Panting is a normal behavior in dogs and is primarily used to regulate their body temperature. However, excessive panting can indicate underlying issues that need veterinary attention. Our Peak Pet Urgent Care team provides a comprehensive look at why dogs pant and explains when you should be concerned.

Normal panting in dogs

Panting involves rapid, shallow, open-mouthed breaths, typically accompanied by a protruding tongue. This process helps your dog regulate their body temperature and can occur for various normal reasons, such as:

  • Thermoregulation — Dogs lack humans’ extensive sweat glands. Instead, they cool down primarily through panting. When your dog pants, air moves over their moist tongue, evaporating moisture, and cooling them down. In hot environments, dogs pant more to help manage their body heat. This is especially true for thick-coated dogs and brachycephalic breeds, such as bulldogs and pugs.
  • Exercise — Physical activity raises your dog’s body temperature and metabolic rate, increasing their oxygen requirements. Panting helps meet this demand and facilitates cooling.
  • Excitement — Excitement and playfulness can trigger panting. This is a natural response to heightened arousal and is common during playtime or when your dog anticipates an enjoyable activity, such as a walk or snack time.
  • Communication — Panting can be part of your dog’s body language, communicating their emotional state to other dogs and humans. It can signify contentment, excitement, or stress, depending on the context.

Excessive panting in dogs

While panting is a normal canine behavior, excessive panting can indicate a problem. Conditions that lead to excessive panting include:

  • Heatstroke — Heatstroke is a potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate veterinary attention. Signs include heavy panting, thick-ropey drool, weakness, red gums, and collapse. If your dog overheats, move them to a cool place, offer cool water, and seek veterinary care as soon as possible. 
  • Pain — Dogs in discomfort or pain often pant. In these cases, your dog’s panting may be accompanied by whimpering, restlessness, or reluctance to move. Look for injuries and consult your veterinarian or our Peak Pet Urgent Care team.
  • Anxiety and stress — Panting can be a stress, fear, or anxiety response. Situations such as thunderstorms, fireworks, or separation anxiety, can trigger excessive panting, which may be accompanied by pacing, whining, and behavioral changes. Identify and minimize stress triggers, provide a calm environment, and consider behavioral training or anxiety-reducing products.
  • Medical conditions — Certain medical conditions can cause excessive panting. Examples include:
    • Heart disease — Dogs with heart disease may pant persistently. Other signs include coughing, lethargy, and difficulty breathing.
    • Respiratory disorders — Dogs with respiratory disorders, such as pneumonia and asthma, can pant excessively.
    • Cushing’s disease — Cushing’s disease is an endocrine disorder that can cause signs such as excessive panting, increased thirst and urination, and a pot-bellied appearance.
    • Obesity — Overweight dogs often find breathing difficult and may pant excessively, despite minimal exertion.

When to seek veterinary care for your dog’s panting

While occasional panting is normal, you should seek veterinary care if your dog shows:

  • Persistent panting — Panting that continues for an extended period without an apparent reason is concerning.
  • Resting panting — If your dog pants heavily while resting in a cool, comfortable environment, they need a veterinary evaluation.
  • Accompanying signs — If your dog’s panting is accompanied by additional signs, such as lethargy, coughing, labored breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, or changes in gum color, seek veterinary care.
  • Behavioral changes — If your dog seems distressed, in pain, or behaves unusually, they need veterinary attention.

Tips to manage your dog’s panting

Tips to help prevent your dog from developing conditions that could lead to excessive panting include:

  • Provide water — Ensure your dog always has access to fresh, clean water, and provide numerous water bowls throughout your house. In addition, pack water bottles and a portable water bowl on outings and allow your dog to drink frequently.
  • Create a cool environment — Use fans, air conditioning, and shaded areas to help keep your dog cool. Never leave them in an unattended vehicle.
  • Moderate exercise — Avoid vigorous exercise during peak heat hours. Opt for early morning or late evening activities.
  • Regular veterinary care — Schedule annual or bi-annual veterinary visits to help detect health conditions in the early stages, before they cause serious problems.

By understanding the typical reasons dogs pant and recognizing normal versus excessive panting, you can better ensure your dog’s comfort and health. If you are concerned about your dog’s panting, contact our Peak Pet Urgent Care team.