When should I worry about hives on my dog

When Should I Be Worried About My Dog Panting?

When were out walking our dog and they are panting, we rarely pay any attention, we know that its a typical behaviour associated with exercise. Equally, if its gotten a little warmer, we expect panting (within reason). But is there a time when panting can indicate something which does require some further attention? Its a behaviour that we ask pet guardians about in a My Pet Nutritionist consult, so lets get to the bottom of what panting is, and if its anything to worry about.

What is panting?

Panting is characterised by fast, shallow breaths, a wide-open mouth, and an extended tongue. Its generally associated with a dog trying to cool down, also known as thermoregulation. Cooling results from the inhalation of cooler air and exhalation of heat along with the evaporation of water in the dogs respiratory system.

The respiratory system in dogs is made up of their mouth, nose, trachea and lungs and it serves two main functions.

Firstly, like in humans, it is how the body exchanges carbon dioxide and oxygen. In general, healthy dogs will have a resting respiration rate of anywhere between 15 and 40 inhalations and exhalations a minute. The typical respiration rate when panting increases 10-fold, so up to 400 inhalations and exhalations per minute is expected.

Its second function is to regulate body temperature. A normal body temperature for a dog is between 38.3C and 39.2C. An increase by just 1-2C can have major effects on the dogs system. They therefore rely on panting as their primary means of expelling heat.

There are three known patterns of panting:

• inhalation and exhalation through the nose,
• inhalation through the nose and exhalation through the mouth,
• inhalation through the nose and mouth and exhalation through the nose and mouth.

It is suggested that the most effective cooling system is when air is directed through the nose and out through the mouth.

So why dont dogs sweat to cool down?

The human mechanism for cooling down is to sweat. As sweat evaporates, we cool down. Due to the thick coats dogs have, sweat just wouldnt evaporate resulting in a thick, furry coat full of sweat! Nice! Dogs do have sweat glands, but on their paws. It is rare to see a dog with sweaty paws after exercise. You will tend to find sweaty paws in response to stress which is why youll see damp patches on the table at the vets or groomers.

What are the triggers and causes for a dog panting?

Exercise

This is a well-known cause for panting in dogs. Exertion increases heart rate and overall body temperature. Therefore, to regulate their body temperature, dogs will pant.

Heat

It is suggested that it can take from 7-60 days for a dog to acclimatise to a temperature change in the environment. This can be influenced by body shape, size, coat type and length and the overall health of the dog.

Some of the breeds that are more sensitive to an increase in environmental temperature include:

• Pugs,
• Lhasa Apso,
• Boston Terrier,
• English Bulldog,
• Boxer,
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and
• French Bulldog.

These are known as brachycephalic breeds and due to their small nasal passages and short windpipes, they dont pant as efficiently as other breeds. This puts them at a much higher risk of heatstroke.

Dog Days of Summer

Anxiety/Fear/Phobia

Many dogs who suffer with anxiety or fear will pant. It is thought that the fear response increases the heart rate which in turn raises the body temperature. There are usually other signs that accompany panting in a fear response, such as yawning, pacing, crying, whining, shaking, lip licking or hiding. Storms and holidays with fireworks are often a source of anxiety for dogs, so it is quite common to see more panting during these times.

There are many ways to help relieve anxiety in dogs including:

• Thunder Jackets,
• Plug-in diffusers these release calming pheromones which mimic those of nursing dams when comforting their litter.
• Creating a safe place a covered crate or a space under the stairs or a table.

Top Tips for Anxiety in Cats and Dogs6 Nutritional Tips for Anxiety in Dogs

Panting accompanied with shaking is a typical stress response in dogs so consider whether there has been any change to their daily routine, even the smallest changes can be worrying for some dogs.

Is panting a symptom of a long-term health condition?

It can be.

Heart failure

When the heart is no longer pumping oxygenated blood efficiently, body parts and tissues will become oxygen deprived. The easiest way to correct this depletion is to increase respiration which often results in panting.

Symptoms of heart failure include:

• Fatigue,
• Difficulty breathing,
• Loss of appetite,
• Weight loss,
• Coughing.

Older dogs are more susceptible to heart issues. The ageing process naturally causes your dogs organs and systems to deteriorate.

Keeping Your Senior Dog Healthy

Heart failure can also occur as a result of

heartworm disease

. Heartworms are spread through mosquitoes. Infective heartworm larvae migrate through the dogs body until they reach the heart and blood vessels in the lungs.

Symptoms of heartworm include:

• Coughing,
• Intolerance of exercise,
• Laboured breathing/panting.

Natural Worming Options for Pets

Obesity

Overweight dogs will often pant excessively. This is due to the strain placed upon the cardiovascular system. In determining whether your dog is a healthy weight, you should be able to see a waistline, feel the ribs and from a birds eye view, your dog should have an hourglass outline. Maintaining a healthy weight in your dog should be achieved through species appropriate diet with portion control and regular exercise.

Obesity in Pets Part IObesity in Pets Part II

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Cushings Disease

This is when the adrenal glands produce too much cortisol, also known as hyperadrenocorticism. Cortisol is produced and stored by the adrenal glands, two small glands which sit on top of the kidneys. Investigations of the cause will usually be tumours found on the pituitary or adrenal gland or excessive cortisol levels as a result of prolonged steroid use.

Symptoms of Cushings disease include:

• an increase in thirst, appetite and urination,
• thin or fragile skin,
• fatigue or reduced activity,
• hair loss,
• panting,
• recurring skin infections and poor skin healing,
• a bloated or potbellied appearance.

The Lowdown on Cushings Disease in Dogs

Addisons Disease

At the other end of the scale is Addisons Disease, also known as hypoadrenocorticism. This is where the adrenal glands dont produce enough cortisol and aldosterone.

There are two main causes of Addisons Disease. As with Cushings disease, tumours are prevalent. It is also suggested that certain medications, toxins, and diseases prime the dogs immune system to destroy its own adrenal gland. Dogs treated for Cushings disease can also develop Addisons disease in response to the medications destroying too much of the adrenal tissue.

The adrenal gland contributes to the maintenance of sodium, potassium, and water levels within the body too!

Some of the symptoms of Addisons Disease include:

• Panting,
• Fatigue/weakness,
• Reduced appetite,
• Dehydration/excessive thirst/increased urination due to the imbalance of sodium/potassium which leads to lack of water conservation by the kidneys,
• Weight loss,
• Slow heart rate,
• Shaking,
• Cool to touch,
• Vomiting/diarrhoea.

Although any dog can develop Addisons, there are certain breeds which are predisposed to it, including:

• Standard Poodle
• Bearded Collies
• Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers
• West Highland White Terriers
• Great Danes

As you can see there are a number of long-term health conditions that can cause panting. But there are also more immediate health issues which can cause panting in dogs.

Heat Stroke

When a dogs body cannot adequately dissipate heat, heatstroke is likely to occur and is often fatal. At high temperatures, cells within the body start to die and the brain starts to swell. This results in seizures. Seizures are caused when the electrical impulses in the brain misfire, resulting in rapid twitching in muscle fibres. The increase in muscle activity further increases body temperature. The excess temperature in the body prevents it from functioning correctly eventually resulting in major organ failure.

Symptoms of Heatstroke:

• Panting,
• Dehydration,
• Increased body temperature above 39C,
• Swollen/dark/reddening gums,
• Small, pinpoint areas of breathing,
• Vomit/diarrhoea,
• Seizures,
• Rapid/irregular heart rate,
• Shock,
• Muscle tremors,
• Wobbly/uncoordinated gait,
• Stoppage of the heart and breathing,
• Unconsciousness,

There are certain factors which can put a dog at a higher risk of heatstroke. These include obesity, poor lung and/or heart function, hyperthyroidism, being a brachycephalic breed and having thick or long coats.

Heatstroke can be fatal, so watch for early symptoms.

Allergic reaction

After being exposed to an allergen, symptoms often include diarrhoea, vomiting, urination, itching and/or hives. You would then soon observe the following:

• Weakness/lethargy,
• Drooling,
• Shallow, rapid breathing (panting),
• Pale gums,
• Raised heart rate,
• Weak pulse,
• Cold to touch,

Feeding novel proteins, unusual proteins that have not previously been given to your dog may help if there are rare food allergies.

Low Fat Horse

Poisoning

There are a number of foreign materials and fluids which can cause poison intoxication in dogs. Symptoms to be watchful of include:

• Vomiting/diarrhoea,
• Panting,
• Weakness/lethargy,
• Bloody stools,
• Nosebleeds,
• Seizures,
• Change in urination.

Poisonous materials found around the home include pharmaceutical products, pesticides, plants, and household cleaners.

Blockage

Panting is common when there is a blockage. If anything inhibits the ability to inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide, the respiration rate increases.

Summary

Panting is a completely normal behaviour to expect from your dog. Its how they cool themselves down. You may also find them panting if theyre a little worried about something, in the short term. But regular, excessive panting along with other symptoms could be indicative of longer-term health issues.

We would always advocate a health check with your vet to investigate any underlying causes for concern, but we work with a number of practitioners in order to develop an appropriate treatment plan including nutritional adjustment. If you would like our support, then please check out our services here.

Consultations

Thanks for reading,

MPN Team x

Dog stung by a bee? Our vet explains what to do

Summers on its way, with lots of fun activities such as beach walks and swimming. Whats not so fun, though, is the increase in insects. If your dog is stung by a bee or wasp, its important to act quickly. While your doggo might be lucky and get no more than a fright and is easily soothed with one of the best puppy toys, the situation might be a little more serious.

A lot of dogs are energetic and inquisitive, which makes them delightful companions. It also means, though, that they might stick their noses into a heap of trouble! Lively dogs sometimes chase bees and might even go and investigate a hive.

While most bee or wasp stings only cause mild irritation, if your pooch is stung multiple times or near a sensitive area such as eyes or mouth you could need to seek veterinary advice. Just like with humans, some dogs can have allergic reactions and will need urgent medical attention.

Read on for our vets guide to what to do if your dog has been stung by a bee or wasp.

Signs of a dog stung by a bee or wasp

Sometimes, you may actually see your dog stung by a bee. Some dogs like to snap at bees and you may see your pet jump or yelp when he gets stung.

In many cases though, pet owners do not witness the insect bite or sting and only see the symptoms that occur afterward.

Symptoms of an insect bite or sting can include:

• Swelling at the area of the bite or sting
• Redness
• Itching
• Sensitivity to the touch
• Warmth to the touch
• Whining
• Limping or holding up a paw (if stung on the paw)
• Pawing at the face or mouth (if stung on the face)
• Biting or pawing at the site of the stung

These symptoms are usually relatively mild and may not require veterinary care unless they are progressive or are accompanied by symptoms of an allergic reaction as discussed below.

Signs of allergic reaction in a dog stung by a bee

In some cases, your dog may have a more severe reaction after being stung by a bee. Signs of an allergic reaction can include:

• Facial swelling
• Difficulty breathing
• Hives
• Swelling of the mouth or throat
• Lethargy
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Staggering
• Pale gums
• Collapse

If you notice these symptoms in your dog, seek veterinary care right away. These are signs of a severe allergic reaction and can progress quickly. Prompt treatment by your veterinarian is necessary to slow or stop the reaction and help relieve the symptoms.

What to do if your dog gets stung by a bee or wasp

First and foremost, dont panic! A single bee sting is usually not a major concern. First, see if you can locate the area where the sting occurred.

If you can identify the stinger, remove it by gently brushing over it with your fingernail or a piece if gauze. Do not grab the stinger with your fingers or tweezers, as squeezing it can cause more venom to be released, which can worsen the reaction.

If you cannot locate the stinger, dont worry in many cases, we never find the stinger. Often, it falls out on its own.

Next, evaluate your dog for symptoms of a bee sting. It is common to have some localized swelling or pain at the site of the sting. Signs of a more significant allergic reaction like facial swelling or hives mean its time for a trip to your veterinarian for treatment.

How long does a bee sting last on a dog?

A single bee sting is typically mild and symptoms should only last about 12-24 hours before resolving completely. If your dogs symptoms are more than mild or if your dog is developing new symptoms during this period, then it is time to see your veterinarian for an evaluation.

Multiple bee or wasp stings are much more serious than a single bee or wasp sting as your dog may receive more venom, which can be very dangerous. If your dog has received multiple stings, see a veterinarian right away for treatment.

Symptoms from multiple stings may take much longer to resolve, and your dog may need to be hospitalized for further care.

Treating a bee sting in dogs

If your dog displays symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as facial swelling, itching, or hives, it is important to see your veterinarian for treatment.

Your veterinarian will perform a quick physical examination on your dog, and will likely treat him with medications such as antihistamines and steroids to reduce the inflammation and slow the allergic reaction.

Your pet may also be sent home with some medication for the next few days to help manage the reaction. In most mild cases, this treatment is all that is needed. In severe cases, hospitalization and further treatment may be necessary.

Although one bee sting in dogs is usually easily treatable, multiple bee stings or being stung by a swarm of bees is a major concern. This is because the venom in bee and wasp stings can cause severe reactions such as anaphylaxis, hemolytic anemia, organ failure, and even death.

If your dog has experienced multiple stings, please take him or her to an emergency veterinary hospital right away for treatment.

Should I take my dog to the vet if she got stung by a bee?

If your dog received a single bee sting and has only mild symptoms and is otherwise doing well, you likely do not need to take your dog to the vet. The symptoms should resolve on their own within 12-24 hours.

If the symptoms do not resolve in this time period, if they worsen, or if your pet has symptoms of an allergic reaction, then he or she should see a veterinarian for evaluation and treatment.

If your dog was stung multiple times it is especially important to seek veterinary care right away, as this can result in severe illness and even death due to high doses of bee or wasp venom.

If you are ever unsure about whether or not your dog should see a veterinarian, its always best to see your vet to be on the safe side!