DrBarchas.com is a free resource for people with pets. Searchable articles are available on diseases, behavior, symptoms, and medical treatments for dogs and cats.
Panting is very common in dogs. In most cases, panting is not a sign of a medical problem. Dogs pant in lieu of sweating. Anything that might cause a person to sweat can cause dogs to pant.
Dog owners frequently note and become concerned about episodes of increased panting in their pet that seem abnormal. In some cases, such episodes or trends are a sign of medical problems. However, this is rare. Most panting is not indicative of a serious underlying problem.
More common causes are listed first. Less common causes are listed later.
Dogs
Arthritis, or degenerative joint disease, is a condition in which one or more joints in the body deteriorate. Arthritis may occur as a result of trauma, natural aging, or syndromes called dysplasias in which the joints do not develop properly.
Dogs
Dietary indiscretion describes gastrointestinal upset that occurs when a dog ingests something that its body cannot tolerate. Consumption of table scraps, garbage, or spoiled food may results in symptoms of diarrhea, vomiting, lack of appetite, and weakness in dogs. The syndrome is similar to food poisoning in humans.
Dogs
Kennel cough, also known as infectious tracheobronchitis (ITB), is a contagious disease of dogs. A large number of organisms are believed to play a role in the syndrome. Kennel cough most often is caused by simultaneous infection with a mild respiratory virus (there are many such viruses) in combination with a bacteria called Bordetella bronchiseptica. The infection usually is limited to the windpipe (trachea) and major air passages in the lungs.
More common causes are listed first; less common causes are listed later.
Marked changes in an animal’s water consumption or urine output have many causes. Chronic or long-term changes in thirst or urinary habits may be indicative of serious disease.
More common causes are listed first. Less common causes are listed later.
Healthy dogs occasionally cough due to transient irritation from environmental contaminants such as dust or fumes. However, persistent coughing at a higher than normal frequency has many potential causes.
More common causes are listed first. Less common causes are listed later.
Doxycycline is an antibiotic related to tetracycline. It is effective against a variety of organisms, and is often used to treat bacterial infections. It is the antibiotic of choice for many diseases (such as Lyme disease) that are spread by ticks and some diseases caused by organisms known as Mycoplasma. It is commonly employed in the treatment of respiratory infections and fever of unknown origin in cats.
Lactulose is a very effective laxative that is commonly used in veterinary medicine. It is frequently used in the treatment and prevention of constipation in pets.
Lactulose also is used to treat some types of liver disease.
Lactulose is available as a liquid suspension for oral administration. Lactulose may be administered as an enema by veterinarians.
Adult cats and dogs
Dental disease is by far the most common major health problem of cats and dogs. Despite its name, dental disease does not merely affect the teeth and mouth. Dental disease impacts the entire body, with serious consequences for health, longevity, and well-being.