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My 9-year-old pug pants and struggles to breathe on walks, what to do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Pug | Female | unspayed | 18 lbs

What could I do to improve my pugs breathing and exercise ? Tried dieting her but she is panting a lot. Every time I go Walking with her, after a while, she starts to pant a lot My pug is 9 years old,

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 29th, 2017

Unfortunately brachycephalic dogs like pugs (flat nosed dogs) often have breathing problems due to the shape of their head. This can also cause congestive heart failure which aggravates the condition. I suggest you take Neffer to your vet to rule out a heart problem. Your vet will be able to assess why your pug has problems breathing and problems with exercise and will discuss improving air intake by surgical means (e.g. opening the nostrils further, or reducing the size of the soft palate). Panting may also be a sign of Cushing;s disease, which should also be ruled out. This can be done with a blood test.

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    Answered By Claudia Fioravanti

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    I think the panting is more likely secondary to the brachicefalic conformation of her head. The nose is short and squashed and makes it quite hard for them to breathe. In a similar way the opening of the upper resp tract, is also quite tight and can make it difficult to breathe properly, making them prone to overheating for example. It is very important that you try to keep her the correct weight, as being overweight will make the above conditions worse. Chose the coolest part of the day to walk, and start with very short walk trying to increase the time if comfortable . In general though 10minutes 4-5 times a day , is better than longer but less frequent walks.

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