Skip to main content

When to be concerned about an old dog breathing heavy and what to do about it

These 9 causes might explain your older dog's shortness of breath

A woman hugs and kisses her senior dog
Ground Picture/Shutterstock

No matter how much we love them, how well we take care of them, or even how carefully we mind them, all dogs reach old age, eventually. You’ll start to notice a few signs of slowing down once they reach senior age (which varies by size and breed). Health conditions like dental problems, arthritis, and hip dysplasia also become more common. While a senior dog’s gray muzzle is adorable, an old dog breathing heavy can be downright terrifying — especially if this symptom comes on suddenly.

Certain breeds — primarily flat-faced dogs like French bulldogs, English bulldogs, and pugs — commonly suffer from breathing problems, but respiratory issues can occur in any breed. We’ll walk you through the reasons your dog could be breathing heavily, what you should do about it, and when you need to contact your vet. 

An old black dog with a graying muzzle lying on a porch
medienluemmel/PIxabay

What does it mean when an old dog breathes heavy?

Most dogs pant from time to time, and it becomes more common as they age. Sometimes this means that they run out of breath more quickly, just as you might not be as spry as you once were. However, breathing issues often indicate a deeper problem, especially with the heart, lungs, and other vital organs. You won’t necessarily be able to tell right away what caused the increase in panting, which is why you should involve your care team as soon as you notice any breathing issues.
An old black Labrador retriever with a gray muzzle lies panting in the grass
Amelia Martin/Shutterstock

What causes heavy breathing in older dogs?

For the most part, this is nothing to worry about, especially if your pup has just been out for a walk. Dogs can’t sweat the way we can, and panting allows your dog to cool off by evaporating heat and moisture through their respiratory tract. But when there’s no apparent cause for heavy breathing, it’s only natural to be concerned. Here are some of the reasons your old dog may be breathing heavily. 

1. Asthma

Common symptoms of asthma in dogs include heavy breathing, rapid panting, coughing, lethargy, loss of appetite, and blue-tinted gums. If your dog suddenly begins exhibiting the aforementioned symptoms, take them to the vet immediately. 

2. Anxiety

In addition to panting, dogs suffering from anxiety may exhibit destructive behaviors, urinate or defecate indoors, and show additional signs of distress. While it’s upsetting to see your fur baby feeling so anxious, anxiety isn’t a medical emergency, though we still recommend that you contact your vet. 

3. Heart failure

As dogs age, they become more susceptible to age-related diseases. One of the most common is congestive heart failure, often abbreviated as CHF. If your dog has a swollen belly, seems fatigued, experiences a loss of appetite, seems unsettled at bedtime, or becomes exercise intolerant, they may be suffering from heart failure.  

4. Medication

Some medications prescribed for health conditions may cause rapid or heavy breathing. One of the worst culprits is prednisone, a steroid frequently prescribed to combat arthritis-related inflammation. Speak to your vet about any potential side effects your dog may experience while taking prescription medications. 

5. Metabolic acidosis

Caused by an excess of acidity in the bloodstream, metabolic acidosis can lead to heart problems and mineral loss in your dog’s bones. Heavy breathing, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are common symptoms. If left untreated, metabolic acidosis is life-threatening, so take your pup to the vet immediately if they exhibit these symptoms.

6. Obesity

Excess weight puts unnecessary strain on your dog’s heart and respiratory system. Feed your furry friend a nutrient-rich diet, make sure they get plenty of exercise, and be sure to talk to your vet if they have trouble losing weight. 

7. Pain

Arthritis is common in older dogs, and its pain can cause labored breathing. If your pup has already been diagnosed with arthritis, giving them a baby aspirin can help relieve the discomfort and calm their breathing. 

8. Respiratory problems

Respiratory conditions can run the gamut from the common cold and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (also known as COPD). Monitor your dog’s breathing for an hour or two, and if they’re still breathing heavily, it’s time to see the vet.  

9. Thyroid problems

Skin conditions, heavy breathing, weight gain, and excess shedding are all symptoms of a condition often found in older dogs — hypothyroidism. Only a vet can properly diagnose your pooch with a thyroid problem and prescribe the necessary medications to control it. 

An old brown dog lying on a comfortable bed
Cavan-Images/Shutterstock

How to tell if your dog is breathing heavily

If your pooch is breathing heavily, it doesn’t automatically mean the problem is in the lungs. Just as with humans, a dog’s respiratory system consists of the lungs, the trachea (commonly known as the windpipe), the throat, the nose, and the mouth. Anything from a blocked nose caused by seasonal allergies to something more serious, like heart disease, can cause labored breathing (also known as dyspnea) or fast breathing (also known as tachypnea).

The average dog breathes at a rate of around 15 to 30 breaths per minute, with slightly lower rates still considered within the normal range. When your dog is calm, set an alarm for 1 minute and count out their breaths. If your pup is taking more than 30 breaths per minute while resting, it’s a sign of tachypnea. It’s no real cause for concern if you’ve just come back from romping in the yard with your pup, but a prolonged average resting breath rate above 30 should be addressed by your veterinarian as quickly as possible. 

An old boxer lying on a brown sofa.

Final thoughts on heavy breathing in dogs

Dogs are beloved members of the family, and we want what’s best for them. While your older pup’s heavy breathing may be due to weight or a sudden heatwave, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. You should take your dog to the vet right away if they appear to be in distress. We recommend a checkup even if heavy breathing is the only symptom they exhibit, but there’s no need to stress if that’s the case. 

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Mary Johnson
Contributor
Mary Johnson is a writer and photographer from New Orleans, Louisiana. Her work has been published in PawTracks and…
Does your pet need to visit the dentist? Here’s how a dog teeth cleaning works
It seems scary but they won't feel or remember a thing
Doctor cleaning dog's teeth with toothbrush indoors

In theory, we all go to the dentist every six months to get our teeth cleaned, which helps keep the pearly whites in check and also contributes to overall health. Surprisingly, our pets also benefit from annual (or biennial) dental treatments. While these cleanings do wonders for your dog's teeth, they can make owners nervous and burn a hole in their wallets to boot. Here's why you should schedule regular cleanings for your pup.
How do I know if my dog's teeth need cleaning?
Unless it's a really severe case, you probably can't tell just by looking. Instead, your vet will take a peek in your animal's mouth during their yearly checkup. Your pet's doctor may give your furry friend a dental grade between 0 and 4, with 0 being reserved for puppies that have perfect teeth and 4 meaning Fido will likely require more advanced care, including extractions. Once you have the assessment, you can better determine if your pup needs a cleaning, but it's frequently recommended.
What happens during a dental cleaning
Some of that depends on the grade and your specific beast, but the gist of it stays the same. The main thing is not to worry too much because your little guy will be well cared for, and even though there's always some risk to anesthesia, this is a routine procedure.
Getting your pup ready
Before you even begin, you should get pre-op blood work done to make sure they can handle being under anesthesia. Have your vet discuss any outside-of-range findings and figure out the best way forward. Some older dogs develop kidney and liver problems, and your dog doc might decide that a cleaning isn't worth the risk.
Prepping for the cleaning
Your little guy will likely fast leading up to treatment (just as you would if you were going in for surgery). When you arrive, your vet will go over the schedule and almost certainly give them a once-over to confirm they're ready. Then they will get a sedative in preparation to go under. Figure out what time you need to pick them up and then try to distract yourself for a few hours.
During the procedure
Most vets will take X-rays, clean the teeth, and perform extractions as necessary. Don't worry — your pet will be fully asleep and will not remember or feel a thing. If they do need any teeth pulled, they might get additional shots during the visit (again, just as you would get Novocaine while getting your mouth done). Your vet may also take this opportunity to clip their nails (since they are asleep), if necessary.
Aftercare
If your dog had to have any work above a cleaning, you'll have a couple of meds to administer, such as pain medication and antibiotics. Follow the dosage carefully, especially if you're dealing with strong meds like codeine. In some circumstances, they may have to wear the cone of shame to prevent scratching at their mouth.
How else can you help your dog's oral hygiene?
There's a lot you can do as the pet parent in between cleanings. Consider brushing their teeth, giving doggie dental chews, putting an additive in their water, or putting them on prescription food if the issues are really severe.

The most important thing is to stay on top of your furry friend's oral health, just like you would with any other issues. That often means not feeding them human food, which can cause decay, and providing dry dog food or even dog bones to chew. As long as you stick with the routine, hopefully, you won't need too much extra detail care.

Read more
What to feed dogs with diarrhea: These dietary staples might already be in your kitchen
Diarrhea in dogs can be remedied with these simple ingredients
A large dog squats to poop in a field of tall golden grass

Just like with children, adopting a dog comes with its fair share of messes. Whether you have torn-up squeaky toys strewn about your house or a muddy dog streaking through the yard, these are the things pet owners have to learn to take in stride. Besides, a little mess can be fun sometimes!
Dog diarrhea, though, is the opposite of a fun mess. No one enjoys trying to clean up something so runny and stinky, and it's even more miserable being on the other end. Luckily, there are a few simple home remedies for diarrhea in dogs that you can whip up from the comfort of your own kitchen. Odds are, you already have some of these ingredients!
Here's what to feed dogs with diarrhea.

Pumpkin is packed with helpful nutrients to help a dog's system reset
When your dog has diarrhea, you might not think of feeding them some pumpkin, but this vegetable can be a great source of bowel-regulating soluble fiber. Believe it or not, this fiber also helps dogs with constipation, so pumpkin can be a great choice whenever your pup is under the weather.

Read more
Video: Dog and pigs become best friends (and it’s as adorable as it sounds)
You won't believe how cute it is to watch this dog with a pack of pigs
A pig perches on a dog in the grass with flowers

Animals of different species playing together seems to warm all of our hearts both online and in real life. You're probably used to videos of dogs and cats becoming best friends by now, but if you haven't yet seen this canine who has become besties with a herd of pigs, well, you're in luck. This dog video takes animals being bros to a whole new level, and you won't be disappointed.

It's hard to even see the golden retriever at first glance because he is so covered in the "pig pile" of his friends. Surrounding our star, a group of mixed-breed pigs climb on top, jump around, and snuffle with the pup. He responds by starting to wrestle with them, thrilled that he has found a perfect group of playmates. It ends by showing the huge smile on the doggo's face — no one is happier than the furriest member of this pack.

Read more