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Excessive Panting


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Hi all. I was just wondering if anyone could shed some light on this...

Last night, my girl (Brittany cross, 8 months+ at the moment) was panting excessively. She does not usually pant (only lots of running will make her pant, and even then it lasts for only a few minutes) but she had her mouth open throughout the night yesterday. Not hard breathing, just a slight pant if that makes sense? That was coupled with hyperactivity (zoomies around the apartment, digging at the couch etc). Even after a rest, she would still be panting, so I doubt she was panting because of the hyperactivity. She seemed bothered and would hardly settle down which is unlike her at night. She's usually sleepy at night and would much prefer to doze off on the couch than do anything else. When we put her to bed in her crate, she whined and fussed. She's usually quiet and is happy to go to bed. It took her a long time before she stopped whining and fell asleep.

This episode has happened once before, a few months ago. I put dismissed it as an isolated incident, and kept a keen eye on her all night (and the next day), but she seemed to be her normal self the next morning. But when it happened again last night, I can't help thinking there might be something underlying this behaviour. She's normal again this morning. Nothing was distressing her on either occassions, and it was a cold night so I can't attribute the panting to the heat. She had water and was drinking so dehydration's ruled out. What else could it be? She's up to date on worming and vaccinations. Suggestions would be much appreciated. I was going to take her to the vet this morning, but she's been alert and happy - seems like last night never happened!

Edited to add that she appeared restless (even though she had a couple of walks yesterday).

Edited by DistinctivelyTish
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Duncan+Dougal, my boyfriend mentioned it could be a heart problem, but the vet hasn't picked anything up prior to this. Always been given the clean bill of health. I think maybe a visit to the vet might help. Would I have to bring her in during the episode (to catch any irregularities)? Or would trouble show up easily?

Poodlewrangler, yes, she was desexed at around 6 months. I think she had her first episode before being desexed.

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Duncan+Dougal, my boyfriend mentioned it could be a heart problem, but the vet hasn't picked anything up prior to this. Always been given the clean bill of health. I think maybe a visit to the vet might help. Would I have to bring her in during the episode (to catch any irregularities)? Or would trouble show up easily?

Poodlewrangler, yes, she was desexed at around 6 months. I think she had her first episode before being desexed.

No, you wouldn't necessarily have to have her at the vet while she was panting away - I would have her checked out regardless.

It's useful to keep a diary when things like this happen irregularly as it will help your vet get a better picture of what is going on.

Do look at all other options though, such as when had she last eaten and what had she eaten? Did she get into any human meds at all? Do you have any rat bait or cockroach bait in your kitchen or anywhere?

Had you walked her anywhere specifically before the episode (ie had she picked something up earlier before she became unsettled and panting? Something that may have taken an hour or two to have an effect......)

Hope you find out what's going on anyway.

:o

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Thanks for all the helpful replies!

I'm certain it's not the heat because the first time it happened was in winter and I remember last night being particularly cold. I took note of that because the first thought that came to mind was heat = panting. So heat is definitely out. I'm in Melbourne by the way :o Not sure what the humidity was like though. No rat bait etc lying around the apartment. She eats the same thing every night (Optimum puppy kibble). Doubt she would've eaten anything out of sorts as it is a fairly small apartment and she shadows me everywhere so I would've noticed if she ate something other than dinner. But you're right, she might've picked something up at the park in the afternoon, herbicide on the grass or something? Nonetheless, I'll probably schedule her in for a vet's visit just to rule out health issues.

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