Panting is common in dogs, but have you ever wondered why dogs pant? To figure out why your dog is panting, consider what else might be happening to your dog at that moment, perhaps excessively or maybe at night, Are they anxious? Hot? Dehydrated? Here are some common reasons why dogs pant and what to do about it.
Panting is a natural behavior in dogs and serves a variety of purposes. It primarily helps them regulate their body temperature, but it can also be a response to excitement, stress, or physical activity. Understanding the different reasons behind panting can help you determine if it's normal or needs attention.
Panting is a cooling mechanism for dogs. Unlike people, dogs do not have an effective system of sweat glands. Instead, dogs cool their bodies by evaporating moisture from their mouths and tongues and exchanging the hot air in their lungs with cooler external air. Even if they are not overheating, dogs will pant during exercise. This is similar to the way humans breathe heavily during aerobic exercise.
Panting allows the dog to release heat and exchange it for cooler air. As you can imagine, this process isn't very efficient, and it's even less efficient for short-faced dogs like bulldogs or pugs. This is why dogs start panting even when they're a little hot. The hotter the dog gets, the more intense the panting becomes.
Sometimes, intense panting is accompanied by drooling and redness of the tongue and gums. In addition to intense panting, warning signs of overheating include bright red tongue and gums, wide-open eyes, and weakness. An overheated dog is susceptible to heat stroke, which is an emergency.
When outdoor temperatures are equal to or above a dog's normal body temperature of 102° F, panting is not effective in cooling the dog and can lead to heat stroke. Overheated dogs may also dig holes to find cooler places to rest. To help keep your dog comfortable, always provide them with fresh water and cool shade. Avoid exercising your dog during the hottest part of the day, and don't leave them in a parked car, as temperatures can rise to dangerously high levels in a matter of minutes.
Panting isn’t always about temperature—it can also be an emotional response. Dogs often pant when they’re excited, such as when they’re playing with their favorite toy or greeting a loved one. On the flip side, stress or anxiety can also cause panting. For example, some dogs pant during thunderstorms, fireworks, or visits to the vet.
If your dog is panting due to stress, try to identify and address the source of their anxiety. Calming techniques, such as gentle petting, soothing music, or a quiet space, can help them relax. In some cases, consulting a veterinarian or a professional dog trainer may be necessary to manage severe anxiety.
Physical activity is another common cause of panting in dogs. Whether it's running, jumping or playing a game of fetch, dogs will pant after exercise to catch their breath and cool down. This panting is usually short-lived and will go away once your dog has had a chance to rest and rehydrate.
To ensure your dog stays healthy and happy, provide plenty of opportunities for exercise while also allowing for rest periods. Always bring water with you on walks or playtime, especially in warm weather.
4. Pain or Discomfort
Dogs are pretty good at hiding pain and illness from humans. Some dogs try harder than others to hide their discomfort. However, once they reach a certain level of discomfort, they often cannot help but show signs, such as panting. Look for other signs of illness or pain, such as vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, lethargy, limping, pacing, and behavior changes. Contact your veterinarian if you suspect that your dog is sick or injured.
In some cases, excessive panting may indicate an underlying health problem. Conditions such as heart disease, respiratory disease, Cushing's disease and even poisoning can cause abnormal panting. For example, dogs with heart disease may pant more at night or at rest, while dogs with respiratory conditions may pant heavily even after light exercise. Here are some potential health-related reasons why your dog might be panting:
- Fever: Dogs with a high fever may pant as a way to cool down and regulate their body temperature.
- Some prescribed Medications: Certain prescribed medications can increase respiration or lead to panting as a side effect.
- Bloat or Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV): A very full stomach or a serious condition like bloat can cause panting, often accompanied by vomiting or dry heaving. This is a medical emergency, and immediate veterinary attention is crucial.
- Cushing's Disease: This condition, caused by an overproduction of the stress hormone cortisol, can result in excessive panting.
- Laryngeal Paralysis: More common in older medium to large breed dogs, such as Labrador Retrievers, this condition weakens or paralyzes the muscles that control the larynx. Panting in these cases is often accompanied by a high-pitched wheezing sound known as stridor.
Panting should not be confused with labored breathing. This strained respiration may be accompanied by sounds of distress like crying or whining, or whistles from the nostrils or windpipe due to blockage. If your dog is panting excessively or showing other concerning symptoms, it’s important to consult your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
If you can tell that your dog is panting for normal reasons, such as play or excitement, intervention is not needed. Offer fresh, cool water and provide a cool place for your dog to relax. However, if you're not sure why your dog is panting, if the panting seems excessive, or if your dog is showing any signs of illness, bring them to the vet to get checked out.
For dogs with chronic conditions that contribute to panting, such as respiratory or cardiovascular issues, consider incorporating TOPO’s health supplements into their routine. These supplements are designed to support overall respiratory and cardiovascular health, helping your dog feel their best.
If at any time you see that panting is extremely intense and cannot be explained, you should get your dog to the nearest veterinarian immediately. It's always best to play it safe and let your vet check things out.
Treatment for panting, if necessary, will depend on the cause. Preventing excessive panting involves several proactive measures:
- Cool Environment: Provide a cool and comfortable environment, especially during hot weather.
- Regular Exercise: Ensure your dog gets regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight and prevent obesity.
- Balanced Diet: Feed your dog a balanced diet to support overall health.
- Veterinary Check-ups: Schedule regular veterinary check-ups to monitor and address any health issues.
For underlying health issues causing panting, treatment options may include:
- Medications: Prescribed by a veterinarian to manage specific health conditions.
- Lifestyle Changes: Implementing changes in diet, exercise, and environment to support your dog’s health.
- Supportive Care: Using TOPO’s supplements to promote respiratory and cardiovascular health.
If you suspect your pet is sick, call your vet immediately. For health-related questions, always consult your veterinarian, as they have examined your pet, know the pet's health history, and can make the best recommendations for your pet.
Panting is a natural and necessary behavior for dogs, but it's important to understand the reasons behind it to ensure your pet stays healthy and happy. While panting is often a normal response to heat, excitement or exercise, it can also indicate pain, stress or an underlying health problem. If you notice excessive or abnormal panting, seek veterinary advice immediately.
If panting is excessive, unexplained, or accompanied by other symptoms like lethargy or coughing.
Supplements like those from TOPO can support respiratory and cardiovascular health, but always consult your vet first.
Provide fresh water, shade, and avoid excessive exercise during peak heat.
Older dogs may breathe heavily due to age-related conditions like heart disease, respiratory issues, or laryngeal paralysis. Regular veterinary check-ups can help diagnose and manage these conditions.
Heavy breathing while resting can be a sign of an underlying health issue, such as heart disease, respiratory problems, or pain. It’s important to monitor your dog and consult a veterinarian if the heavy breathing persists.
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