My Lab is panting heavily

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Albatroshumain6752 Icon representing the flag French
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Hi everyone,

I have a Labrador called Lili; she's 11 years old... and overweight.

During the heatwaves we had this summer, she was panting a lot and I wasn't worried, putting it down to the heat. However, it's started up again over the last week and I'd really like to know why so I can help her feel more comfortable.

_ An out-of-hours vet came out and her heart stats are fine.

_ It's unlikely to be due to pain as she's actually on anti-inflammatories and painkillers, so I imagine her arthritis isn't causing her too much suffering.

Have any of you ever dealt with a problem like this??

Translated from French
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    Snaraellora17 Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi there

    The last time I had a dog panting for no reason, it turned out to be a gut issue.

    The cause was never actually found.

    As always, keep your pet under observation and note down everything about their day. This will be really useful for the vet.

    I usually check:

    • feeling the abdomen (palpation)

    • eye reflexes: checking if they follow a light

    • the heart with a stethoscope

    • temperature: not over 39°C

    • gums: should not be red or blue

    That’s as much as I can do on my own. If their vitals get worse over 48 hours, or if there is vomiting and a fever: that’s bad ❌ head straight to the emergency vet.

    Don't let it linger. Take their age and health into account. My oldest dog is 5, so I’m not sure how you’d handle things with a senior dog.

    Best of luck

    Translated from French
    ProvetoJuniorConseil
    Provetojuniorconseil Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi, I'm a vet student. Panting that has returned even though it's not particularly hot warrants a quick check-up for an 11-year-old dog, especially if it occurs at rest or during the night.
    Even if the initial heart exam was reassuring, it doesn't rule out all cardiac, respiratory, hormonal, or blood conditions. Being overweight can worsen panting, but it shouldn't be considered the only explanation.
    Pain relief doesn't completely rule out pain either, and certain medications can encourage panting: give your vet the exact list of her treatments.
    Film an episode and measure her breathing rate when she's sound asleep; this information will be useful for further investigations.
    If she's struggling to breathe, has pale or bluish gums, can no longer lie down, collapses, or seems very weak, contact an emergency vet immediately.

    Kind regards,

    Romane

    Translated from French

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