Your pet's heavy breathing could be an emergency, don't ignore these warning signs

Your pet's heavy breathing is not always harmless panting. It can be an early warning of heatstroke, heart disease, respiratory distress, airway blockage, or lung disease that needs immediate veterinary care. During hot U.S. summer weather, veterinarians are seeing more breathing-related emergencies, especially in older pets, flat-faced dog breeds, and cats. Knowing the difference between normal panting and abnormal breathing could save your pet's life.