DOGS
Panting is often a normal behaviour in dogs. Just like humans, there are normal situation where dogs will breathe faster: exercise, stress, or excitement. However fast and shallow breathing can also be sign of disease involving the heart or the respiratory system.
A full breathing cycle includes inspiration and expiration. The respiratory rate is the number of cycles per minute. A normal breathing rate is between 15 to 30 per minute. Lower rates are normal if your pet is otherwise well and healthy. Resting breathing rates that are consistently greater than 30 breaths per minute are considered abnormally increased.
It is possible to count the resting breathing rate while your dog is sleeping or when resting quietly. One breath is counted when the chest has moved in and out once. Other abnormal signs that could be associated with fast breathing include coughing, nasal discharge, loud respiration noises, laboured breathing (increased difficulty to breathe) or a depressed attitude.
Moderate Panting is also normal during a hot weather, but dogs are sensitive to heat and can develop heat stroke easily. It is a common issue in Hong Kong and overweight or brachycephalic (short face/nose) breeds are particularly prone to heat stroke. It is recommended to avoid exercise in a hot/sunny environment and to offer water regularly during long walks.
CATS
While panting with an opened mouth in dog is common and often normal, it is rare in cats and often a sign of distress. There are still situations where opened-mouthed breathing will be innocuous, usually in response to a change in environment: anxiety, fear, excitement, hot weather. Cats getting nervous during a car ride or kittens playing energetically may breathe with an opened mouth and at a faster rate for example. These episodes should be of short duration.
If the panting is excessive (too pronounced), continuous or with no obvious cause, it is the sign of an an underlying problem which is usually serious and potentially fatal, as it often involves the heart or the respiratory system. It may also be also be associated with non specific signs such as lethargy or loss of appetite.
If your pet is breathing abnormally fast, it is recommended to consult your veterinarian who may perform a physical exam and advise suitable treatment or additional diagnostic examinations. If you have any concerns about your pets - feel free to give us a call to book in an appointment for a check up.
