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Boxer is panting and breathing fast while lying down. Is it serious?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Boxer | Female | spayed | 1 year and 7 months old | 40 lbs

Hi My female boxer is almost 2 and the past few days I have noticed her breathing to be a little different. Sometimes she is panting other times she is breathing at a fast rate while laying down and sometimes she is completely normal. Is this a problem to worry about or nothing at all? Thanks!

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Megan, DVM, CVA

Veterinarian

Published on September 4th, 2017

If her breathing looks labored (fast and difficult to breath usually with abdominal effort and sometimes a stretched neck) then this is an emergency. I would take her to your nearest emergency clinic. If the fast breathing is more of a pant with minimal effort then it might not be a huge issue. I would watch her closely to see if the panting is at appropriate times like after getting excited or coming in from outside or seeing new people as panting is a normal response to these type of events. If not, then I would definitely have your vet look at her. If the panting continues or if you are unsure whether she is labored breathing then I would have your vet look at her. Your vet will be able to listen to her heart and lungs and even doing chest X-rays if needed. I hope this helps!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Tomasz Wnuk
Veterinarian
Published on May 19th, 2020
Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. If she played over 24hrs ago, panting is not related to tiredness / exhaustion from the play.
Panting is often a sign of lung problems (infection, aspiration), but it could be also due to heart diseases, fever, muscular or joint pain, abdominal discomfort and more.
Please, take Dede to your local vets to find out what the problem is and to start treatment as soon as possible.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA
Veterinarian
Published on June 24th, 2022
Yes, these symptoms are extremely worrying and require an emergency veterinary examination tonight. There aremany possible causes including heart or lung problems which can be life threatening and prompt diagnosis is key to stabilise her condition. Please contact your vet or emergency clinic urgently.
11Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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