I’ll never forget the time my dog started panting excessively during what seemed like a calm afternoon. It wasn’t hot, and she hadn’t been running around. Naturally, I panicked a little, wondering if something was wrong. Over the years, I’ve learned a lot about why dogs pant, what’s normal, and when it might indicate a problem.
Here’s everything I’ve discovered about excessive panting in dogs, how to identify potential issues, and what to do about them.
Quick Answer
Dogs pant to cool themselves down, express excitement, or recover from exercise. However, excessive panting can sometimes signal heatstroke, anxiety, pain, or an underlying health problem. Understanding the cause can help you keep your dog healthy and comfortable.
Normal Reasons for Panting
Panting is the primary way dogs regulate their body temperature. Since dogs don’t sweat like humans, they rely on their respiratory system to cool off. Here are the most common situations where panting is completely normal:
- Exercise: After playtime or a long walk, panting helps dogs recover. My Labrador, for example, starts panting heavily after chasing her ball for just a few minutes.
- Warm Weather: On hot days, panting helps a dog cool down by evaporating moisture from their tongue and lungs.
- Excitement: New visitors or spotting their leash can cause dogs to pant out of sheer happiness and anticipation.
In these cases, panting is nothing to worry about. It’s simply part of how dogs function.
Also read: What to Do If Dog has Diarrhea?
Signs That Panting Could Be a Problem
Not all panting is harmless. Sometimes, it can be a sign of stress, discomfort, or illness. I’ve learned to pay attention to how and when my dog pants to identify when something might be wrong.
1. Stress or Anxiety
Dogs often pant when they’re stressed or anxious. I’ve noticed this in my dog during thunderstorms or fireworks. She’ll pace, pant heavily, and look for a place to hide.
How to Help:
- Create a calm, quiet space for your dog.
- Offer comforting toys or treats.
- If anxiety is frequent, consult a vet about possible solutions.
2. Pain or Discomfort
Panting can indicate that a dog is in pain, especially if it happens unexpectedly or without a clear trigger. When my senior dog started panting heavily at night, it turned out she had arthritis.
What to Watch For:
- Whining or restlessness.
- Limping or reluctance to move.
- Changes in appetite or behavior.
3. Heatstroke
One of the most serious causes of excessive panting is heatstroke. This happens when a dog’s body overheats and can’t cool down quickly enough.
Signs of Heatstroke:
- Rapid or shallow panting.
- Drooling or foaming at the mouth.
- Weakness, vomiting, or collapse.
What to Do:
- Move your dog to a shaded or cool area immediately.
- Wet their fur with cool (not cold) water.
- Offer small amounts of water to drink.
- Contact a vet right away.
4. Respiratory Issues
Breathing problems like laryngeal paralysis or tracheal collapse can cause labored panting. Breeds with short noses, like bulldogs and pugs, are particularly at risk.
When to Worry:
- Wheezing or noisy breathing.
- Struggling to catch their breath.
5. Heart Problems
Heart disease can also cause excessive panting. I’ve seen this with a friend’s older dog, who would pant heavily even when resting. Other signs include coughing, lethargy, and swelling in the abdomen.
6. Cushing’s Disease
Cushing’s disease, a condition where the body produces too much cortisol, is another possible cause. It’s more common in older dogs and often comes with other symptoms like increased thirst, hunger, and a pot-bellied appearance.
How to Respond to Excessive Panting
When my dog starts panting more than usual, I go through these steps to figure out the cause:
1. Assess the Situation:
Is it hot? Did my dog just exercise? Or could she be feeling stressed? Understanding the context helps me determine if the panting is normal.
2. Check for Other Symptoms:
I look for signs of pain, overheating, or illness, such as limping, drooling, or unusual behavior.
3. Help Cool Them Down:
On warm days, I make sure my dog has access to shade, fresh water, and a cool place to rest. Avoiding midday walks in the heat is a simple but effective precaution.
4. Take Notes:
If panting happens frequently or seems unusual, I jot down when it occurs, how long it lasts, and any other observations. This information is invaluable for the vet.
5. Visit the Vet if Needed:
If I suspect an underlying health issue, I don’t hesitate to schedule a check-up. Early intervention can make a huge difference.
Preventive Tips for Healthy Panting
Here are a few habits I follow to ensure my dog pants only for the right reasons:
- Keep Cool in Summer: Walk during cooler times of day, and always carry water for long outings.
- Monitor Activity Levels: While exercise is important, I make sure not to overexert my dog, especially on warm days.
- Maintain Regular Vet Visits: Annual check-ups help catch potential issues early.
- Manage Stress: Recognizing and reducing stressors, like loud noises or changes in routine, keeps my dog calm and happy.
When to Call the Vet
I’ve learned that it’s always better to err on the side of caution. I contact the vet if:
- Panting is constant or unusually heavy.
- It happens at rest or in cool conditions.
- There are other worrying signs like vomiting, lethargy, or collapse.
Final Thoughts
Excessive panting in dogs can be caused by anything from excitement to serious health problems. Knowing what’s normal and when to seek help is key to keeping dogs healthy and happy.
Understanding my dog’s panting habits has helped me become a more attentive pet owner. Whether it’s cooling her down on a hot day or seeking advice for unusual behavior, I’m always ready to act. After all, ensuring her well-being is my top priority!