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Why is my senior dog panting, bloated, and experiencing heartburn?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Golden Retriever | Female | spayed

My 14 yr old dog lady has been experiencing a little bit of a bloated looking belly and she pants alot even at night she will wake up and pant. She also acts like she has heartburn sometimes or maybe GERD? Im very concerned i just took her vitals and if i did it right i got 44 for the heart rate and 60 for the respiratory rate.

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on February 8th, 2018

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Lady! I love your pictures! There are many possible reasons for Lady's symptoms. The heart rate is fine, it is normal to have a low resting heart rate at home. The fact it isn't high is reassuring that she isn't in pain or distress. The panting can be from: canine cognitive dysfunction or dementia, Cushing's disease, feels over heated and a lot of older large breed dogs just overall pant more. Causes for the bloated belly are: overweight (fat in belly), enlarged liver from Cushing's, low thyroid, tumor in her belly. I think a Vet exam, blood work and belly X-rays are a good idea to see if there is a medical reason for the symptoms you are seeing. I hope this helps and I wish Lady the very best!

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