Is My Dog Panting
This article is about the different reasons why dogs pant and how to tell if your dog is in danger.
A dog will often pant when they are hot from exercise or from the heat. Panting cools the body by allowing air to pass over its moist tongue and moisten the lungs, in turn lowering their body temperature.
Panting can also be caused by anxiety, stress, a fever or pain. When a dog pants excessively it can be an indication that they are in danger.
How do I know if my dog is panting too much?
Fast, shallow breathing. Panting with their tongue curling upwards. Not wanting to move/low energy. Stretching out their neck.[1]
Why is my dog panting when it’s not hot?
Panting may have nothing to do with body temperature. Many dogs will pant when they experience fear, anxiety, or stress. Examples include car rides, fireworks, separation anxiety, vet visits, and other stressful events.[2]
Why is my dog suddenly panting?
The three most common reasons for panting when there is not an obvious temperature-related cause are from pain, anxiety and disease. When dogs show signs of stress or pain like during a Texas summer thunderstorm or from aching joints, their bodies rapidly increase cortisol production, leading to excessive panting.[3]
How much panting is normal for a dog?
“The normal (non-panting) breathing rate for dogs is 30 to 40 inhalations and exhalations per minute, but a panting dog can take 10 times that many breaths per minute (300 to 400).” Because the purpose of panting is to help regulate body temperature, it’s considered an essential bodily function.[4]
How do you calm a dog from panting?
Stay near the dog’s side. Dogs often pant due to anxiety, and having you close by can help keep them calm. Give the dog its own safe space. Give the dog an anti-anxiety wrap. Offer your dog appeasing pheromones. Give your dog supplements.[5]
Why is my dog breathing fast while resting?
When a dog’s heart starts to fail his body is not circulating enough oxygen, and rapid breathing develops to counteract the lower levels of oxygen in circulation. Breathing can also quicken due to fluid build-up on the lungs and compression of the lungs due to an enlarged liver and/or fluid in the abdomen.[6]
Should I worry about my dog panting?
Heat. Panting is a normal behavior for happy and active dogs. It helps dogs cool themselves down because they can’t sweat like humans do. Panting allows a dog to rapidly inhale, humidify, then exhale the air, which increases the evaporation of water from your dog’s nose and lungs.[7]
Why is my dog panting so much without exercise?
If your dog is panting heavily but hasn’t been exercising, it could be that they’re in pain. Dogs in pain will often pant well before displaying more obvious signs, such as a limp or whining. It’s worth bearing in mind that dogs with shallow breathing could also be suffering pain.[8]
Do dogs pant when happy?
Dogs pant slightly when they are happy or energetic. If you ask your pup to take a walk with you, their breathing will become slightly heavier. Dogs also pant when they are nervous. Heavy panting is something to pay close attention to.[9]
Does panting mean a dog is in pain?
Excessive panting, especially when accompanied by trembling, can be a signal that your dog is in pain. While panting is fairly normal for dogs, you should take notice if they pant at odd times or for no reason.[10]
Do dogs pant when stressed?
Panting. Dogs pant when hot, excited, or stressed. If your dog is panting even though he has not exercised, he may be experiencing stress.[11]
How long is too long for a dog to pant?
Most dogs don’t pant for long and their breathing is back to normal within a few minutes. But if your pooch is panting for longer than 10 minutes then it’s a sign that they are probably overheating or suffering from another illness. Abnormal panting can be a sign of illness.[12]
