rottie mix is panting, expelling steam. it is 55 degrees outside, and he is not exerted. any ideas?

Question

this is sudden - and the steamy breath is heavy. it is the middle of the day. he is not distressed and is lively.

Answer 1

Dogs pant to lower their body temperature because they cannot sweat like humans do. Body heat is removed via evaporation from the surface of the tongue. So the expelling steam goes along with panting, but you need to figure out why your dog is so overheated if he has not been active. He could have a fever or be dehydrated. Provide him with plenty of fresh water. You can check his temperature with a rectal thermometer. Normal temperature is 103, but it can vary 1-2 degrees if your dog is stressed. If he has a fever over 105 degrees, he should see a vet immediately.

Aside from that, excessive panting can be a sign of stress. It also is common in dogs who are obese. If stress and obesity are not applicable to your dog, I would visit the vet. There are several conditions like heart disease that can lower a dog's ability to carry oxygen rich blood to the body's cells. I don't think you have an emergency situation on your hands, but I would schedule an appointment with your vet for a checkup as soon as you can. It's always best to rule these things out.

Answer 2

Rotties are excited dogs. They will play until they pass out if they are having a good time. So keep an eye on your when you are playing with him. If he gets too out of breath (enough to make you wonder if he's going to die on you) make him take a breather and get some water.

The panting at 55 degrees, well he's covered with fur, the only way his body sheds excess heat is through his mouth. Humans loose heat through their skin, perspiration, and breathing. We don't realize it because it's a subtle process for us, a dog pants. My Rottie pants just to pant sometimes.

rotties like to work. Getting things, pulling things, running etc.. It's in their blood. If they can't do anything they get bored, depressed and start getting angry and destructive. You could take him to the vet just to be sure, but he is probably fine.

Answer 3

You need to take him to your veterinarian and have him examined. If he is over 6 he is elderly and could have a serious problem. If he is having that much trouble breathing he needs to be seen immediately by your vet.

Answer 4

was he just running around? It might be something like that. Or, some strenuous activity (ie, getting up) has exhausted him. Ours do that all the time. Such fun, lazy dogs lol.