Is your Golden Retriever panting a lot more than usual?
I had this same problem too!
In this Digdoggy.com guide, you’ll learn:
- Why Golden Retrievers pant so much
- What causes panting in this breed
- How to reduce excessive panting
- Actions to take if your dogs panting becomes worrying
- And much more!
During my discovery of this question I found that Golden Retrievers do indeed pant a lot more than other breeds, let me explain…
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Why do Golden Retrievers pant so excessively?
Golden Retrievers pant more heavily than most dog breeds for two main reasons.
In order to stay cool, Golden Retrievers will pant to release the additional heat held in their double coat. Due to their naturally high amount of energy and love for fun and play, you may find your Golden Retrievers panting to occur unusually more than in other breeds.
Which then, in turn, can result in a lot more panting than you may expect.
When Should You seek medical assistance for Golden Retriever Panting?
Heavy panting can be a symptom of Cushing syndrome, mitral valve disease, congestive heart failure, cancer, and anemia.
Panting Particularly Loud Or Harsh
Most dogs will take anywhere from 15 to 50 breaths per minute. If your dog is breathing at a faster rate than that then seek professional advice.
Panting During Cold Weather
Dogs will pant to stay cool but not to warm up. Cold weather should NOT cause your dog to pant and should be an immediate sign that your dog may need help.
Excessive Thirst And Urination
Dry Skin Or Loss Of Hair
Dry skin or a loss of hair are both symptoms of Cushing syndrome. This can lead to serious health conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, anemia, or heart failure.
A consumed position can also lead to such outcomes so it is best to seek professional help when concerned.
Swollen Tongue, Drooling, And Glassy Eyes
This can be a sign that your dog is not getting enough oxygen.
Call a vet and follow the instructions given!
What Actions Should you Take if your Golden Retriever Is Panting too much?
In the attempt to help your dog if they are excessively panting, you can:
In most cases, if your dog is panting heavily, they’re just hot. Giving your dog cold water can help them cool down quickly and stop their panting.
2. Give Your Dog A Cold Bath
A cold bath will help to cool your dog down and in turn, reduce the amount of panting needed to remain cool.
3. Take Them To A Shady Spot
A sudden increase in temperature could easily cause heatstroke, even if the temperature is not that high.
No water to hand? Don’t sweat it! Just take your dog into some shade to cool them down as quickly as possible.
4. Comfort Your Dog
If your dog is panting heavily, it could be a sign that your dog is anxious, in pain, overexcited, or overstressed. Soothing your dog can help them calm down and return their breathing to a normal pace.
5. Check Your Dog’s Environment And Meals
Panting can be a sign that your dog has ingested a poison or came in contact with something they’re allergic to. Check all the areas your dog has been in to make sure they didn’t eat something they shouldn’t have.
6. Call The Vet
If all of the above techniques fail, and your dog is still panting excessively. You need to call your vet. Your dog could be suffering from a major disease or heart condition that needs to be treated as soon as possible.
What should you NOT do when your Golden Retriever is panting a lot?
Below is a list of the things you should not do if you notice your dog panting a lot!
Forcing Your Dog To Stop Panting
Panting isn’t a sound that anyone particularly enjoys, but dogs pant as a way to regulate their body temperature. Shouting or yelling can increase the anxiety that will worsen the problem at hand.
Instead, remain calm and try to assess the problem and then contact a vet if needed.
Taking Your Dog Walking On Asphalt
Asphalt can be extremely hot in the summertime. When you walk your dog on hot asphalt, you not only cause them to overheat, but you risk damaging their paws as well.
While your dog still needs regular exercise, on hot days you should avoid sidewalks and streets and stick to the grass.
Read Also: >> What dog booties are best For walking your dogs in hot weather?
Shaving Your Dog
This may seem like a logical decision but it’s not.
Double coated dogs like Golden retrievers rely upon their coat to both keep them cool and warm them up.
When its cold, they got hot, and when it’s hot they cool down.
Shaving any of these coats will cause it to lose function and result in exposing your Golden Retriever to the elements.
Read Also: >> How should you groom a Golden Retriever?
Do Other Dog Breeds Pant As Much As Golden Retrievers?
The short answer is Yes. Dog’s that have double coats and short snouts are known to pant more.
Here’s a list of some dog breeds that tend to pant heavier than most others.
- Akita
- Huskies (Siberian and Alaskan)
- Pomeranian
- Australian Shepherd
- Labrador Retriever
- Bulldog
- Terriers
- Japanese Chin
- Boxer
- Pug
Conclusion
Golden Retrievers pant all the time and certain dog breeds pant more than others because of their coats, energy levels, or snouts.
Always look out for excessive or unusual panting as this will help you to quickly diagnose potential causes that will dramatically help or prevent further health problems.
