microchipping

This is the most effective way to assist in having your companion returned if they go missing. The microchip (about the size of a grain of rice) is placed under the skin between the shoulder blades. When scanned, it provides information that assists in reuniting you with your furry friend!

Close

x

Pain Management

Quality medical care begins with recognizing and controlling pain in your companion – whether through routine procedures/treatments or chronic conditions, our team can provide safe, effective pain management.

Close

x

Puppy & Kitten Care

Congratulations on the newest member of your household - we can’t wait to meet them! Call us today to schedule an initial visit – our team will conduct a thorough physical exam, in addition to discussing nutrition, training, and medical care. We’ll be more than happy to answer any other questions you may have, as well

Close

x

Senior Care

Much like us as we advance to our “senior years”, our furry friends have differing needs than when they were younger. Call us today to schedule a wellness visit, so we can conduct a thorough exam and discuss the best regimen of diet and care for your older companion.

Close

x

Vaccinations

Keeping your companion healthy is our primary concern – allow us to help ensure that they’re receiving the appropriate vaccinations for their life stage. Call us today for an appointment!

Close

x

Laser Therapy

Laser therapy is a holistic, non-invasive treatment that reduces inflammation, decreases pain, and accelerates healing for a variety of conditions. It is useful as a post-surgical treatment, for acute conditions such as sprains, strains, and wounds, and chronic conditions such as degenerative joint disease and osteoarthritis.

Close

x

Login


Forgot Password?

OR

Sign in with Facebook Sign in with Google


Looking to create an account ?
Already have an account? Login

Save Search


Saved Searches

    Modal title

    One fine body…

    Update Profile