Panting and hacking in dogs can be alarming signs that your dog may be experiencing respiratory distress or illness.
While occasional panting after exercise is normal, persistent panting combined with hacking can indicate underlying health issues that need attention.
We outline the common causes of dog panting and hacking, what you can do, and when to seek veterinary help.
Dog Panting and Hacking — Why It Happens
Dog panting and hacking often occur together when a dog’s respiratory system is irritated or compromised. Panting helps regulate temperature and oxygen intake, while hacking is a reflex to clear the airways, triggered by mucus, inflammation, or obstruction in the throat or lungs.
This combination of symptoms can result from environmental triggers such as smoke, dust, or allergens, as well as infections like kennel cough or pneumonia. In older dogs, heart disease, collapsing trachea, or chronic respiratory conditions may also lead to panting and hacking.
In some cases, the hacking may sound like gagging or coughing fits after activity or excitement. Persistent panting and hacking can also indicate that your dog is struggling to breathe comfortably.
Dog Panting and Hacking: Common Causes
Kennel Cough
Kennel cough is a highly contagious respiratory infection that causes dogs to hack, cough, and sometimes gag.
Affected dogs may also pant, have a runny nose, and show signs of fatigue or reduced appetite.
While often mild, kennel cough can become serious in puppies, elderly dogs, or those with compromised immune systems. Veterinary care may be needed to relieve symptoms and prevent secondary infections.
Read more: Dog Constantly Hacking (Causes and what to do)
Heart Disease
Heart disease in dogs can lead to difficulty breathing, panting, and hacking due to fluid buildup in the lungs or reduced oxygen circulation.
Symptoms may include coughing, lethargy, exercise intolerance, and a bluish tongue or gums in severe cases.
Early detection and management are critical, as untreated heart disease can significantly affect a dog’s quality of life and longevity.
Collapsing Trachea
Small breed dogs are prone to collapsing trachea, which causes a honking cough, hacking, and increased panting, especially during excitement or activity.
You may notice coughing fits when their dog is active or anxious, and the dog may adopt a hunched posture to ease breathing.
Veterinary evaluation and treatment can help manage symptoms and reduce the risk of respiratory complications.
Respiratory Infections
Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections of the respiratory tract can cause hacking, panting, sneezing, and nasal discharge.
Dogs with these infections may appear lethargic, lose appetite, or have a fever.
Prompt veterinary care, including medications or supportive therapy, is essential to prevent the infection from worsening and affecting other organs.
Allergies or Irritants
Environmental allergens like pollen, dust, smoke, or chemicals can irritate a dog’s airways, leading to panting and hacking.
Dogs may show additional signs such as watery eyes, sneezing, itching, or rubbing their face against surfaces.
Identifying and reducing exposure to triggers, along with veterinary guidance, can help manage symptoms and prevent chronic respiratory issues.
Heatstroke or Overheating
Extreme heat can cause dogs to pant excessively and hack as their body struggles to regulate temperature.
Other warning signs include drooling, weakness, vomiting, and collapse in severe cases.
Immediate intervention with cooling measures and veterinary attention is necessary to prevent heatstroke, which can be life-threatening.
What to Do If Your Dog Is Panting and Hacking
Observe your dog closely to determine whether the panting and hacking are occasional or persistent. Note the timing, duration, and any patterns linked to activity, environment, or exposure to other animals.
Create a calm and comfortable environment, minimizing exposure to potential irritants like smoke or strong fragrances. Ensure your dog has access to fresh water and a quiet space to rest.
If respiratory infections or allergies are suspected, monitor for other symptoms such as nasal discharge, sneezing, or lethargy. Consult your veterinarian for appropriate testing and treatment options, which may include medications or environmental adjustments.
Keep track of your dog’s breathing and coughing patterns, especially during exercise or stress. Gradual acclimation to triggers and maintaining a consistent routine can help reduce anxiety-induced panting and hacking.
Seek professional advice if you notice any changes in appetite, energy, or general behavior, as these can indicate a more serious underlying condition requiring prompt intervention.
Related: Dog Constant Hacking Cough (Why it happens)
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
Seek immediate veterinary attention if your dog is panting and hacking accompanied by difficulty breathing, bluish gums, collapse, or signs of extreme distress.
Persistent panting and hacking, even without severe distress, should prompt a veterinary visit to rule out infections, heart disease, collapsing trachea, or other medical conditions. Early diagnosis can improve outcomes and prevent complications.
Older dogs or those with pre-existing conditions that suddenly develop panting and hacking require prompt evaluation. Timely care can prevent progression of potentially life-threatening respiratory or cardiac issues.
Read more: Dog Panting and Gasping (Could it be serious?)
Key Takeaway
Panting and hacking in dogs can result from respiratory infections, heart disease, tracheal collapse, allergies, or environmental stressors. While occasional panting may be normal, persistent or unexplained episodes should never be ignored.
Creating a safe environment, observing your dog’s symptoms, maintaining routine care, and seeking veterinary attention when necessary are essential steps in keeping your dog healthy and comfortable.
Timely intervention ensures proper treatment, alleviates discomfort, and supports your dog’s overall well-being.