Why do dogs pant? While you might typically associate a dog’s panting with being overheated, the truth is, there are many different reasons dogs pant—and each one requires a different course of action from you.

Panting, which is when your dog takes quick, shallow breaths, often with their tongue sticking out, is a normal behavior shared by all dogs, regardless of breed or age. “The primary reason dogs pant is to cool off and regulate body temperature,” explains Dr. Gabre Denton, a veterinarian with TeachMe.To. “It’s their predominant way of releasing heat by evaporating moisture from their tongue and throat.”

Typically, there’s no reason to be concerned when your dog pants, but “Sometimes panting can also mean they’re stressed, excited, or uncomfortable,” says Dr. Denton. “If you notice your dog panting more than usual or out of nowhere, it could point to something serious like heatstroke, heart issues, or breathing problems.” This is why learning more about why dogs pant—plus signs that your dog is panting too much and how to help a panting dog—can help you address your pup’s needs quickly and effectively.

Dogs pants for a variety of reasons. Credit: iStock.

Common reasons dogs pant

“All dogs pant to cool down,” Denton says, but there are other reasons your dog pant as well:

  1. Cooling off: The main reason dogs pant is to control their body temperature. Dogs’ body temperatures tend to range from 99.5 to 102.5°F and when they get too hot, panting helps them cool down by allowing moisture to evaporate off of their tongue, which releases heat. That’s why you’ll often see your dog panting after exercise or playing.
  2. Excited: Sometimes, dogs pant when they’re excited, whether it’s seeing you come home after a long day away, getting to join you for a car ride, or anything else that triggers their tail-wagging enthusiasm. (Just check out this adorable video of Labrador retrievers panting in unison to see what we mean!)
  3. Stress: The confusing part about seeing your dog pant is that it could also indicate they’re feeling stressed or anxious—so you need to read the situation to determine if the current circumstances might be causing your pup concern. For example, things like fireworks, thunderstorms, new people, or new places could make your dog nervous.
  4. In pain: If your dog is panting without a clear reason, such as exercise, excitement, or even anxiety, monitor their breathing and consult your veterinarian if the panting continues without cause. It could be a sign that your pup is experiencing pain or discomfort, such as arthritis or gastrointestinal issues.
  5. Other health issues: Unless your dog is panting heavily for extended periods of time, the odds are that their panting is caused by one of the above reasons. But if you’ve ruled out the other issues, there’s a chance it could be a subtle sign of illness in your pet, such as respiratory or heart problems, in which case, you should contact your vet.
Many dogs are terrified of fireworks, so every July 4th features lots of pooches stress panting. Credit: Photo by Ron Mader on Flickr/Photoscape.

Is my dog panting too much?

Panting is a normal behavior that usually isn’t cause for alarm, but if you’re worried that your dog is panting too much, here are some things to watch out for:

  • Some dogs pant more than others: “Some breeds, like short-nosed dogs or those with thick coats, might pant more,” explains Dr. Denton. “It’s also more common in older or high-energy dogs,” so keep these things in mind when assessing if your dog is panting too much. “Knowing your dog’s normal panting patterns will help you spot any changes that could need attention.”
  • Avoid triggers: Panting is a common behavior in healthy dogs, but you can help reduce their amount of panting by “making sure they have plenty of water and shade, keeping them inside with adequate AC if it is hot outside, and walking them in the early morning or evening to avoid the hottest part of the day,” Dr. Denton says.
  • Keep an eye out for serious symptoms: “If your dog’s panting is heavy, rapid, persistent, or happens at rest, especially with drooling or pale gums, this could be a medical concern or emergency,” says Dr. Denton. Other signs to watch out for are vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or unresponsiveness. “If panting or abnormal signs don’t improve, contact your vet and prepare to take them immediately.”
  • Get regular vet check-ups: “Vet check-ups every 6-12 months can help catch any potential issues early on, as there are many metabolic disease processes that can be responsible for panting—such as heart disease, lung disease, Cushing’s disease, arthritis, GI disease among many others,” explains Dr. Denton. Luckily, your vet can uncover these types of underlying issues during a regular vet visit, he says.

Ways to help a panting dog

If your dog is panting, you’ll need to first identify the reason why (see above) so you can give them the proper help and care they need depending the situation:

  1. Help them cool down: “If your dog starts panting, make sure they’re not too hot or thirsty. Move them to a cooler spot and offer some water,” says Dr. Denton. Typically, that will be enough to keep your dog cool in summer heat, but “If you’re suspicious of overheating or heat stroke, then you can gently hose your dog down with room temperature water to help bring down core temperature,” he says. Avoid cold water, since “icy water will constrict peripheral blood vessels and retain heat at the core,” he explains.
  2. Help them calm down: “Panting after play or when excited is normal and usually slows down after they have time to catch their breath,” Dr. Denton notes, so give your pup a 5-10 minutes to calm down before jumping to any conclusions. You can help your pet calm down by talking to them in a soothing voice, petting them gently, or helping them relax in their favorite, comfy spot.

Of course, if you ever feel as though your dog is panting excessively or are worried about them, it’s always best to consult your veterinarian. It’s better to be over cautious if you suspect something might be out of the norm!

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