Heat Or Vigorous Exercise
The most common cause of panting in dogs is if they are hot or have just participated in vigorous exercise. As panting is the only way a dog has to cool down, it is a regular occurrence in the summer. Also, if they have just finished a run or a high-energy play session, they are likely to pant for the same reasons we breathe hard after going to the gym.The larger or fluffier a dog is, the more they may pant. German Shepherds are good examples of this because their thick coat is designed to keep heat in. If the dogs panting slows down once the activity has decreased and it gets cooler, then there is nothing to worry about.
How to Identify Heatstroke in Dogs
The one time you do want to worry about an overheated dog is during cases of heatstroke. Overheating is a medical emergency, whether it is in humans or animals. This sudden, severe cause for panting in dogs can be mitigated by a quick response from the owner, followed by a visit to the vet.Heatstroke can be caused by heightened physical activity in a hot environment, overexposure to sunlight, and/or too little water or shade. Physical symptoms besides heavy breathing can include:
- Glassy eyes
- Vomiting
- Temperature above 104 degrees Fahrenheit
If you suspect your dog is suffering from heatstroke, call your vet right away. Additionally, following the below treatment steps at the first signs can help cool the dog and provide life-saving care:
Treating Heatstroke in Dogs
Prevention Of Breathing Fast While Resting
You may not be able to prevent heart failure in your dog as he ages, but it is important to recognize the early signs of failure so you can make lifestyle adjustments and prevent further complications. Heat stroke, on the other hand, is entirely preventable.
Heat stroke can quickly escalate and be deadly for your dog. To prevent suffering from heat stroke, make sure your dog has adequate water and shade while outside and only exercise him during the cooler parts of the day. Closed in vehicles, even with windows cracked, can become extremely hot. Never leave your dog alone in a closed vehicle.
Dog food is designed specifically for your dog, while your leftovers were made for human consumption. Be extremely careful when feeding your dog table scraps as onions and garlic are toxic to your dog in large amounts. Though most dogs do not like the taste of onion and garlic plants, keep the raw food items out of reach. Over consumption of either can become deadly when consumed.
Signs Of Fast Breathing
If your puppy takes an average of 30 breaths per minute, fast breathing will become very obvious. When dogs pant, regardless of the reason, they can take up to 400 breaths per minute.
You may also notice that your puppy’s mouth is open and their tongue is out. They do this to get their tongue out of their way and open up their airways more.
Also Check: How Much Should A German Shepherd Eat A Day
How To Tell If Your Dog Is Elderly
While greying of the hair and muzzle is a common way to tell if a dog is getting older, this observation couldnt be further from the truth.
Much of the reason a dogs hair starts to grey lies mostly in their genetics, and the German Shepherd is no different.
Your German Shepherd could be as young as three years old, or as old as 15 years old, when their coat begins to grey.
It is not an accurate representation of whether or not your canine is elderly.
However, there are other signs of telling whether or not your German Shepherd, or any dog for that matter, is elderly.
Good ways to tell are noticing that your German Shepherd isnt as spry and energetic as they once were.
Preferring to walk at a mid-pace instead of a run or brisk walk, and lazing around the house instead of playing.
Stiffness and slowness to stand up or lay down is another common sign.
Hazing or clouding of the eyes may also indicate that your dog is becoming elderly.
Why Do German Shepherds Pant So Much
If you are new to German Shepherd ownership, you will likely be unfamiliar with their frequent panting. But is your dog panting more than they should? Is there anything in which you need to be aware of and take into account as an owner of this breed? I started to wonder why the German Shepherd breed was more prone to panting than other dogs. I decided to do some research. Id like to share all that I was able to find here today.
So, why do German Shepherds pant so much? German Shepherds are known to pant a lot because they are large dogs with thick coats. So naturally, they need to pant more than other breeds to cool down and keep a cooler temperature. Extra panting is to be expected in warmer weathers, when their coats are at their longest and following exercise. However, excessive panting could be a sign of a potential health issue so you may need to get your dog examined by a vet if the panting persists.
Seeing your dog pant more than others may lead to questions as to whether or not you need to visit a vet. It is understandable to feel concerned.
Thankfully, however this is one of those things that varies by dog breed. German Shepherds do in fact pant more than most other dog breeds.
There are numerous reasons dogs pant, and most of those reasons are no cause for concern.
Contents
Don’t Miss: How To Potty Train A German Shepherd Dog
What To Do If Your Dogs Breathing Rate Increases
Once you have determined that your German Shepherds breathing rate has risen , youll want to contact your veterinarian right away to discuss the next steps. This is especially the case if your dog shows other signs of hyperventilation, such as:
- Rapid heart rate
- Collapsing or fainting
- Weakness
If this is related to a physical health issue, the vet may recommend making an appointment or emergency visit. If the panting is determined to be due to stress or anxiety, your vet may offer recommendations on how to calm your dog.
What Should I Do In An Emergency
1. Keep calm and try not to panic. Assess the scene for any additional threats to you or your pet. This is important for everyone’s safety.
2. Keep your dog warm , and as still and quiet as possible with minimal movement, especially if there are signs of nervous system injury, broken bones, or any chance of a spinal injury.
3. Contact your veterinarian. Explain what has happened and follow the specific advice given.
4. To safely move or transport an injured dog, get somebody to help you. For a small dog, put him into a carrier , or use a suitable container such as a strong cardboard box. For a larger dog, use a makeshift stretcher made out of some rigid material such as an appropriate sized, sturdy piece of wood. Carefully maneuver the dog onto a blanket or coat so that it can be gently moved to the carrier, box, or stretcher.
5. Transport your dog to your veterinarian as soon as possible.
You May Like: How Much Do You Feed German Shepherd Puppy
Whats The Difference Between A Short
The major difference between the variation in these two types of shepherd is obviously the coat length. A standard German shepherd has a thick, medium-length coat that may appear slightly longer around the neck and rear legs.
Meanwhile, a long-haired German shepherds hair hangs or flows unnaturally from the body and may appear wooly or wavy in texture. There may also be a difference in the undercoat which well discuss later on.
When Is A German Shepherd Officially Elderly
There is no exact age when a dog is considered elderly. It depends a lot on genetics, diet, exercise routine, and overall health.
Dogs who experience many health problems might act older than they are, while other dogs can still act like puppies far into their life.
Generally, these dogs are considered elderly around eight years of age, according to the UC Davis Book of Dogs. However, this can differ quite a bit from dog to dog.
To figure out whether or not your dog is considered elderly, we recommend taking age, appearance, and behavior into account.
You May Like: Rottweiler Vs Pitbull Who Would Win
Your German Shepherd Has Heart Problems
If your German Shepherd has begun panting more than usual, then their is the possibility that they are suffering from a health issue. Usually, if this is the case it is a heart problem.
If your dog has only suddenly started panting heavily and all the time, when theres no reason for them to do so, it is worthwhile taking them to the vet.
Has Your German Shepherds Diet Recently Changed
When you change your German Shepherds diet, it can cause some intense dog diarrhea. This is because it is a heavy change on their system. Before we continue on with this point, its important that you understand what we mean when we say change of diet. A change of diet refers to any of the following
- Changing the type of food, such as going from dry food to wet food
- Changing the quality of dog food, such as buying a cheap brand
- Changing between brands of dog food
- Changing from semi-solid dog food to solid dog food
- Changing from puppy dog food to adult dog food
- Basically, changing up your German Shepherds food at all can be the culprit of diarrhea
The easiest way to prevent this would be to simply never change your dogs diet at all. Of course, this isnt always possible. Therefore, the next best thing would be to slowly ease your dog into their new food. If you just switch overnight, youre putting your dog at risk for diarrhea and other digestive issues.
To start off, mix a tiny amount of the new food in with the old food. With each meal, slowly increase the ratio of the new dog food until thats all your dog is eating. Most of the time, this should solve any diarrhea issues. If youre still seeing diarrhea, you should call your vet and work out a plan to give your German Shepherd the best diet possible.
You May Like: Pitbull And Rottweiler Fights
Dog Laboured Breathing Causes
Laboured breathing or shortness of breath, often called dyspnea, may prevent your dog getting enough oxygen into their bloodstream and is a life-threatening emergency.
The causes of laboured breathing in dogs are varied. One of the most common in older pets is fluid in the lungs or chest cavity. This is often associated with heart disease and lung disease. Other less common causes of dyspnea in dogs are foreign objects, lung cancer, infections such as pneumonia, injuries to the chest wall, kennel cough and allergies. Other diseases of the nose, throat, windpipe, lungs and the diaphragm may also be to blame. Breathing abnormally can also be a symptom of other serious underlying issues such as pain or metabolic diseases.
When Is Panting Normal/ Abnormal
Panting is normal right after exercise, and particularly if its warm outside.
German Shepherds are big dogs with powerful physiques, so you will hear them pant as a means of regulating their body temperature.
Shepherds have double coats, which keeps them feeling hotter for longer. Excitement will cause panting if theyre enjoying his play and exercise, or if his owner has just returned home.
Loud and sudden sounds frighten the most nonchalant of us, so it hardly surprising that a German Shepherd would become frightened, causing them to pant. Fear will cause your German Shepherd to pant this is normal.
You should be concerned if the panting is sudden, deeper, and more extended than usual, particularly if your dog has no reason to pant.
Heavy and periods of extended panting can be a symptom of the following ailments: cushing syndrome, mitral valve disease, congestive heart failure, cancer, and/or anemia.
If your Shepherds tongue or gums appear blue, white, or purple, this indicates that they are not getting enough oxygen and should be taken to a vet immediately.
Here are some other things to look out for an when your dogs panting is more of a cause for concern:
- The temperature is cold especially if your German Shepherd has not expended much energy.
- Excessive thirst and urination coupled with panting means that your dog is not holding onto enough water.
- Dry skin/hairloss
- Lethargic or depressed
Recommended Reading: German Shepherd For Sale In The Philippines
Why Do German Shepherds Whine So Much There Are 5 Reasons
Over the years working as a dog trainer, I’ve probably worked with as many German shepherd dogs as any other breed. Most often, they are an incredibly loyal breed, are devoted to their owners, and have really sweet and fun personalities. And so, to those of you who love the breed and wouldn’t consider anything but a German shepherd in the future, I understand How Much Water Should A German Shepherd Drink Daily? Normally, dogs should drink an ounce of water for every pound they weigh on a daily basis, but I found that many German Shepherds drink a little more than one ounce per pound. My German Shepherd is 72 pounds, so that means she should be consuming around 72 ounces of water daily
But do German Shepherds bond with one person more than the rest of the family. This article will dive into the reasons why German Shepherds tend to choose one person as their closest companion and how you can help them form a closer bond with other family members Puppies play and bite their siblings from the moment they are old enough to do so. This is why the behavior is so common, and why our Shepherd pupswill need to learn how to transition to playing with appropriate chewing options. They Have A High Prey Drive. Similar to what we discussed above, our German Shepherd puppies may see us as a big chew.
German Shepherd Licking Recommended Ways To Stop It
You May Like: When Is A Male German Shepherd Ready To Breed
Medical Reasons For Fast Breathing
The previous causes for panting in your puppy are normal and don’t require any medical intervention. However, the following are a little different. Fast panting is associated with a few health issues. The behavior is often one of a number of different symptoms, so it’s important to get your pup checked out by a vet.
Your Dog Has Too Much Exercise
German Shepherds are known to pant heavily after training or engaging in strenuous activity. This allows more oxygen to reach their muscles.
Obviously, if your pet pants are longer than expected, you should consult your veterinarian. Similarly, if you observe even a little or moderate quantity of exercise can make your pooch pant excessively, this could signal a problem.
Don’t Miss: Who Would Win In A Fight German Shepherd Or Pitbull
How Fast Should A German Shepherd Breathe
During rest, a robust dog will take between 15 and 35 breaths per minute . Consequently, your dog will pant considerably faster while doing an exercise.
The breathing rate greater than 45 BPM when a dog is in the resting phase is considered unhealthy and should be investigated.
To find out how many breaths per minute your dog is taking, record his chest motions for 15 seconds and multiply by four.
Why Does My German Shepherd Breath So Fast
German Shepherds tend to be large and active so it is normal for them to pant more than other breeds. However, it could also be that it isnt getting enough exercise, its ill or injured, it has just been running around, it has heatstroke or its a side effect of medication.
Read Also: Who Would Win In A Fight German Shepherd Or Pitbull
Do Australian Shepherds Breathe Fast
Compared to humans, Australian shepherds may seem like they breathe fast. An Australian shepherd should take about 15 to 30 breaths a minute if they are cool and relaxed.
If the Australian shepherd is excited, has just been exercising, or is hot, it will breathe faster. An average human breathes about 12 to 16 times per minute, so when you listen to your dog breathe, it may sound very fast in comparison.
Since Australian shepherds like to be very active, you will notice them breathing more quickly whenever you exercise them which is likely to be often!