My dog is wheezing, panting, and struggling to breathe. Is it serious?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Australian Kelpie | Male | 12 years old | 35 lbs
My dog is wheezy and panting and like he’s short of breath
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on February 8th, 2020
This may be due to allergies, infection, laryngeal paralysis or hyperthermia just to name a few causes. In an older dog, heart disease cannot be ruled out. Respiratory distress should be addressed as soon as possible by your veterinarian or at the nearest veterinary ER. If it is hot outside or inside, remove Burt to a cooler area. Use a fan and cool cloths to gradually cool him off.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on July 21st, 2020
Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It sounds that they should be seen by your local vets. Please, get in touch with them and they should be able to offer you an appointment as excessive panting and trouble breathing is considered as emergency. The symptoms can be related to overheating, fever, airways infection, pain, anaemia, intoxication and more. Your dogs really need full clinical examination to establish how serious the problem is.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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