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Our dogs constantly pant, especially following an enjoyable play session or brisk walk. But, if your dog is panting excessively or in addition to other symptoms, it may indicate a more serious condition. Check out our guide to learn what to look out for.

Dogs frequently pant to cool down on hot days or after engaging in vigorous play. This is a very common behavior. Usually accompanied by a large lolling tongue and quick, shallow breathing, this behavior is common and should not be taken too seriously. But occasionally, like when your dog is panting a lot, it might be a sign of something more serious.

Why Do Dogs Pant?

Dogs that pant are typically trying to cool themselves because they are too heated. However, there are other explanations for your dog’s panting, so it’s crucial to consider the bigger picture and pay attention to what your dog is trying to tell you through the rest of its body language. Here are a few of the most typical causes of dog panting:

1. Dogs Pant to Cool Down

Dogs’ thick fur prevents them from sweating through their skin to cool off, unlike humans. Although they may perspire slightly through their paw pads, this only serves to partially cool them down. Their rapid exchange of cool outside air with hot air from their lungs during panting accelerates the evaporation of water from their tongue, within their mouth, and in their upper respiratory tract. They will efficiently cool off as the water evaporation helps control their body temperature.

2. They’re Feeling Anxious or Stressed

Additionally, panting is a sign of tension and anxiety in dogs. Known as “behavioral panting,” this kind is typically accompanied by one or more of the following symptoms: pacing, whimpering, hiding, licking lips, or repeated yawning. This kind of panting may be observed in your dog during car rides, vet appointments, or if your dog is afraid of fireworks.

3. Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome

Your dog may be panting excessively because of “brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome” (BOAS) if you own a brachycephalic dog breed, such as a French Bulldog, Pug, or Boxer, which have a flat face and shortened or flattened snout. These dogs’ anatomy causes a restricted upper respiratory system, which causes persistent breathing problems. Their flat faces also prevent them from panting as effectively as other dogs, which increases their risk of heatstroke or overheating because they are unable to rapidly cool off.

My Dog is Panting Excessively – What Does it Mean?

If your dog is panting a lot and isn’t feeling warm or needs to cool down, there may be a more serious issue. Furthermore, you should see a veterinarian right away if their pants seem tighter or louder than usual, or if they seem to be working harder than usual, as these behaviors could indicate any of the following issues:

Heatstroke

Dogs may suffer from heatstroke in the summer, particularly if they are left in hot cars. Your dog may pant profusely and seem to be having trouble breathing normally if they are suffering from heatstroke.

As soon as you realize this, take them out of the sun and into a cooler location. Excessive thirst, fever, glazed eyes, rapid heartbeat, and dark or bright red tongue and/or gums are possible additional symptoms.

One of the simplest methods to prevent heatstroke in dogs is to keep them inside during hot weather (walking them early or late in the summer, for example, when it’s cooler), to never leave them in a hot car, and to always have water for them to drink.

Allergic Reaction

Occasionally, if your dog has recently started receiving a new drug, this may cause an allergic reaction. Your dog may pant a lot if they are having trouble breathing, seem lethargic, or throw up if they are allergic to something.

Respiratory Problems

Another reason for your dog’s excessive panting could be a respiratory issue, such pneumonia. The main cause of pneumonia, which is an inflammation of the lower respiratory tract or lungs, is an infection. Lethargy, coughing, fever, and breathing difficulties are possible additional symptoms.

Cushing’s Disease

The overproduction of cortisol by the adrenal glands is the cause of Cushing’s disease. Additional symptoms like weight gain, thinning skin and hair, pot belly, and increased thirst could also be present.

Pain

Dogs are quite skilled at masking their discomfort, to the point where humans frequently don’t realize they’re in it until much later. When your dog is panting because they are in discomfort, it frequently shows up at strange hours, such at night when they should be sleeping.

Obesity

Your dog may pant if they are overweight because they are having trouble breathing in oxygen-rich blood. Consult your veterinarian right away if you think your dog may be overweight as obesity can cause more serious conditions like arthritis and heart failure in addition to shortening a dog’s life.

Heart Problems

Your dog may also pant excessively if they have heart issues. Even when they are not active, dogs with heart problems may pant often because they will find it difficult to breathe. Furthermore, they might cough and exhibit a generalized weakness and fatigue.

 

Also Read : Can Dogs Have Dreams and Nightmares?

My Dog is Panting at Night – What Does it Mean?

Take your dog to the vet for a diagnosis if it’s not too hot in the room and your dog is panting at night. There are a lot of possible causes for this behavior. It might be the result of worry, especially if your dog is alone throughout the night and is freaked out about being apart from you.

This usually only happens in very uncommon cases in adult dogs and is usually only a problem with puppies. Try turning on the radio to soothe your dog and drown out some of the commotion if you think their panting at night is caused by worry.

Make sure to get in touch with your veterinarian right away if your dog is panting a lot while they’re not exercising or cooling down, or if they’re exhibiting any other worrisome signs.

Check out our other articles on dog behavior for more professional advice on comprehending your dog.