Is This Normal? Finder · Breathing and coughing

My puppy is panting a lot. Should I worry?

By Dr. Steve Pelton, DVM

The short answer

Panting after play or on a warm day is how puppies cool off. Panting while he's resting, or breathing that looks like work, is a call. If he might be overheated, start cooling him with cool water and moving air right away, before you get in the car, and keep cooling on the drive in.

Why it happens

Dogs barely sweat, so panting is their main way to cool down. When the air is hot and humid, panting stops working well, and that's when heatstroke sneaks up.

Which door?

WATCHAfter play or in the heat.
CALL TODAYHe pants at rest or it looks like work.
GO NOWHe might be overheated: start cooling and go.

When to call

Tick what fits and see which door you're at.

CALL TODAYPanting at rest, or breathing that looks like work
GO NOWHard panting that won't settle, thick drool, very red or pale gums, wobbliness, vomiting or collapse

Your door: WATCHWATCH

Nothing ticked and he's bright, playful, eating and drinking? Keep an eye on him, jot down what you see, and call in the daytime if it doesn't settle.

What helps

Never leave a puppy in a parked car, even for a minute
Skip ice. Cool or cold water and a fan or the AC are the move

Under 16 weeks, a toy breed, or not done with his shots? Move everything one door closer to GO NOW.

GO NOW means: Head to your vet, if they're open and can see him right away, or to the nearest emergency clinic. Call on the way so they're ready for you.

Not sure which door you're at? That's a call. Call your vet.

Worried right now? Check the Three Doors list, from most urgent down, and stop at the first door that fits.

Is this an emergency?

General education, not veterinary advice. Your vet's plan for your puppy comes first.