If you go on walks or play with your dog, you might have noticed them catching their breath with their tongue out. This is called panting. But why do dogs pant?
Panting is natural for dogs, it's something that helps them cool down and catch their breath. Aside from this, dogs also pant for a number of reasons, from common signs to serious concerns that need to be addressed.
In this blog, we're going to talk all about panting in dogs, from what it is to why they do it. We'll also share the ways you can help.
Why Do Dogs Pant?
If you see your dog panting, it could mean a number of different reasons. Here are the common reasons why they do:
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. Dogs rapidly breathe air in and out when they pant. By doing so, they allow the moisture on their tongue, in their mouth, and in their respiratory tract to evaporate.
When this happens, the evaporation lowers the dog’s body temperature. Much like how sweat cools humans, the faster dogs pant, the more heat they can expel.
Physical Activity
Dogs pant 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.
Dog panting after activity is completely normal and should gradually slow down upon rest. Most dogs recover within a few minutes to 30 minutes. The length can vary based on their fitness level, the intensity of the exercise, and weather conditions.
Excitement or Happiness
In some cases, a dog may pant simply because they feel excited or happy. Along with a wagging tail and a jolly expression, some dogs pant to express enthusiasm.
So, even if they aren’t physically exerting themselves, an excited dog gets an increased heart rate. This is what leads to heavier breathing. It’s like they can’t contain themselves. 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 meet new people or pets
You give them their favorite toy
When dogs pant in these situations, there are usually other signs of excitement, especially with their body language. This is completely normal and will usually stop once they relax.
Stress or Anxiety
Some dogs may also pant when they feel stressed, anxious, or scared. You might see this when they pant heavily, even if they haven’t been exercising or staying in the heat of the sun. In this case, dogs pant because they’re emotionally in trouble.
The bodies of stressed or anxious dogs release stress hormones like adrenaline. This increases their heart rate and breathing, leading to panting as a physical response. Here are some instances when you might notice this:
Car rides
Vet visits
Fireworks, thunderstorms, or car horns
New environments and people
Being left alone
When dogs pant because of stress, there will be other accompanying signs, such as pacing and restlessness. Occasional stress-related panting is normal, but when it becomes too frequent, it could be bad for their overall well-being.
Pain or Discomfort
A dog panting excessively is a sign of pain and discomfort. They may pant as a way to cope with the pain they are feeling. Plus, the pain felt increases their own heart rate. Some of the common situations include:
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
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