Is this a big problem? Excessive Panting? Stress Related or more Serious?

Question

First off I do have an appointment at the vet on Tuesday at 9am(It is Sunday at 5:35pm)

Little History

I just got a 5 month old Shih Tzu.

Here is the only thing that is really "wrong" which from some reason is pointing to her being "stressed" since she was 5 months old when I took her from her "mother/owner"

She will play/rough house/eat/rest/etc but will be panting most of the time. Like she is hot(I know panting is dogs way of "sweating"). She will keep running and playing and get water and it does not seem to be affecting her. If you pick her up and love on her or take her outside to go to the bathroom she will not be panting.

When she is resting/napping she is definitely breathing/panting harder than it seems like she should be. I have an appointment at the vet for Thursday but I think I am going to do my best to switch it to Monday/Tuesday.

Thanks for any peace of mind you guys can give me until Tuesday Or warnings. She has all her shots/clear bill of health up to this point

Answer 1

Only a guess and the dog is very young to have had this but, kennel cough often after it is cured leaves a dog short of breath.

Answer 2

I don't think waiting a day or too extra will be that big of a deal, She just may be a hyper active lil one... If your local temps are high that may be a cause as well.... Humidity also plays a factor...it doesnt seem to be effecting her normal life, playing, eating, resting.... My one dogs pants in her sleep and when I question the vet, they told me it was really no big deal.

Good Luck

Answer 3

yes, it could be a very big problem. the flat or smooshy faced dogs have inherent breathing problems to begin with.

excessive activity will only exacerbate the problem - since dogs don't sweat, they only way they can release heat is by panting - so by creating more heat the panting increases.

This type of dog is at very high risk of heat stroke.