Gun Dog Forum

Posting on behalf of my brother who doesn't have an account:
He has a one-year-old female lab who is otherwise healthy; typical lab pup: endless energy; bouncing off the walls with excitement.
He's noticed though that after bouts of exercise (especially playing fetch with her tennis ball): After just a few throws, she's wheezing and panting very heavily. She just lays down, wheezes, and pants very fast. This happens as soon as 5 or 7 throws.
For as young and fit as she is, he's worried about it.
She seems to do ok on trips to the field and long walks - even seems ok running around and playing with other pups.
I'm not sure if she could just be REALLY exerting herself when they're playing fetch?
Or if there could be a real issue here? (heart issues, namely)

He's got a vet appointment, but curious in the meantime.
Thoughts?

When my GSP did this, it was kennel cough. It sounds like a duck when they are wheezing. Mine was vaccinated, but since kennel cough is like the common cold for dog, their are many strains and the vaccine may not cover it

Kennel cough is a disease that will last 2 weeks if you treat it and 14 days if you ignore it. Make up your mind what you need to do.

This doesn't sound like kennel cough to me. I'd keep the appointment

zrp wrote:This doesn't sound like kennel cough to me. I'd keep the appointment

For sure. I'd be concerned about a cardiology problem. But the OP's brother definitely needs more information.

First thing that comes to mind is a heart problem.