just got home from a long day at the dog park, and my lab, Mr. Wiggles, is panting like he's run a marathon... at midnight. my partner says he's just dreaming of chasing squirrels, but should i be worried?

Hey there! I totally understand why Mr. Wiggles panting like that might freak you out a bit, especially after such a fun day at the park. 😊 Let's make sure everything's okay.

Dogs often pant to cool down or after heavy exercise, but if Mr. Wiggles is still panting heavily several hours later, it’s good to keep an eye on a few things:

• Check his gum color – they should be nice and pink, not pale or bluish.
• See if his breathing is labored or rapid beyond just panting.
• Notice if there’s any excess drooling, vomiting, or if he seems lethargic or unresponsive.
• Monitor to ensure he’s drinking water and not overheating.

If Mr. Wiggles does get into human foods that could be toxic, like chocolate, grapes, or medications like paracetamol (also known as acetaminophen), call a vet immediately as these can be dangerous. The general rule is to never self-medicate a pet without professional guidance.

If he vomits, has diarrhea, or seems unwell in other ways, it could require attention, but if none of these symptoms are present, you might be okay just monitoring him for now. You can encourage him to drink some water to stay hydrated and keep him in a cool space.

If he continues heavy panting and you're uncomfortable with his condition, or if any of the more concerning symptoms pop up, reach out to a vet for guidance as soon as possible.

Rest assured, these post-exercise panting sessions usually pass without issue, especially after a big romp at the park!

If you're unsure or your pet’s symptoms worsen, it's best to book a call with a vet on Dial A Vet for professional advice.