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Why is my senior lab panting heavily and refusing to eat or drink?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Female | spayed | 9 years and 11 months old | 80 lbs

Sudden onset of heavy panting, wont eat or drink. 10 year old yellow lab.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on February 13th, 2018

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!

3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Rosemary Barber, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on March 21st, 2017
Hi there! That is a worry for sure! I wonder if she is having issues with her heart. Or, some sort of panic reaction? If this continues, I would suggest that you take her to see your vet, as she may need some medication to calm her, or some tests to find out if she is having heart issues.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Dayna, DVM, CVA
Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
Published on March 17th, 2018
Panting can be associated with pain and with anxiety as well as metabolic problems. Is she drinking more water than normal? Did it just seem to start? I would worry about diabetes, pyometra, and Cushings disease however there are certainly other possibilities. If blood work has not been run yet then I would encourage you to have your veterinarian run a chemistry panel and CBC on Monday to look for evidence of any of these problems. Best of luck and I hope she improves soon. Thank you for using Pet Coach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on August 29th, 2017
Yes, those things could be related. Most likely cause would be an underlying heart condition - with her breed and age I would guess a mitral valve insufficiency. I would recommend you take her to your vet for an exam. They may also recommend some bloodwork and x-rays which would also be a good idea.

Remember, she is close to 70 years old in "people" years so of course things could be not working as well now versus when she was younger. That is why yearly or twice yearly vet exams are so important in older animals.

Hope this answers your question. If not, feel free to post again! Best wishes!
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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