QUESTION: I have a 13-year-old Labrador retriever that has been having a hard time breathing. He sounds like a freight train when he breathes.

It has gotten worse as he has gotten older. He seems to be struggling more in the hot weather.

Is there anything I can do to help him?

ANSWER: The most common breathing condition in older Labrador retrievers is laryngeal paralysis. It is when the opening to the larynx is partially paralyzed and does not open and close properly.

The diagnosis can be made by the dog’s medical history and a physical exam. The extent of it can be assessed by giving the dog a dose of anesthetic to visualize the larynx with a scope while the dog breathes to determine the range of movement. If it is deemed severe enough, a surgery can be done to fix the larynx in an open position.

The decision for surgery needs to be evaluated carefully. Although most dogs do well with the surgery, occasionally complications can occur. Some dogs that get the laryngeal tieback surgery can have choking or aspiration of food into the lungs resulting in pneumonia.

The second most common cause of loud or raspy breathing is acid reflux. When a dog has reflux of the stomach, acid comes up the windpipe and into the throat area, causing severe inflammation. Some dogs will also have a cough, gag or reverse sneeze. This can be treated with antacids, protectants and motility modifying medications.

Dogs with mild laryngeal paralysis can do just fine if they are kept indoors in air conditioning during the hot summer months. Dogs need to pant in order to release body heat and cool down — they don’t sweat like humans.

It will help if you have a floor fan that he can lay in front of to help him pant efficiently after he comes in from a walk. Keep all walks in the summer down to less than five minutes, and carry a misting bottle with a fan. It’s good to carry water and a collapsible bowl when going on walks, too.

Walk early morning and late evening. Try to keep your dog off of the hot sidewalk or asphalt. The excess heat absorbed through the foot pads can make your dog overheat fast. Stay in the shady areas and on grass, if possible.

If walking in the city, consider protective footwear for your dog and get him a chill cape. Chill mats at home or a quick dip in a plastic baby pool can also help him cool down.

Many dogs can do well with these simple changes.

Dr. Susan M. Baker practices veterinary medicine in Palm Beach County, Fla.