If you’ve ever watched your dog after a long walk or a play session, you’ve probably noticed them panting with their tongue hanging out. But why do dogs pant?

Panting is a natural behavior for dogs. It helps them cool down, regulate their breathing, and even communicate emotions like excitement or stress. Unlike humans, who sweat to release heat, dogs have very few sweat glands, mostly located on their paw pads and the iconic wet nose. This means they rely on panting as their primary way to prevent overheating.

However, panting isn’t always about temperature control. Sometimes, dogs pant due to excitement, pain, or health issues. While it’s usually harmless, certain types of panting can cause serious problems that might need our attention.

Here’s everything you need to know about why dogs pant:

1. Cooling Down

One of the most common reasons why dogs pant is to regulate their body temperature. Unlike humans, who sweat to cool down, dogs have very few sweat glands, and those they do have are mainly on their paw pads. This makes sweating an ineffective way for them to release heat. Instead, dogs rely on panting as their primary cooling mechanism.

When a dog pants, it rapidly breathes in and out, allowing moisture on their tongue, mouth, and upper respiratory tract to evaporate. This evaporation helps lower their body temperature, much like how sweat cools humans when it evaporates from the skin. The faster they pant, the more heat they can expel.

2. Physical Activity

Another common reason why dogs pant is simply because they’ve been active. Just like humans breathe harder after a workout, dogs pant to increase oxygen intake after physical exertion. When a dog runs, plays, or engages in any kind of physical activity, their muscles require more oxygen.

The harder a dog exercises, the heavier they will pant. For example, a dog that has been chasing a ball for 10 minutes will pant much more than a dog that simply walked across the yard.

Panting after activity is completely normal and should gradually slow down once the dog rests. Most dogs recover within a few minutes to 15 minutes, depending on their fitness level, the intensity of the exercise, and the weather conditions.

3. Excitement or Happiness

Sometimes, dogs pant simply because they’re happy or excited. Just like a wagging tail or playful jumps, panting can be a natural way for dogs to express enthusiasm.

When dogs get excited, their heart rate increases and their body becomes more active even if they’re not physically exerting themselves. This increase in energy and movement leads to heavier breathing, which presents as panting. 

You may notice this when:

• You come home after being away.

• They’re about to go for a walk or ride in the car.

• They see a favorite toy or another pet they love to play with.

• They’re meeting new people or dogs.

  
  

Panting in these situations is usually accompanied by other signs of excitement, like a wagging tail, bright eyes, and playful body language. Panting from excitement is completely normal and usually stops once the dog calms down. 

4. Stress or Anxiety

Sometimes, dogs pant because they are stressed, anxious, or scared. If your dog is panting heavily but hasn’t been exercising or exposed to heat, they could be experiencing emotional distress.

When a dog feels anxious, its body releases stress hormones like adrenaline, which increase its heart rate and breathing. This leads to panting as a physical response to anxiety. You might notice this type of panting in situations such as:

• Vet visits or medical exams.

• Car rides.

• Fireworks, thunderstorms, or loud noises.

• New environments or unfamiliar people.

• Being left alone.

  
  

Unlike excitement panting, which is usually paired with happy body language, stress panting often comes with signs of discomfort like pacing or restlessness. Occasional stress-related panting is normal, but if your dog pants frequently due to anxiety, it can negatively impact their well-being. 

5. Pain or Discomfort

Excessing panting can also be a sign that a dog is in pain or discomfort. When dogs are in pain or uncomfortable, they may pant excessively as a way to cope with pain. This is characterized by increased heart rate and respiration. 

When a dog is in pain, their body responds by increasing heart rate and respiration, which can lead to panting. Pain-related panting may be caused by:

• Injuries or trauma, such as sprains, cuts, or fractures.

• Internal discomfort, like bloating, stomach issues, or organ disease.

• Post-surgery recovery.

• Arthritis or joint pain, especially in older dogs.

Along with panting, dogs may show other signs of pain and discomfort. These include:

• Whining, whimpering, or groaning.

• Limping or avoiding movement.

• Licking or biting a specific area.

• Restlessness or inability to get comfortable.

• Loss of appetite or reluctance to eat.

6. Heatstroke

One of the most dangerous reasons why dogs pant is heat stroke, a life-threatening condition caused by excessive heat. Unlike normal panting, which helps dogs cool down, panting due to heat stroke is extreme, frantic, and often ineffective at regulating body temperature. 

Heatstroke happens because of extreme heat conditions or too much exercise. This can happen when:

• A dog is left in a hot car, even for a few minutes.

• They exercise in extreme heat without breaks.

• They don’t have access to shade or water in warm weather.

• They are a flat-faced breed or have thick fur.

While dogs can pant because of heat stroke, there are signs to take note of:

• Excessive drooling.

• Bright red or blue gums and tongue.

• Glassy eyes and confusion.

• Weakness, stumbling, or collapse.

• Vomiting or diarrhea.

7. Heart Disease

Another serious reason why dogs pant is heart disease. When a dog’s heart isn’t working efficiently, their body struggles to circulate oxygen-rich blood. As a result, the dog may pant excessively to compensate for the lack of oxygen and to help regulate their breathing.

A healthy heart pumps blood efficiently, helping deliver oxygen to muscles and organs. When a dog has heart disease, their heart has to work harder.

Signs of heart-related panting include:

• Persistent coughing.

• Lethargy or reluctance to exercise.

• Fainting or collapse.

• Swollen belly due to fluid buildup.

• Rapid or shallow breathing, even when resting.

8. Respiratory Issues

Another possible reason why dogs pant is due to respiratory issues that make it harder for them to breathe normally. Since panting is part of a dog’s breathing process, any condition affecting the lungs, airways, or throat can cause excessive or labored panting.

When a dog’s respiratory system isn’t working properly, they struggle to get enough oxygen. This causes them to pant more in an attempt to breathe easier. 

Several conditions can lead to abnormal panting, including:

• Pneumonia

• Laryngeal Paralysis 

• Collapsed Trachea

• Chronic Bronchitis 

If a dog’s panting is due to a respiratory problem, they may also show:

• Coughing or wheezing.

• Bluish gums or tongue.

• Shallow or labored breathing.

• Fatigue or reluctance to move.

9. Obesity

One of the most common reasons why dogs pant excessively is obesity. Carrying extra weight puts more strain on a dog’s body, making everyday activities like walking, playing, and even breathing more difficult.

Excess fat makes it harder for a dog to regulate body temperature, leading to increased panting, even with minimal exertion. Because overweight dogs struggle to cool down, they may pant excessively even when resting or in mild temperatures. This is why it’s important to help your dogs lose weight.

If your dog is overweight and pants more than usual, look for other signs, such as:

• Panting after minimal activity, like walking a short distance.

• Difficulty getting up or moving around.

• Wheezing or labored breathing.

• Lack of stamina and frequent need to rest.

10. Allergic Reactions or Poisoning

In some cases, why dogs pant excessively comes down to a medical emergency, which can be an allergic reaction or poisoning. When a dog ingests something toxic or has a severe allergic response, their body reacts by increasing heart rate, triggering respiratory distress, and causing excessive panting.

Dogs can have allergic reactions to foods, insect bites, medications, or environmental allergens. In mild cases, allergies may cause itching or sneezing, but severe allergic reactions can cause rapid, heavy panting and swelling.

Signs of a severe allergic reaction include:

• Sudden, excessive panting.

• Swollen face, lips, or throat.

• Red, irritated skin.

• Drooling and pawing at the mouth.

• Weakness or collapse.

Additionally, panting may be one of the first symptoms if a dog consumes something toxic. Toxins can affect the nervous system, heart, or lungs, leading to rapid breathing, confusion, or even seizures.

Common household snacks and toxins that can cause excessive panting include:

• Chocolate.

• Grapes and raisins.

• Xylitol.

• Certain human medications.

• Household cleaners and pesticides.

• Toxic plants like lilies or sago palms.

Paying attention to the small signs is the key to understanding your dog's health, emotions, and unspoken needs.

- Dr. Rokas Proscevicius

Conclusion

So, why do dogs pant? In most cases, it’s completely normal. Dogs pant to cool down, recover from exercise, or express excitement. However, excessive or unusual panting can also be a sign of stress, pain, obesity, or serious health conditions like heart disease, heatstroke, or poisoning.

As our dogs’ caretakers, paying attention to your best friend's panting habits can help you catch potential problems early. If your dog is panting more than usual and showing other concerning symptoms, don’t hesitate to contact us.