Why is your dog panting at night?

Have you noticed your dog panting at night, even when they aren't playing or exercising? In this blog, TOPO PET shares some of the potential causes of your dog's excessive panting and when panting warrants a trip to the vet.

Panting in Dogs at Night

In order to recognize abnormal breathing and painting in your dog, you need to know your dog's healthy respiratory (breathing) rate. On average a healthy dog will take between 15 to 35 breaths per minute when they are resting. (By nature your dog will breathe more heavily and pant when exercising). Therefore, anything more than 40 breaths a minute when your dog is at rest is considered to be unnormal and should be investigated.

Although, it's essential to know that panting doesn't always point to an issue and that it's your furry friend's way of cooling themselves down, regulating their body temperature, and letting heat and water evaporate from their mouth tongue, and upper respiratory tract.

Dogs aren't able to sweat to cool themselves off, instead, they have to breathe faster in order to let air circulate in their bodies. Panting helps your pooch get their body temperature back to normal.

Signs of Excessive Panting in Dogs

To tell if your dog is panting heavily, count your dog’s breaths for a minute while they are resting or sleeping. (You might also want to do this when you aren't worried, to determine your dog's normal respiratory rate). Anything under 30 breaths per minute is considered normal, anything above 35 may be a cause for concern and is worth contacting your vet over. Your vet will have a good understanding of your dog's normal respiratory rate from previous examinations.

Causes of Heavy Panting in Dogs

Brachycephalic dog breeds, (breeds with 'squished faces' or shortened snouts), such as Boston terriers, boxers, and pugs face a higher risk of developing breathing issues and should always be closely monitored by pet owners for signs of increased respiratory effort.

Are you worried about your dog's panting at night? Vist TOPO PET get detail information immediately for urgent care.