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Why is my senior dog panting, foaming, and peeing a lot on walks?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My 10 year old female golden retriever pants excessively and foams at the mouth & urinates frequently when walking. What could be causing this??

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 17th, 2017

It sounds like your dog has trouble breathing which would cause foam coming up from the lungs (due to fluid in the lungs). Urinating frequently could be a sequel to not getting enough oxygen, which then can trigger the urge to urinate. Your dog may be suffering from a heart condition or tumor or other condition that can cause pulmonary edema. This is an emergency and you need to take her to a veterinarian right away, or to a pet ER, for an exam, oxygen supplementation and possibly diuretics and further treatment as indicated by the results of the exam.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
In a senior dog, I would be concerned that she may be suffering from cardiac disease. This would cause her to pant excessively when she's walking. The foaming could be due to overheating, and the frequent urination could be due to a UTI, bladder stones, or kidney disease. I recommend having her seen by a vet for a physical exam, geriatric blood tests, urinalysis, and chest x-rays. These tests will help diagnose what is causing her symptoms, and then the vet can discuss treatment options with you.
0Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on December 9th, 2016
No, I don't think this is an emergency. If she has to go out frequently, it could be that she has to urinate a lot or may have diarrhea. I would accommodate her going out, but I would take her into the vet in the morning for an exam. She could have a UTI causing her to have to pee frequently, or a GI illness causing diarrhea. The vet can diagnose what is causing her symptoms, and can treat accordingly.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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