Why is my puppy panting excessively and not eating his dog food?

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. I would recommend having Chao examined by a veterinarian based on these symptoms. I am worried about a respiratory infection / possible pneumonia. This needs to be addressed sooner rather than later so that antibiotic therapy can begin right away. I hope this helps and hope she gets better soon!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is hard to say what's going on with Hunter without seeing him. It could be stress related to the hurricane or there could be a medical condition. Panting is usually a sign of stress or pain. I would keep offering food and water and if he is still not eating in another 24 hours, I would find a vet to take him to (I would take him sooner if he starts vomiting or having diarrhea). I am not as concerned with his appetite as I am with his water intake. I hope this helps! Good luck and kisses to Hunter!

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.

He may be [too hot](https://www.petcoach.co/article/6-signs-your-dog-is-overheating), especially if it is hot outside (or inside). If so, he should be treated immediately. Move him to a cooler area. Moisten his paws and ears with cool water. Check his[ gum color](https://www.petcoach.co/article/capillary-refill-time-crt-in-dogs-cats). It should be bubble gum pink and moist. If his gums are pale or blue, seek veterinary attention immediately as this may indicate bleeding or a lack of oxygen. If his gums are sticky or dry, seek veterinary attention. He may be dehydrated. [Pain](https://www.petcoach.co/article/top-5-signs-your-pet-is-in-pain) could be the cause of the symptoms you have described. Check him over for any obvious wounds or injuries. If the symptoms continue or worsen, he should be physically examined by your [veterinarian](https://www.petcoach.co/article/top-10-warning-signs-that-require-a-veterinary-visit/) or at the nearest veterinary ER.

Difficulty breathing and panting could be a sign of heart disease or respiratory disease. Congestive heart failure would be the most common heart problem, while pneumonia, bronchitis, pleural effusion/fluid in the lungs would be some common respiratory problems. I would recommend seeing an emergency veterinarian as soon as possible if you feel Rex is having trouble breathing.

Hi there! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Yoshi! Decreased appetite is concerning in a puppy because of the potential very serious gastrointestinal infections such as parvovirus that they can get. Monitor him closely for progression of his already decreased appetite, nausea (which may manifest as drooling, decreased appetite and lip smacking), vomiting, severe lethargy and/or diarrhea. If any of these signs are observed, have him evaluated right away. I think that if he is otherwise doing fine, then it is ok to monitor him for now. If he has not improved by tomorrow, then have him evaluated by your veterinarian. Make sure that he is drinking water to avoid dehydration. Good luck! Keeping my fingers crossed for a speedy recovery!

I would recommend taking Buddy to a veterinarian if we are still breathing heavy. They can get stressed and breath heavier from anxiety but my concern is that puppies this young can get sick and decline quickly. If Buddy is resting comfortably now I would keep an eye on him but if he starts to breathe heavy then I recommend a veterinarian. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.