A few months ago, I was sitting on the couch with Zola,  our stubborn old terrier who thinks she runs the house (because, well, she kind of does). She was snoring gently on my lap, her warm little body curled into a comma, when suddenly she gave this odd, wheezy gasp.

It wasn’t quite a cough. Not quite a sneeze. Just a noisy, forceful breath that made me pause.

I’m a vet. I know the drill. I’ve listened to hundreds of dogs breathe, snort, pant and wheeze. But in that split second? I was just a dog mum. My stomach dropped. My brain started racing: Is it her lungs? Is she in pain? Should I check her gums? Is this it?

That moment of panic? That’s what probably brought you here. If your senior dog has been breathing heavily, struggling to catch their breath, or just seems “off,” I hear you. It’s scary. Especially when they can’t tell us what’s wrong.

So let’s talk about what’s normal, what’s not, and when it’s time to get help.

First Things First,  What’s Not Normal?

Let’s say your dog is panting a little more on hot days or after a walk. That’s usually fine, even in older dogs. But if you’re seeing:

• Laboured breathing while resting
  
• Fast, shallow breaths for no clear reason
  
• Gagging or choking sounds
  
• Flared nostrils or open-mouth breathing in a cool room
  
• Pale or blue gums
  

That’s when we start paying serious attention.

Senior dogs don’t have the same bounce-back as younger ones. Their lungs aren’t as elastic, their muscles don’t work as hard, and they may tire faster. Still, breathing shouldn’t look difficult.

If your dog looks like they’re trying to suck air through a straw, something’s up.

So What Could Be Causing It?

A lot, honestly. And that’s why it can feel so overwhelming.

Let’s break it down.

1. Respiratory stuff
This one’s the most obvious. Lung infections, chronic bronchitis, or even a bit of fluid buildup in the chest can make breathing a chore. You might hear a crackly sound when they breathe. Or maybe that persistent cough that sounds like they’ve swallowed a kazoo.

Old dogs, especially smaller breeds, can develop chronic airway problems. Think of it like doggy asthma, but without the puffers.

2. Nose and throat drama
Sometimes the issue isn’t in the lungs at all. It’s up top.

Laryngeal paralysis is a sneaky one. It happens when the muscles around the voice box get weak and stop opening properly. So when your dog breathes in, not enough air gets through. You’ll hear a hoarse, raspy sound, especially when they’re excited or it’s hot.

Big dogs like Labs are classic for this. And if your dog snores louder than your partner, that’s a clue too.

3. Pain or anxiety
Here’s something people often miss. A dog in pain will often breathe faster. Not always because they can’t breathe, but because they’re stressed. Or uncomfortable. Or both.

Same goes for dogs with anxiety. I’ve seen plenty of sweet oldies pant their heads off at the vet, even when their vitals are totally normal.

So ask yourself: is this happening only during certain situations? Like fireworks? The car? The vet’s office? Could be fear. Could be discomfort. Doesn’t mean we ignore it, but it might not be a medical emergency.

4. Obesity
We’ve all been there. A few extra treats. Less running around. Next thing you know, your dog’s looking a bit rounder than usual.

Extra weight makes breathing harder. The chest has to work more to expand. And fat can build up around the airways too. Even a few extra kilos can tip the balance.

Don’t beat yourself up, just know it’s something that can be managed.

5. Something more serious
Yes, there’s the scary stuff too. Tumors in the chest. Heart failure. Neurological conditions that mess with the muscles involved in breathing.

These aren’t the first things we jump to. But they are reasons to get things checked out early. Especially if symptoms are getting worse, not better.

When Should You Call Your Vet?

Look, you know your dog. You know what their normal looks like.

If they’re breathing heavily and nothing seems to calm it down, call.
If they collapse, or you notice blue gums, that’s an emergency.
If you just have a gut feeling something’s not right, trust it.

I’d much rather see a dog and say “everything’s okay” than have someone wait too long.

Sometimes all we need is a good listen with the stethoscope. Other times we might do chest x-rays, bloodwork, or refer for an ultrasound. None of it means it’s the end. It just gives us answers, and dogs do better when we don’t guess.

What You Can Do at Home

While you’re waiting for that vet appointment (or just monitoring things), here are a few things that can help:

• Keep your dog cool. Fans, AC, shaded spots, whatever works.
  
• Avoid walks in the heat. Older dogs don’t regulate temperature as well.
  
• Watch for patterns. Is it worse at night? After food? After barking? Take notes.
  
• Stay calm. Dogs feed off our energy, and if you’re panicking, they might panic too.
  

And hey, if your vet gives the all-clear, don’t feel silly for going in. You were being proactive. That’s how we keep them around longer.

Real Life Isn’t Always Textbook

I’ve had clients call me because their dog “sounded funny,” only for it to be a one-off snore. I’ve also had folks wait a bit too long, thinking it was just age catching up, only to find their dog needed oxygen and fast meds.

There’s no perfect formula.

But here’s a tip from someone who’s worn both hats,  vet and dog mum,  if you’re up at night watching your old dog breathe and wondering “Should I be worried?” that’s your answer. Get it checked.

We can’t always fix everything. But catching things early gives us more options. And often, it’s something manageable.

Zola? Turns out she had a touch of inflammation from allergies. A quick course of meds and she was back to snoring like a little motorbike.

Sometimes it’s nothing. Sometimes it’s something. But you’ll sleep better knowing for sure.

So if your old mate is huffing and puffing a little more than usual, don’t shrug it off. Pay attention. Ask questions. Don’t wait until it’s a full-on emergency.

Our dogs can’t tell us when they’re struggling, but they do show us, if we’re willing to watch closely.

And isn’t that what love really is?

What’s your senior dog trying to tell you with their breath?