Why is my senior dog suddenly gagging, panting, and restless?

I'm sorry Roxy isn't doing well! Her symptoms are signs of many different illnesses, such as a respiratory disease or heart disease to name two, and she should see a vet for these problems. The vet can do a physical exam, blood test, urinalysis, and possible x-rays to diagnose what is causing her symptoms. Once a cause is found, the vet can discuss treatment options with you. Best of luck, I hope this helps!

You can request a consult online with one of our vets to share the video. She is an older girl, and trouble breathing can be a sign of something serious like heart disease. It is a good idea to have Zoe seen by her vet this week.

I would discuss other treatment options with your vet. I understand that ultrasound can often be cost prohibitive, but your vet may be able to prescribe medications based on their best guess of the cause of the illness. Based on the labored breathing, weakness, and gagging, I would be worried about Donny's heart and lungs. I know heartworm disease is not terribly common, but it is still a possibility. Other possibilities include heart failure, pneumonia, hypertension, or cancer. You might discuss radiographs with your veterinarian to look inside Donny's chest. Increased potassium could indicate lab error, renal failure, gastrointestinal issues, or possibly Addison's Disease, or it could be normal. Elevated white blood cells can indicate bacterial or viral infection, inflammation, or cancer.

There are many things this could be: * laryngeal paralysis * congestive heart failure * severe pain * hypothyroidism * pulmonary thromboembolism * pneumonia * bloat * many more possibilities.... He really needs to get to the vet for an exam and possibly some blood testing and/or x-rays so you can get a diagnosis. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

In a dog her age and breed, my first though is a cardiac issue (like heart failure). Fluids start to back up into the lungs and cause coughing/gagging especially when laying down. I suggest you get her to your vet for an exam as soon as possible. I would be worried about these symptoms.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Dakota! I would have her seen by a Vet today due to her age. There are many things that can cause an older lab to stop eating and start panting. I worry about heart failure, pneumonia, cancer or anemia from a bleeding mass in the belly. Even a fever can cause these signs. I would have her examined and see if chest and belly X-rays needs to be done. They may also recommend blood work as well. I hope this helps and I wish Dakota the best!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Lady! I love your pictures! There are many possible reasons for Lady's symptoms. The heart rate is fine, it is normal to have a low resting heart rate at home. The fact it isn't high is reassuring that she isn't in pain or distress. The panting can be from: canine cognitive dysfunction or dementia, Cushing's disease, feels over heated and a lot of older large breed dogs just overall pant more. Causes for the bloated belly are: overweight (fat in belly), enlarged liver from Cushing's, low thyroid, tumor in her belly. I think a Vet exam, blood work and belly X-rays are a good idea to see if there is a medical reason for the symptoms you are seeing. I hope this helps and I wish Lady the very best!