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My dog just had puppies, why is she panting and acting strange?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Miniature Schnauzer | Female | unspayed | 3 years and 2 months old

My dog gave birth about 5 days ago... Nows shes walking around panting... And acting weird. Almost like shes getting ready to have another baby

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Shaneez Wallani, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 22nd, 2019

Please have Storm seen by a vet right away. She may be dealing with an infection or an electrolyte imbalance that can occur in dogs who have recently given birth that could be causing her pain or leading to a feeling of weakness (hence the panting). Both of these conditions can be very dangerous, and need to be treated right away. Good luck, and I hope she feels better soon!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Maria DVM
Veterinarian
Published on October 13th, 2018
Panting can indicate many different things. It can be respiratory or even pain causing it. Without seeing Mimi we can’t say what is causing it and why she is so uncomfortable. I would recommend having your veterinarian do a physical examination on her to see what is causing the panting. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA
Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
Published on November 2nd, 2017
Panting can be a sign of pain, anxiety or stress, heart or lung disease, among many other things. I would just watch Maggie for any other unusual symptoms, such as lethargy, fainting, vomiting, diarrhea, increased urination, etc. If anything else shows up, or you just don't think she is right, then I would have her checked out by a vet.

As a heads up, the mom will usually start to wean her puppies around 4-5 weeks of age. This shouldn't be causing the panting, but if the puppies are starting to teeth, she may be feeling some pain during nursing and is getting ready to move away from them more often.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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My dog is panting hard two days after giving birth. Is she okay?

If the panting is non stop then it is not normal but panting after giving birth is considered normal in the first 24 hours after birth. one of the reasons could be exhaustion but it could also be due to milk fever which is a condition caused by lack of calcium due to milk production. in such a case i would recommend a vet visit to check her calcium level and rectify it accordingly (usually by injection and oral calcium).

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My dog just gave birth yesterday, why is she panting and bleeding?

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