Panting versus rapid resting respiration
Panting is open-mouth breathing used for heat regulation and can also occur with stress or pain. Resting respiratory rate is best counted when a dog is asleep or quietly resting and not panting. One rise and fall of the chest equals one breath.
Why trends matter
A single number does not diagnose disease, but a persistent increase from your dog's normal sleeping respiratory rate can be useful information, especially in dogs with known heart or lung disease.
Related VetWel guides
See heart problems in pets and why dogs shake.