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Panting

Hi there! We’re sorry your pet isn’t feeling like themselves, but we’re here to help. Panting in cats and dogs is common, but it can also be confusing or even concerning. Is your pet just warm, or is there something more serious going on? Here's how to evaluate panting and decide if it’s time for an urgent care visit.
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Symptom checker

What’s going on with your pet?

Can you stop your dog from panting by changing their environment or distracting them?

Panting is normal for dogs under certain conditions, such as after exercise or on hot days. If the panting stops when distracted, there may not be any cause for alarm.

Is your pet panting more than usual, or at times when they’re usually calm?

When you notice heavy panting that lasts longer than expected, happens at rest, or includes signs of distress, it could be abnormal panting and a reason to seek veterinary advice.

Is your cat's panting frequent or prolonged?

Cats may pant occasionally when stressed or overheated, but frequent or prolonged panting in cats should always be taken seriously.

Is the panting loud, wheezy, whistling, or accompanied by other changes?

If your pet's panting is excessive or doesn't go away, especially if paired with other symptoms, don’t wait. Scout is here for you.

Can you stop your dog from panting by changing their environment or distracting them?

Panting is normal for dogs under certain conditions, such as after exercise or on hot days. If the panting stops when distracted, there may not be any cause for alarm.

Is your pet panting more than usual, or at times when they’re usually calm?

When you notice heavy panting that lasts longer than expected, happens at rest, or includes signs of distress, it could be abnormal panting and a reason to seek veterinary advice.

Is your cat's panting frequent or prolonged?

Cats may pant occasionally when stressed or overheated, but frequent or prolonged panting in cats should always be taken seriously.

Is the panting loud, wheezy, whistling, or accompanied by other changes?

If your pet's panting is excessive or doesn't go away, especially if paired with other symptoms, don’t wait. Scout is here for you.

Does your pet need Urgent Care?

Panting in cats and dogs isn’t always a cause for concern, but it can be. You know your pet best, and if something doesn’t feel right, it’s always okay to seek help. Excessive panting that comes on suddenly or continues for long periods can signal several issues, including pain or discomfort, especially if your pet is also hiding, limping, or behaving differently. Heat exhaustion or heatstroke can be dangerous if heavy panting during warm weather or after exercise doesn’t stop quickly. Respiratory conditions may be to blame if panting is accompanied by wheezing, noisy breathing, or difficulty breathing, and cardiac issues can cause panting along with coughing, fainting, or lethargy. Anxiety or stress, such as during car rides or at night, can also trigger panting, as can fever or infection, which may be one of the first visible signs of an internal problem. In some cases, panting can progress to severe breathing difficulty. If you notice open-mouth breathing in cats, blue or purple gums, or rapid, shallow breaths, seek veterinary care immediately.
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Here’s what you can do at home...

 
1

Assess their environment.

Is your home warm? Is your pet anxious? Try taking them to a cooler room or gently offering some water.
2

Cool them down.

You can also try dipping their feet in cool (not ice-cold) water to help bring down body temperature if they seem overheated.
3

For dogs, try a walk.

A short walk or time outside may help distract and relax them.
4

Evaluate your pet.

If your pet stops panting when soothed or removed from the situation, that’s a good sign. But if the panting continues, worsens, or happens at odd times (like nighttime panting while resting), a medical evaluation may be necessary.
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