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Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Australian Shepherd | Male | unneutered
My Australian Shepherd seems to breathe pretty fast? Is it normal?
2 Answers
Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on July 7th, 2016
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Dogs do pant if they are hot, but it can also signal respiratory distress, heatstroke, pain, heart disease, and fever. Because I can't see Rascal in person, I can't say for certain that his breathing fast is normal, so I recommend taking him into your vet to be safe. Dogs who are having difficulty breathing can quickly go downhill, and if it's something like heatstroke causing it, that's a life threatening condition that needs immediate medical attention. I'd take Rascal into your vet.
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