What Causes Heavy Breathing in Dogs?

Dogs that pant or breathe heavily are most often trying to cool themselves down when exposed to high temperatures or vigorous exercise. However, prolonged or excessive heavy breathing may be a sign of a more serious condition that could put your dog's life at risk.

  1. Heat Stroke

    • The Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook explains that dogs who are exposed to hot temperatures breathe quickly and heavily to exchange warm air for cooler air. However, when the air temperature is similar to the the dog's body temperature, dogs cannot cool themselves by breathing quickly. They overheat and experience heat stroke. In addition to heavy breathing, other symptoms include fast, noisy breathing, red tongue and mucus membranes, thick saliva and recurrent vomiting.

    Heart Failure

    • Washington State University's College of Veterinary Medicine states that canine heart failure is often caused by a heart condition known as dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Characterized by an enlarged heart, leaky valves and congestive heart failure, dogs who experience heart failure from the disorder demonstrate increased difficulty and effort when trying to breathe. Often, fluid builds up inside the dog's lungs and abdomen, making breathing difficult for the canine and resulting in sudden death in extreme cases.

    Heartworm

    • Petplace.com suggests that heavy breathing may be a sign of canine heartworm disease (CHWD). CHWD occurs when thin, yarn-like worms find residence in the dog's pulmonary arteries. These worms apply increased pressure to the dog's heart. The heart must pump faster and stronger to supply the dog's body with blood and oxygen, resulting in heavy breathing.