Why Do Dogs Pant?

Every dog pants. A dog has to pant to maintain her temperature and to help prevent overheating. Heavy panting, however, is a different story. Knowing the common reasons dogs pant will help you determine if your dog’s panting is normal or, if it’s not, what may be causing the panting.

Why do dogs pant? Let’s take a look:

Your dog may be sweating.

Dogs sweat differently than humans. The majority of their sweating, in fact, comes when they pant. Panting helps your dog cool down and regulate his temperature. Help your dog cool down by ensuring he has a shady place to sit, if he’s outside, and by offering him some cool water to help bring down his temperature.

Your dog may be suffering from heatstroke.

Your dog can easily be overcome with heatstroke, especially if she’s been outside in the heat without access to shade or to water. Some dogs, due to advanced age or health issues, may also be more prone to heatstroke. If you notice your dog is panting excessively and appears to be in distress, take immediate action by removing her from the heat and taking her to the veterinarian right away. During the ride to the vet, turn on the air conditioning while keeping the windows down to allow the cool air to circulate. If you do not immediately treat your dog, she may fall unconscious, suffer from long-term health issues, or die.

Your dog may be afraid.

Everyone shows fear in their own way. Dogs may yelp, put their tail between their legs, or attempt to hide. Your dog may also pant if she is afraid. Perhaps a larger dog coming toward you during a daily walk scares her or she may be afraid, like many dogs are, of thunder or fireworks. Help your dog calm down by talking calmly to her, petting her, and, if possible drowning out the sound of thunder or fireworks with music or the television, if that’s what’s scaring her.

Your dog may be sick.

Heavy panting could be a sign that your dog is sick or is suffering from a chronic health issue. Common health issues that may result in panting include Cushings Disease, pneumonia, lung problems, and heart failure. Your veterinarian may put your dog on medications if she has a chronic illness, which may reduce the heavy panting.

Your dog may have been poisoned.

Heavy panting could indicate that your dog has ingested something poisonous. If you dog is panting excessively but does not appear to be suffering from heat stroke, fear, or excitement, consult with a veterinarian immediately. Failure to get immediately treatment could result in death.

Your dog may be excited.

Not all instances of your dog panting have to be negative. In fact, your dog might just pant because she’s really, really excited. Perhaps a family member, who has been gone from home for a long time, has just returned? Your dog may bark, run around, and pant because she’s so excited.