Why Is My Nursing Dog Panting So Much?

If you’ve noticed that your nursing dog is panting excessively, you may be wondering why this is happening and if it is a cause for concern.

Key Takeaways:

• Panting is normal for a nursing dog immediately after giving birth, however, prolonged panting could indicate an issue and should be monitored.
• Possible causes of prolonged panting include incomplete birth, milk fever, high temperature, heart problems, and pain.
• If panting continues for several hours after birth, it may be due to an unborn puppy or a late delivery of a placenta.
• Milk fever, caused by low blood calcium levels, can also lead to excessive panting.

Is Panting Normal for a Nursing Dog?

Panting is a normal behavior for a nursing dog, especially in the immediate postpartum period. However, it’s important to distinguish between normal panting and excessive panting that may require attention.

Normal panting helps the mother dog regulate her body temperature and is a natural response to the physical exertion of giving birth and caring for her puppies.

Excessive panting, on the other hand, can be a sign of an underlying issue that needs to be addressed. If your nursing dog continues to pant heavily for several hours after giving birth, it may be a cause for concern.

In some cases, excessive panting may be due to an incomplete birth or a late delivery of a placenta. It can also indicate the presence of an unborn puppy.

Milk fever, which is caused by low blood calcium levels, is another potential reason for excessive panting in nursing dogs. This condition can affect the mother’s overall health and lead to panting.

Additionally, a high temperature or heart problems could also be contributing factors. If the panting continues for more than a few days, it may be a sign of pain or discomfort that requires attention.

It’s important to closely monitor your nursing dog’s panting and overall well-being. If you notice any changes or if the panting worsens or persists, it’s recommended to seek veterinary attention.

A professional veterinarian will be able to assess your dog’s condition and provide the necessary care to ensure her health and the well-being of her puppies.

Why Is My Nursing Dog Panting So Much?

Your nursing dog may be panting excessively due to various factors, which could include an incomplete birth, milk fever, high temperature, heart problems, or pain.

Incomplete Birth

Incomplete birth refers to a situation where not all puppies or placental materials have been expelled from the uterus.

This condition can cause discomfort or pain resulting in the mother dog panting heavily. If your dog continues panting heavily after giving birth, it’s crucial to consult a veterinarian to ensure there’s no remaining material in the uterus.

Milk Fever

Milk fever, also known as eclampsia or hypocalcemia, is a condition that occurs when a nursing dog’s blood calcium levels drop too low. It’s most commonly seen in small breed dogs with large litters and happens frequently during nursing.

Symptoms can include heavy panting, restlessness, muscle tremors, and even seizures. Immediate veterinary care is necessary if you suspect your dog has milk fever.

High Temperature

Dogs can pant heavily if they’re overheating or experiencing a fever. The normal temperature for a dog is around 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit, with a one-degree variation being normal.

If a dog is panting excessively and feels hot to the touch, it might be experiencing heatstroke or a high fever. It’s important to cool down your dog and seek veterinary help immediately.

Heart Problems

Heart problems, such as heart failure, can cause excessive panting in dogs. Dogs with heart problems may not be getting enough oxygen, leading to heavy panting and breathing difficulties.

Other symptoms can include lethargy, reduced exercise tolerance, coughing, and a distended abdomen. If heart problems are suspected, it’s important to visit a vet as soon as possible.

Pain

Pain can cause a dog to pant excessively. It could be due to physical discomfort from the birthing process, pain from nursing puppies, or any other underlying health issue.

If the dog exhibits other signs of distress or discomfort, such as restlessness or reluctance to move, it would be wise to consult a veterinarian. Pain should always be addressed promptly to ensure your pet’s well-being.

How Long Will a Dog Pant After Giving Birth?

A dog may pant for several hours to a couple of days after giving birth, as it is a normal part of the birthing process and recovery.

Panting after giving birth is common in dogs as it helps them cool down and cope with the physical exertion of labor.

It also assists in dealing with the pain and discomfort associated with the birthing process. Typically, this panting should gradually decrease over several hours to a couple of days as the mother dog recovers from labor.

However, if the panting continues excessively beyond this period or is accompanied by other symptoms such as restlessness, lethargy, loss of appetite, or signs of distress, it could indicate a problem such as infection, retained placental material, or eclampsia (milk fever).

In such cases, immediate veterinary attention is necessary.

Normal Panting vs. Excessive Panting In Nursing Dog

	Normal Panting In Nursing Dog	Excessive Panting In Nursing Dog
When	Immediately after giving birth, during nursing, or in response to heat	Continues persistently beyond the initial postpartum period, or occurs suddenly and for no clear reason
Frequency	Occasional or in response to specific conditions like heat or exertion	Constant, heavy panting that doesn’t stop even when the dog is at rest
Intensity	Moderate and slows down when the dog is calm or cool	Heavy, rapid, and doesn’t slow down with rest or cooler temperatures
Other Symptoms	No other symptoms of distress or illness are present	Accompanied by other symptoms such as restlessness, pacing, increased thirst and urination, muscle tremors, or signs of discomfort
Cause	Normal physiological response to birthing, nursing, or heat	This could indicate health issues like eclampsia, heart problems, incomplete birth, or respiratory disorders

Incomplete Birth and Panting in Nursing Dogs

If your nursing dog is panting excessively, it is essential to consider whether there might be an incomplete birth or a late delivery of a placenta, as these factors can contribute to the panting.

An incomplete birth occurs when not all puppies have been delivered, and the mother dog may experience discomfort and stress as a result. This can lead to prolonged panting as the body tries to regulate itself.

In some cases, an unborn puppy may be the cause of the excessive panting. If a puppy is not positioned correctly or if there are complications during the birthing process, it is possible for the puppy to become trapped or unable to be delivered.

This can be a very serious situation that requires immediate veterinary attention.

In order to properly assess whether incomplete birth or late delivery of a placenta is the cause of the panting, it is important to carefully monitor your dog.

If the excessive panting continues for several hours after giving birth, it is recommended to seek veterinary attention. A thorough examination will help determine the cause of the panting and appropriate treatment can be given.

Possible Causes of Panting in Nursing Dogs	Symptoms
Incomplete Birth	Excessive panting, distress, failure to deliver all puppies
Late Delivery of Placenta	Excessive panting, retained placenta, possible infection
Unborn Puppy	Excessive panting, unsuccessful delivery of a puppy

Milk Fever and Excessive Panting in Nursing Dogs

Excessive panting in nursing dogs could be a symptom of milk fever, a condition caused by low blood calcium levels, which is particularly common after giving birth.

When a mother dog is nursing her puppies, her body requires higher levels of calcium to produce milk.

If her calcium levels drop too low, it can lead to milk fever, also known as eclampsia or hypocalcemia. Apart from panting, other signs of milk fever include restlessness, muscle tremors, and stiffness.

If you notice your nursing dog panting excessively, it is important to check for other symptoms of milk fever.

One way to confirm the diagnosis is by observing if your dog’s panting is accompanied by muscle tremors or stiffness. A veterinarian can also perform a blood test to measure the calcium levels in your dog’s blood.

Signs of Milk Fever in Nursing Dogs	Treatment
Panting	Calcium supplementation under veterinary guidance
Restlessness and agitation	Adjustment of diet to include more calcium-rich foods
Muscle tremors	Reducing stress and providing a quiet environment for the nursing dog
Stiffness or difficulty moving	Emergency veterinary care, including intravenous calcium supplementation

If you suspect that your nursing dog has milk fever, it is crucial to seek veterinary attention promptly. The condition can progress rapidly and become life-threatening if left untreated.

Your vet will be able to prescribe the appropriate treatment, which may involve calcium supplementation, adjusting the dog’s diet, and reducing stress.

High Temperature and Panting in Nursing Dogs

If your nursing dog is panting excessively, it’s important to consider whether a high temperature could be the underlying cause, as heat-related issues can contribute to this behavior.

Panting is a normal physiological response in dogs, and immediately after giving birth, it helps regulate their body temperature and keeps them cool. However, if the panting continues for an extended period of time, it may indicate a problem.

There are several possible causes of prolonged panting in nursing dogs, one of which is a high temperature. Dogs are more susceptible to heatstroke and heat-related illnesses, especially during warm weather or when they are in a hot environment. 

Heatstroke can cause excessive panting, along with other symptoms such as lethargy, drooling, and increased heart rate.

Heart Problems and Panting in Nursing Dogs

If your nursing dog is experiencing excessive panting, it’s crucial to consider the possibility of underlying heart problems, as these can be a potential cause of this behavior.

While panting is normal for a nursing dog immediately after giving birth, prolonged or excessive panting could indicate an issue that requires attention.

Heart problems, such as heart failure, can lead to reduced exercise tolerance and noisy breathing in dogs.

These symptoms may accompany excessive panting and could be a sign of an underlying cardiac issue. If your nursing dog is panting excessively and shows signs of difficulty breathing or has a history of heart problems, it is important to seek veterinary attention promptly.

Pain and Panting in Nursing Dogs

Excessive panting in nursing dogs may be a sign of underlying pain, especially in the postpartum period, as the mother dog may experience discomfort. It is important to monitor your dog closely and look out for potential pain symptoms.

Common indicators of pain in nursing dogs include restlessness, reduced appetite, increased vocalization, and changes in behavior.

In the postpartum period, the mother dog’s body undergoes significant changes as it recovers from giving birth. It is not uncommon for dogs to experience some level of pain during this time. However, if your nursing dog continues to pant excessively for more than a few days, it may be a sign of a more serious issue.

If you suspect that your nursing dog is in pain, it is crucial to seek veterinary attention for a proper diagnosis. The veterinarian will be able to assess your dog’s condition and recommend appropriate treatment options. It is important not to ignore persistent panting, as it could indicate an underlying health problem that requires medical intervention.

When To Seek Veterinary Help For a Panting Nursing Dog

You should seek veterinary help for a panting nursing dog when the panting is excessive, persistent beyond the initial postpartum period, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms.

Excessive Panting

While it’s normal for a nursing dog to pant, especially immediately after giving birth, excessive panting could indicate a problem. If your dog is panting more heavily or frequently than seems typical, it’s important to consult a veterinarian.

This could be a sign of pain, stress, or a medical condition such as eclampsia (also known as milk fever), which occurs due to low blood calcium levels and can occur up to 2-4 weeks after giving birth.

Persistent Panting

Panting for a few minutes to a few hours after giving birth is normal for a dog. However, if the panting continues non-stop or persists for several days to weeks after giving birth, it’s crucial to seek veterinary attention.

Persistent panting could potentially indicate an incomplete birth, where not all puppies or placental materials have been expelled, or other health issues.

Panting Accompanied by Other Concerning Symptoms

If your dog’s panting is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, immediate veterinary care is necessary.

These symptoms may include restlessness, pacing, crying, disorientation, increased thirst and urination, gait problems, tremors, muscle stiffness, or any signs of distress. These could be symptoms of serious conditions like eclampsia, heart problems, or respiratory disorders.

Sudden Onset of Panting

If your dog’s panting starts suddenly and for no apparent reason, especially if she seems to be in pain, it’s important to call your vet immediately. The sudden onset of panting could indicate a variety of health issues, from heatstroke to heart problems.

Other Potential Causes of Panting in Nursing Dogs

Excessive panting in nursing dogs can also be caused by respiratory disorders, such as bronchitis or pneumonia. These conditions can lead to coughing, which may contribute to the dog’s panting. Additionally, laryngeal paralysis, a condition where the muscles of the larynx do not function properly, can cause difficulty in breathing and increased panting.

Stress and exhaustion can also play a role in excessive panting in nursing dogs. The demands of nursing and caring for a litter of puppies can be physically and mentally taxing for the mother dog. This can lead to fatigue and heightened stress levels, resulting in increased panting.

Furthermore, the adrenal glands, which produce hormones including cortisol, can sometimes overproduce cortisol in response to stress or certain medical conditions. An excess of cortisol in the body can cause various symptoms, including excessive panting. If a nursing dog is experiencing an overproduction of cortisol, it could contribute to their panting behavior.

Potential Causes of Excessive Panting in Nursing Dogs
Respiratory disorders
Laryngeal paralysis
Stress and exhaustion
Adrenal gland overproduction of cortisol

Panting in New Puppies and its Impact on the Mother Dog

The arrival of new puppies can affect the nursing dog’s behavior, including increased panting, and it’s important to consider their impact on the mother dog’s overall well-being.

Panting in new puppies is a natural response to their environment and the stress of adjusting to life outside the womb. However, excessive panting can be a cause for concern and may indicate underlying issues that require attention.

One possible reason for increased panting in the mother dog is the need to regulate her body temperature while caring for her puppies.

The constant physical contact with the puppies can cause the nursing dog to overheat, leading to panting as a way to cool down. It’s crucial to ensure that the mother dog has access to a cool and comfortable environment, with plenty of fresh water to drink.

In addition to temperature regulation, the presence of new puppies can also cause the nursing dog to experience increased physical and emotional stress.

Taking care of a litter of puppies requires a significant amount of energy and can be exhausting for the mother dog. This stress and exhaustion can contribute to panting as the dog tries to cope with the demands of motherhood says Wag Walking.

Preventing Excessive Panting In Nursing Dog

Preventing excessive panting in a nursing dog involves ensuring a comfortable environment, providing proper nutrition, and regular monitoring of her health.

Ensuring a Comfortable Environment

A comfortable, quiet, and stress-free environment can help prevent excessive panting in a nursing dog.

Make sure the birthing area is kept at a comfortable temperature to prevent overheating, which can cause panting. Also, limit disturbances around the nursing dog and her puppies to reduce stress-induced panting.

Providing Proper Nutrition

Proper nutrition is crucial for a nursing dog’s health. A balanced diet rich in calcium can help prevent conditions like eclampsia, also known as milk fever, which can cause symptoms like panting. Consult your vet about the best diet plan for your nursing dog.

Regular Health Monitoring

Regularly monitor the health of your nursing dog. Look out for signs of distress or discomfort that may indicate health issues.

If the dog shows signs of excessive panting, especially if it’s persistent or accompanied by other symptoms such as restlessness, pacing, increased thirst, or urination, seek veterinary attention promptly.

Prompt Veterinary Care

If any health issues are suspected, prompt veterinary care is essential. Conditions like eclampsia, incomplete birth, or respiratory disorders can cause excessive panting and require immediate medical attention.

By seeking veterinary care at the first sign of trouble, you can prevent potential complications and ensure the well-being of the mother dog and her puppies.

Why Is My Dog Panting So Much 2 Weeks After Giving Birth?

Excessive panting in your dog two weeks after giving birth could be due to reasons such as eclampsia, stress, or retained placental material.

Eclampsia

Eclampsia, also known as milk fever, is a condition that can occur up to 2-4 weeks after a dog gives birth. It is caused by low blood calcium levels and can result in symptoms like heavy panting. If your dog is experiencing this, immediate veterinary care is necessary.

Stress

The stress of caring for puppies may cause a nursing dog to pant excessively. It’s important to provide a quiet, comfortable environment for the mother dog to help reduce her stress levels. Avoid having too many visitors over to see the puppies as this can add to her stress.

Retained Placental Material

If there is an unborn puppy or if all the placental material has not been expelled post-birth, the mother dog may continue to pant heavily. This situation requires immediate veterinary intervention.

FAQs

Q: Is heavy panting common in a nursing dog?

A: Yes, heavy panting can be common in a nursing dog, especially if she is exerting herself to produce milk and take care of her puppies.

Q: Should I be concerned if my dog is panting heavily?

A: While panting is to be expected in a nursing dog, excessive and heavy panting can be a symptom of a health issue. If you are concerned, it is best to consult with a veterinarian.

Q: What is heatstroke and can it cause panting in a dog?

A: Heatstroke is a serious condition that can occur when a dog’s body temperature exceeds a safe level. Panting is one of the ways a dog attempts to cool down, so it can be a symptom of heatstroke.

Q: What should I do if my dog is panting excessively?

A: If your dog’s panting continues past the first few days after giving birth or if it is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it is best to see a vet for a thorough examination and proper diagnosis.

Q: Can panting be a sign of heart failure in dogs?

A: Yes, heavy breathing or panting can be a symptom of heart failure in dogs. If you suspect heart problems, it is important to have your dog evaluated by a veterinarian.

Q: How can I help my panting dog cool down?

A: You can try submerging your dog in cool water or providing a cool and well-ventilated environment. This will help them cool down. However, if the panting persists or worsens, it is essential to seek veterinary attention.

Q: Should I monitor my dog’s panting?

A: Monitoring your dog’s panting is a good idea, especially if it is excessive or abnormal. If you notice any changes or new symptoms, it is advisable to consult with a veterinarian.

Q: What should I do if my dog’s panting continues past the first few days after giving birth?

A: If your dog’s panting persists past the first few days after giving birth, it is recommended to consult with a veterinarian.