Hot weather can exacerbate breathing issues in pets

Hot weather can exacerbate breathing issues in pets


If your pet has breathing challenges, summer can be a particularly tough time. In fact, you might not even notice issues until the weather gets warm.

Respiratory problems can present in many ways, often involving panting, snorting or raspy breathing and coughing. Dogs might exhibit open-mouth breathing — which can be normal in warm weather — but it’s a much more serious sign in cats, requiring immediate veterinary attention.

Abnormal signs may point to a primary respiratory problem, but they might be symptomatic of problems in other body systems. That’s why it’s important to schedule a veterinary visit as soon as possible, so that examination and diagnostic tests can zero in on the source. In the meantime, keep your pet cool and cut back on exercise.

Related Episodes