My dog on grain-free food, panting, blue tongue. Is it heart disease?

Question

My dog eats grain free food exclusively. Right now he is panting and his tongue is blue. Could this be his heart? Should I switch him back to a diet with grain as I heard that diets without grain can cause heart disease. Which diet would be good? Pet's info: Dog | Rottweiler | Male | neutered | 10 years and 2 months old | 160 lbs

Laura Johnson VMD · Accepted Answer

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Zippy! If Zippy is having trouble breathing and is blue that is an emergency and switching diets will not fix that. Not all grain-free diets are taurine deficient which causes dilated cardiomyopahty and heart failure. Dog that do not have a proven grain allergy do not need grain free diets and due to the issues with these diets we are not recommending them until this issue is figured out. Any diet made by Hill's Science Diet, Royal Canine, Purina Proplan, Iams/Eukanuba are fine to change to. Yes, the heart can make a dog have trouble breathing and turn blue. Also anemia (low red blood cells), pneumonia, cancer, fluid around the lungs, upper airway obstruction can also be a possible cause. If Zippy is blue and in respiratory distress this is a life threatening emergency. A blue tongue indicates severe depletion in oxygen. He needs to be seen at an emergency hospital now. I wish you both the best!

My dog on grain-free food, panting, blue tongue. Is it heart disease?

Most Helpful Answer

Related Questions

Why is my mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and has pus?

What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?

What's the best way to feed my hamster when I'm going on a trip?

Can chickens eat bell peppers daily and what about veggie salads?

Is Purina Layer Pellets good for chickens? What other feeds exist?

My newly adopted pet won't eat hay. What can I do to encourage it?

Share