Panting is a natural and essential behavior for dogs. It allows them to regulate body temperature and manage stress. Occasional panting is perfectly normal, but excessive panting signals underlying health issues.
Understanding when panting is a natural response versus when it indicates a potential problem is crucial for dog owners to ensure their pets stay healthy and comfortable.
What is panting in dogs?
Panting is a mechanism for heat reduction. According to Marcia B. Goldberg, “Panting is the major avenue of evaporative cooling in dogs exposed to heat and/or exercise.” The research suggests that, three patterns of panting were observed (when conducting the research) in dogs as the demand for respiratory evaporation increased:
- Inhalation and exhalation through nose.
- Inhalation through nose, exhalation through nose and mouth
- Inhalation through nose and mouth, exhalation through nose and mouth.
This guide will explore the common causes of panting, both normal and abnormal.
Normal Panting: Physiological and Behavioral Causes
Humans tend to sweat to cool down. Dogs rely on panting to regulate their body temperature. The frequency and intensity of panting vary based on different factors.
Thermoregulation
Dogs have sweat glands located in their paw pads. But this isn’t enough to cool down the body. The primary method of cooling down is panting. It allows moisture on the tongue, mouth, and upper respiratory tract to evaporate, thereby releasing heat and helping regulate the body temperature. K Schmidt-Nielsen, professor emeritus at Duke University explains that, in dogs which are panting due to a heat load, most of the respired air enters through the nose and leaves through the mouth.
When it happens: On a hot day, after exercise, or when a dog is anxious and stressed.
What you can do: Ensure your dog has access to water and a cool environment. Avoid prolonged exposure to heat.
Physical Exercise
Dogs pant heavily after exercise. During exercise their muscles generates heat, and panting is their way to shed that heat and restore a normal body temperature.
When it happens: After walking, playing, or any form of vigorous exercise.
What you can do: Allow your dog time to rest and hydrate after physical activity, especially in warm weather.
Excitement and Stress
Dogs also pant when they’re excited, stressed, or anxious. This type of panting is typically accompanied by other signs of emotional arousal, such as tail wagging, drooling, pacing, or whining.
When it happens: When greeting someone, during a car ride, at the vet, or during thunderstorms or fireworks.
What you can do: If panting is linked to anxiety, try calming techniques like a calming vest, pheromone sprays, or desensitization training. In severe cases, your vet may recommend medications or behavioral therapy.
Pain or Discomfort
Panting may indicate pain, even if they are not showing obvious signs like whining or limping. Dogs may hide their pain instinctively. Panting is a tool to understand their discomfort. This type of panting may be accompanied by other signs of distress, such as restlessness, changes in posture, or changes in behavior.
During pain, dog increases cortisol production. Cortisol is helpful in dealing with normal amounts of stress. But excessive cortisol production increases metabolism. This process leads to an internal rise in body temperature and excessive panting. This finding was published by Dresche, Nancy A. and Douglas A. Granger.
When it happens: If a dog is injured, has an underlying condition like arthritis, or is recovering from surgery.
What you can do: Monitor your dog for any changes in behavior or signs of injury. If you suspect pain, consult your veterinarian for an evaluation and possible pain management options.
Age-Related Changes
As dogs age, their metabolism change. They are more susceptible to temperature changes or physical exertion. Older dogs pant more due to these factors.
When it happens: In older dogs, especially those with conditions like arthritis or cognitive dysfunction syndrome (doggie dementia).
What you can do: Ensure your senior dog is comfortable, has access to fresh water, and avoids overheating. Keep an eye out for any signs of illness or discomfort, as older dogs are more vulnerable to conditions like heart disease or respiratory issues.
Abnormal Panting: Potential Health Problems
Excessive panting occurs without an obvious trigger. It indicates a sign of an underlying medical condition. If the panting is more than what would be expected in a given situation (such as after exercise or exposure to heat), or if it seems to occur inappropriately (such as at rest), you should be concerned.
Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is a serious and life-threatening emergency that can result from prolonged exposure to heat, overexertion, or a lack of access to shade and water. Excessive panting is the first sign of heatstroke in dogs. Abnormal panting becomes increasingly rapid and shallow, and doesn’t stop with rest or cooling. This sometimes result in heatstroke. Other signs include excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, confusion, and collapse.
When it happens: During hot weather or after intense physical activity in hot conditions.
What you can do: If you suspect heatstroke, immediately move your dog to a cooler environment, provide water, and dampen their body with cool water. Take your dog to the vet as soon as possible. Do not use ice or cold water, as it can cause shock.
Respiratory Problems
Panting can be a sign of breathing difficulties. Conditions that affect the respiratory system, such as respiratory infections, asthma, or brachycephalic syndrome, can cause abnormal panting. In this condition, dog seems to struggle to breathe e.g., flaring nostrils, open-mouth breathing, or a blue tinge to the gums.
When it happens: It may be accompanied by labored breathing, wheezing, or coughing.
What you can do: Seek veterinary care immediately. Dogs with respiratory distress require urgent medical attention.
Heart Disease
Poor circulation, fluid buildup in the lungs, and lack of oxygen causes heart disease. Dogs with heart disease pant more than usual. Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a common condition that causes excessive panting due to fluid accumulation in the lungs. Panting that is more pronounced at night or after periods of inactivity is a danger signal for your dog. Other signs include lethargy, coughing, weight loss, and fainting episodes.
When it happens: Panting may occur at rest, and it may be accompanied by coughing, fatigue, or difficulty breathing.
What you can do: Contact your vet for a thorough evaluation. Diagnosis may involve chest X-rays, blood tests, and an electrocardiogram (ECG). Treatment may include medications to manage fluid buildup and improve heart function.
Endocrine Disorders
Ascot Veterinary Hospital explains that “An endocrine disease is caused by an imbalance in hormone levels due to the body producing too much or too little of a specific hormone in the body.” Conditions such as Cushing’s disease, caused by an overproduction of cortisol, can lead to excessive panting.
Hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone levels) may also cause panting, lethargy, and other symptoms. If your dog’s panting is not linked to heat, exercise, or anxiety and is accompanied by other signs of illness like weight gain or loss, coat changes, excessive thirst, contact a vet immediately.
When it happens: Panting may occur in combination with other signs, such as increased thirst, urination, appetite, or a pot-bellied appearance.
What you can do: Schedule a visit to the vet for diagnostic tests, including blood work to check hormone levels. Treatment for endocrine disorders often involves medication or hormone replacement therapy.
Medications and Drug Side Effects
Certain medications, especially steroids (like prednisone), can lead to increased panting as a side effect. Medications that affect the body’s fluids or metabolism may also cause abnormal panting. Sophia Catalano, DVM and Kelly Gold, DVM suggest that, “Certain medications, especially prednisone or other steroids, may cause increased panting even when your dog is not hot, excited, or stressed. This is a common side effect.”
When it happens: Panting can start after a dog begins a new medication or dose change.
What you can do: Consult your vet if you suspect a medication is causing your dog to pant excessively. Your vet may adjust the dosage or recommend an alternative treatment.
Panting is an essential mechanism that helps dogs cope with heat, stress, and exertion. By paying attention to the context in which panting occurs and monitoring for additional symptoms, pet owners can ensure their dogs are comfortable and seek medical attention when necessary.
If you notice persistent or concerning changes in your dog’s panting behavior, it’s always best to consult with a veterinarian to address any potential health concerns.
Reference:
- Panting in dogs: unidirectional air flow over evaporative surfaces. PubMed.
- Panting in Dogs: Paths of air flow in response to heat and exercise. C. F. S. Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University.
- Physiological and Behavioral Reactivity to Stress in Thunderstorm-Phobic Dogs and Their Caregivers. Applied Animal Behavior Science.
- Endocrine Diseases of Dogs. Ascot Veterinary Hospital.
- Why Do Dogs Pant? What To Know About Dogs and Panting. PetMD.
