licking chops & heavy breathing

Question
I have a 13 yr old yellow lab.  He is constantly licking his chops. He also is breathing heavy as if he has a cold when he finally falls asleep.  At night when it is time to go to bed he will lay down, get up, lick chops, whine, lay down, lick chops, have to go out lay down lick chops...I will wake up to him licking his chops or his loud breathing.  Is this just old age or stress?

Answer
Hi Jen,

Whenever an elderly dog has a change in it's normal behavior, it should be examined by a veterinarian.

The whining, loud breading, and an inability to settle down sounds like your dog is in pain.   The licking of his chops though a little obsessive, can just be a means of self-comforting. That said, have you checked your dog's mouth to see if there is something stuck in his gums, or if there are signs of inflammation?

What's the use of guessing at what your dog's problem might be? You need answers.

Best of luck,

Patti