My dog is panting…Why?

Panting in dogs can be a completely normal behaviour, but it could also indicate underlying issues. There are several reasons why a dog may pant, including:

Heat

Happy and active dogs will pant to cool themselves down, as they do not sweat like humans. As a dog rapidly inhales, they humidify the air and then exhale the air, causing evaporation of water which cools the body.  A large amount of water can be evaporated in a short period of time through panting, so it is important that they always have access to fresh water.

Panting can be quite heavy, but it should correlate with the inside or outside temperature, or the level of exercise they are doing.

Excitement

It is also normal for a dog to pant when they are excited, or if something exciting is happening. This will normally be rapid and shallow, and may be accompanied by a whine.

Stress

Stress can cause a dog to pant.  It is important to take note of your dog’s body language if their panting is stressed related. They may also whine, their eyes may be wide and they may look away or yawn.

Pain

Excessive panting can be an indication that your dog is experiencing pain, discomfort or if they are feeling nauseous.

Medicine

Some medications can cause dogs to be thirsty and can also see an increase in panting, this could include steroid medication.

Heatstroke

Dogs that are suffering from heatstroke will pant very heavily. In some cases this can lead to dehydration, and even sometimes be fatal. They will typically be restless, laid out flat, or not responding to you as they are trying to focus on cooling themselves. Read our advice here on heatstroke. 

Medical conditions

Medical conditions involving the heart, lungs, hormones, endocrine system and many more, can lead to increased panting or labored breathing.

How can I determine if there is a problem?

Should your dog begin panting, it is important to take note of what they are currently doing, their activity level, as well as the inside or outside temperature. You should look for other symptoms, like lethargy, inappetence, coughing, or anything that you would deem different to their usual behaviour. It is helpful to also pay attention to your dog’s panting sounds, if it seems forced or noisy, this is not normal.

When in doubt, if you are concerned about your dog’s breathing, don’t wait and contact the practice as soon as possible for advice.