Your pooch's floppy tongue flaps everywhere... dog panting throughout the day is a very normal sound in your home. Today, though, something sounds different. His panting and heavy breathing is more pronounced, and you're beginning to worry that something may be wrong with your furry friend. But, how do you know?

Is Heavy Dog Breathing Normal?

Some heavy dog breathing and panting is to be expected. According to Vetstreet, 30 to 40 breaths per minute is the average rate of breath in dogs. However, when dogs are stressed, overheated, or have vigorously exercised, they may breathe heavier than normal as a way to calm or cool themselves. Vetstreet reports, "A panting dog can take 300 to 400 breaths per minute." That's 10 times more than normal, which makes sense why you'd be alarmed. Normal panting isn't harmful: "Because of the natural elasticity of the lungs and airways, panting does not expend much energy, nor does it create additional heat." Since heat, weight and exercise bring on panting, take steps to keep your dog cool, calm and healthy, even when the panting is normal.

When Dog Panting Becomes a Problem

While all dogs pant to regulate their body temperature, excessive or abnormal dog panting is a rightful cause for alarm.

Those breeds that have some (or all) of the components of brachycephalic airway syndrome will be predisposed to louder breathing. Vetstreet reports that the excess soft palate tissue "can be accompanied by other upper respiratory tract abnormalities that may predispose them to complete airway obstruction should their tissues become inflamed, which can happen in times of excess heat, stress, exercise and other situations."

Overweight dogs may experience heavy breathing more often than those of average weight, especially when the heavy-set dog is more active than normal, like on a walk or run with you, or in the heat. Keep your dog cool, continue light, quick and consistent exercise, and feed him a healthy, balanced diet to help him lose weight and lessen his chance for abnormal panting.

Laryngeal paralysis is another reason your dog's breathing may suddenly seem more pronounced. When a dog cannot open and close his larynx at the same time as he takes breaths, the sound will be louder and more pronounced. You may even notice some coughing with the dog panting.