Breathing Trouble

[Ling]

My Mai Ling has been panting heavily for the last few days. It has been hot and humid here but we have our central air on. Her coloring is good, but the panting has not stopped. I am increasingly worried as she is 13 years old and she keeps looking at me as if I need to stop what is bothering her. She has always done this, whether it be an ear itch or eye bother. But this time I cannot stop her worries no matter what I do. When do you know when it is time to go to the doctor, Rona??

[6 Beautiful Pugs]

At her age I would take her in...or preferably have a mobile vet come out to see her, since it's much less stressful.

Good luck, poor sweetie. I love the seniors.

Take care,
Lisa

[518dark-rose]

I hope shes ok x

[FourteenLegs]

Stacy, I'm so sorry your precious girl seems to be having problems! I'd definitely book a visit for the vet, for a full senior work-up, including blood and urine. Hoping she's just feeling the humidity, rather than anything serious. Sometimes age makes them more sensitive to these things. I know LouLou was more prone to bouts of extended panting in her twilight years and it DID worry me. I laid her on a damp towel and turned a fan on near her (as well as having the a/c turned to arctic. It did help! But even then I had her at the vets for check-ups VERY regularly. If the vet can't find anything amiss (hoping!!), maybe buy her a cooling mat. Please let me know how she is.

[shaynapug]

Seeing the vet finding nothing big amiss....and that you find a way to make her more comfy!

[Pugpillow]

Have the vet check her heart. I've had two seniors with congestive heart failure (Mei-Ling and now Betsy) which makes breathing difficult at times. Fluid collects around the heart and lungs and causes constriction. This is not fixable but you can extend quality and quantity of life with heart medications - diuretics and blood pressure pills. Ask the vet about this.