My dog breathes heavily after surgery. Should I go to emergency vet?

I agree that this is a pretty rapid respiratory rate for Daisy, particularly if she's resting while breathing this quickly. As you mentioned, it's very possible that this fast breathing is due to post-operative pain. However, if she's currently receiving pain medication after surgery, it's a bit less likely. Other causes of rapid breathing can include stress or anxiety, blood clots in the lungs, heart disease, pneumonia, among others. Regardless, it would be best to take Daisy to the vet urgently for evaluation. If the vet suspects pain as the cause, they will be able to prescribe additional pain medications. Otherwise, they will be able to perform any necessary diagnostic testing, which may include chest x-rays or blood clotting times to try to get to the bottom of this issue. I hope that everything goes well for Daisy!

Heavy panting can be a sign of distress or pain. If Pixel was just at the vet this morning, it is possible she is still stressed out from the visit and travel, and may need an hour or two to help settle back down at home and let the pain medications begin working. I would monitor her for a bit to see if she settles in. If the heavy panting continues or worsens, she seems in severe pain, has blue or pale gums, or won't settle/seems very uncomfortable after a few hours, calling your vet to let them know what is going on, or seeking care from an urgent care vet may be best.

Poor Baxter! The breathing deeply and hard can be a sign of pain, and I am concerned that he won't drink water. While it's normal for a dog to not have much of an appetite after surgery, he should at least be drinking some water. I would give your vet a call know to let them know you are seeing these signs in Baxter. They can tell you if they want to see him.

Heavy breathing is quite common in lactating females but it could also be a sign of milk fever which is a condition caused by lack of calcium in lactating new moms. if you also see lack of appetite, trembling and lethargy i would strongly recommend taking her to the vet urgently to get it treated.

Eddie's trachea could be irritated from the ET tube used during the dental procedure. Keep a close eye on him, and if this continues over the next 24 hours or he has trouble breathing, take him into a vet immediately. Best of luck.

Yes panting and licking can be signs of pain and nausea. I'd get him to an emergency vet tonight if possible, or to your regular vet tomorrow if tonight isn't an option. This could certainly be nothing more than needing a bit more time and medications, but with his recent history, I would take the more cautious route.

Hi and thanks for posting on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! If Lacey Mae's breathing appears labored or she is breathing quickly (faster than 40 breaths a minutes) or panting heavily, and you feel Lacey is in distress, I would recommend having her seen right away. Underlying cardiovascular and cardiopulmonary conditions can cause and contribute to labored breathing and respiratory distress which would require an emergency veterinary visit. You can also request a consult with me and I will be happy to review the video and advise further. I hope this helps and thanks again for posting!