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
Heat Stroke
One of the most dangerous reasons why dogs pant is heat stroke, a life-threatening condition caused by excessive heat. Normal panting helps dogs cool down. However, 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
Dogs pant because of heat stroke. Here are the signs you'll observe along with panting:
Excessive drooling
Bright red or blue gums and tongue
Glassy eyes and confusion
Weakness, stumbling, or collapse
Vomiting or diarrhea
Heart Disease
Another reason dogs pant is heart disease. While a healthy heart pumps blood and delivers oxygen-rich blood throughout the body, an inefficient heart struggles to help blood circulate. As a result, dogs may pant excessively to compensate for reduced circulation and oxygen.
Persistent coughing
Lethargy or reluctance to exercise
Fainting or collapse
Swollen belly due to fluid buildup
Rapid or shallow breathing, even when resting
Respiratory Issues
Respiratory problems may make it hard for dogs to breathe, which is another reason why they may pant. Any condition that affects the lungs and airways can cause excessive panting and labored breathing.
This is because their bodies struggle to get enough oxygen. Common respiratory issues include:
Pneumonia
Laryngeal paralysis
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
Obesity
Because of the extra body weight, obese and overweight dogs will have to work harder to regulate their body temperature. This is especially the case when in the sun or during exercise and playtime.
What’s even worse is that obesity can contribute to more health issues that may make dogs pant even more. This includes:
Heart disease
Arthritis
Respiratory issues
Overheating
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
Allergic Reactions or Poisoning
In some cases, dogs pant excessively because of a medical emergency, such as an allergic reaction or poisoning. When a dog ingests something toxic or has a severe allergic response, their body reacts by increasing its heart rate. This triggers respiratory distress and causes excessive panting.
Dogs can have allergic reactions to foods, insect bites, medications, or environmental allergens. In mild cases, allergies may cause itching or sneezing. However, 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. Some foods bad for dogs include:
Chocolate
Grapes and raisins
Xylitol
Certain human medications
Household cleaners and pesticides
Toxic plants like lilies or sago palms
What to Do if Your Dog is Panting Excessively
Take the right steps if your dog is panting more than usual. Dogs pant for various reasons, and when we catch these clues, we can help our best friends feel better. Here's how you can do it:
Help Your Dog Cool Down
If your dog might be overheating, move them to a cooler environment immediately. Let them rest in a cool, shaded area and provide fresh water. Your dog should get better in a few minutes.
Look for Signs of Illness
If this doesn't work, your dog's panting might be caused by other health issues. Check for any accompanying symptoms such as drooling, pale gums, or lethargy. These signs can be indicative of a health problem.
Monitor Breathing Pattern
Unusual or labored breathing is always a problem. When you notice this, seek immediate help.
Check for Stress
Your dog’s panting may come from stress, so always keep an eye out for stress signals such as pacing, restlessness, or whining.
Look for Signs of Pain or Injury
If there's no clear reason why your dog is panting, try to look for injuries, wounds, and cuts.
Avoid Exercising in Hot Weather
Limit activities and always avoid spending too much time in the sun. If you want to walk your dog outside, always look for shade and bring fresh water.
Contact the Vets
If your dog doesn't recover or if any serious signs are present, bring them in for emergency care. Report all your findings to our vets so we can help your dog.
"Paying attention to the small signs is the key to understanding your dog's health, emotions, and unspoken needs."
- Dr. Nenad Misura
Final Thoughts
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, or illness. Knowing which is which helps us keep our dogs safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you calm down a panting dog?
Move your dog to a cool, quiet area, offer water, and use a damp towel on their paws and belly. This will make them feel relaxed. If it's stress-related panting, try gentle petting, soothing words, or calming aids.
Is this painful for dogs?
Panting is not painful for dogs, but excessive and heavy panting is often a sign that they are in pain or experiencing discomfort.
Do certain breeds pant more than others?
Yes, some dogs pant more than others because of their anatomy. For example, brachycephalic breeds such as Pugs and Bulldogs have much shorter snouts and narrow airways. Because of this, they need more effort for air to come in.
When is it considered an emergency?
If your dog is panting excessively and is accompanied by collapse, vomiting, blue or pale gums, or other symptoms of a disease, then this is considered an emergency.
How long does panting last in dogs?
It generally lasts up to 30 minutes and should stop once the dog has cooled down or had enough rest. If panting goes on for longer than 30 minutes, then we recommend seeking professional help.
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