My Female Dog Is Crying and Panting Identifying the Cause and Finding Relief

If your female dog is crying and panting, it's essential to identify the cause of her distress to provide relief.

Heat stress can cause panting and crying in dogs, especially during hot weather.

Dogs can quickly overheat, especially if they're not acclimated to the heat or don't have access to shade and water.

A dog's normal body temperature is around 100.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit, but it can rise rapidly during heat stress.

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My female dog is crying and panting - it's a worrying sight, isn't it? Excessive panting can be a sign of discomfort, overheating, or even disease.

The normal breathing rate for dogs is between 10 to 40 breaths per minute at rest, so if your dog is panting more than usual, it's worth investigating further.

Dogs are individuals, and their panting behavior can vary depending on their breed, age, fitness, and lifestyle. A very unfit dog may pant for longer after a walk than a very fit and active dog.

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If your dog is panting excessively, it's essential to know what's normal for them. You'll get to know their normal panting behavior over time, and you'll be able to spot any changes.

Excessive panting might also mean your dog pants in a situation where they didn't use to, so it's not only about the duration of the panting but also the circumstances.

Here are some possible causes of excessive panting in dogs:

Pain is a common cause of panting, and it can be caused by various factors, including arthritis, cystitis, back pain, or toothache. If your dog is panting, it could be a sign that they are painful.

If you suspect that your dog's panting is caused by disease, look out for signs such as rapid breathing, shallow breathing, or open-mouthed breathing. These can be indicative of heart failure, lung ailments, or metabolic abnormalities.

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Stress in dogs can be identified by a range of physical and behavioral signs, including pacing or shaking, whining or barking, and yawning, drooling, and licking.

Prolonged and intense yawning can be a sign of stress in dogs, whereas normal yawning is often accompanied by a relaxed body posture.

Dogs may also exhibit changes in their eyes and ears, such as dilated pupils and rapid blinking, which can be indicative of stress.

A stressed dog may also display changes in body posture, such as shifting their weight to their rear legs or cowering, and may tuck their tail or become rigid.

Shedding can also be a sign of stress in dogs, particularly in situations like visiting the veterinary clinic.

Panting, even in the absence of exercise, can be a sign of stress in dogs.

Dogs may also exhibit changes in bodily functions, such as a sudden urge to urinate, refusal of food, and loss of bowel function, which can be indicative of stress.

If you suspect your dog is stressed, it's essential to remove them from the stressor and provide a quiet space for them to regroup.

Resist the urge to overly comfort your dog, as this can sometimes exacerbate the situation.

Fear and anxiety in dogs are more common than you think. Veterinarians estimate that 50% of dogs and cats suffer from some form of fear, anxiety, or phobia.

Fear is a natural response, but it can become problematic if it's abnormal or inappropriate. A dog may exhibit a fear response around a certain person, object, or in a specific situation, especially in new situations or environments. For example, puppies are often scared the first few times they face going down the stairs.

Some common signs of anxiety in dogs include tucking their tail, avoiding interactions, whining or whimpering, and panting. These behaviors can be subtle, but they can also be obvious, such as trying to hide or escape.

Here are some common signs of anxiety in dogs:

If you suspect your dog is experiencing anxiety, it's essential to consult with a veterinarian or a trained professional to determine the best course of action.

Recognizing the signs of anxiety in dogs is crucial to providing them with the help they need.

Tucking their tail is a common sign of anxiety in dogs. It's a subtle behavior that can be easily overlooked, but it's a clear indication that your dog is feeling nervous or scared.

Avoiding interactions is another obvious sign of anxiety. If your dog is normally friendly and outgoing, but suddenly starts avoiding playtime or snuggles, it's a red flag.

Whining or whimpering is a vocal cue that your dog is feeling anxious. It's a sound that can be heartbreaking to hear, and it's a clear indication that your dog needs some comfort and reassurance.

Pacing is a sign of anxiety that can be easily mistaken for excitement. However, if your dog is pacing back and forth in a room, it's likely because they're feeling anxious or stressed.

Trying to hide or escape is a clear sign of anxiety. If your dog is normally a social butterfly, but suddenly starts trying to hide under the bed or escape from the room, it's a sign that they're feeling overwhelmed.

Here are some common signs of anxiety in dogs:

Fear is a normal response in dogs, and it's common for them to feel scared or anxious in new situations or environments. In fact, veterinarians estimate that 50% of dogs and cats suffer from some form of fear, anxiety, or phobia.

A fear response can occur at any time, but it's usually triggered by the same specific thing or situation each time. For example, a dog may be scared of going down the stairs, or they may be fearful of loud noises.

Fear becomes a problem when the reaction is abnormal or inappropriate, going beyond "just a little nervous" to something more severe. Persistent, excessive fear of a specific stimulus (trigger), left unaddressed, can lead to phobias.

Here are some common signs of intermittent anxiety in dogs:

These behaviors can be subtle, but if they're persistent or extreme, they may be a sign of underlying anxiety. If you're concerned about your dog's behavior, it's always best to consult with a veterinarian or a trained professional for guidance.

Engaging in brain-working activities can help anxious dogs take their mind off of their worries. This can include interactive games like fetch or tug of war, or giving them challenging treat puzzles.

Doing at least 20 minutes daily of a brain-working activity will help reduce anxiety. A tired dog is a happy dog, after all!

Calming music has been proven to help pets suffering from anxiety, including separation anxiety. Tools like PetTunes can give great comfort to stress-out pups.

Interactive games and brain-working activities can provide a similar benefit for dogs as they do for humans, helping to reduce stress levels and calm the mind.

If your dog is crying and panting, it's essential to consult a health professional to determine the cause of their distress. Don't hesitate to talk to your veterinarian or use a telehealth tool like The Kinship to discuss your dog's behavior.

Your veterinarian can provide options such as behavior modification or medication and help determine if there is an underlying health issue. They can also help identify a comprehensive treatment plan, including medications, to alleviate stress in your pet.

If your dog's panting persists and you can't find an obvious cause, it's time to see a vet. Keep an eye out for changes in their thirst, appetite, and how often they pee, as your vet might ask you about these details.

If your dog ingests poison, they will experience severe stomach pains, leading to crying and shaking. This is a clear sign that your dog needs immediate attention.

Do a quick examination of your home to see if your dog has gotten into rodent poison or household cleaners. If so, get them to the vet ASAP.

The vet will give them a medication that coats and protects the stomach lining, helping to prevent further damage.

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If your dog's behavior is deteriorating quickly and becoming problematic, it's time to consult a health professional.

Not all dogs respond to at-home remedies to treat anxiety, and a dog's anxiety can be related to other health issues.

Consultation with a trained professional, such as a veterinarian, is often the best course of action for treating your pet's anxiety or stress levels.

Veterinarians can provide options such as behavior modification or medication and can help determine if there is an underlying health issue.

If your dog has started panting more often or for longer than before, and you can't find an obvious or fixable cause, it's time to see a vet.

This is especially important if panting isn't their only symptom, and you should be on the lookout for changes in their thirst, appetite, and how often they pee.

Consider scheduling a pet check-up at home or a virtual vet visit with a telehealth tool like The Kinship or BetterVet.

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