My dog pants heavily at night in her crate. Should I see a vet?

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. If you have noticed a change in her breathing pattern and she appears to have labored breathing, I would recommend getting her in to be examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Without a video, it is difficult to say for sure what the problem is. I hope this helps! Please let me know you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

Congratulations on your new puppy. Some pups take a bit longer to adjust to their new homes, which isn't surprising as it is a big change! I recommend using a supplement to help with anxiety. Anxitane and Composure are two very safe options. Anxitane: https://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3307+11260+27387&pcatid=27387 Composure: https://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3307+11260+20934&pcatid=20934 You can also use Adaptil, which is a pheromone product to help with anxiety. https://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3307+11260+37236&pcatid=37236 Or, better yet, you can use Adaptil, and one of the supplements to help make Violet feel less anxious and safe in her new home. Thanks for using PetCoach.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Bella! Panting and being clingy can be a sign of fear or anxiety. If being left in the crate is unusual then it could be from being crated. If there were thunderstorms or other loud things that happened while you were gone then that could explain her behavior as well. I wouldn't say it is "normal" to act like this but it isn't uncommon to have anxiety from certain things. I would try to work on crate training and desensitizing her towards the crate or loud noises. If she is an older dog and the panting persists or she had effort even when asleep I would have her seen today by a Vet. Good luck!

A consult would be a good idea in this case. If the vet was referring to laryngeal paralysis, a consult will help you figure out if treating medically vs surgically is the best option. If your dog is having difficulty breathing, blue gums or tongue or collapse is noted, get her to the emergency hospital immediately.

Hello. Any new breathing problems should be looked at immediately. Even if Boris has had this problem for a while, if it has suddenly gotten worse, he should be looked at quickly, even if it means a trip to the emergency clinic. I hope he is doing better soon & thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is not necessarily concerning if he is otherwise doing fine. Panting is a way of regulating their temperature so panting alone is not necessarily concerning. If at any point you notice other signs associated with that such as inappetence, lethargy or difficulty breathing then have him evaluated. Good luck!

Hello. If Bella's breathing appears normal when she sleeps, then this is not too concerning, but it would not hurt to have her evaluated just to be sure. She is too young for most chronic conditions, but if she is not on any heartworm preventative, this would be a good thing to check on. Hopefully all is well & thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.