Panting is a normal body function that helps cool dogs down when they\u2019re hot. But heavy panting can also be a sign of stress, anxiety, pain or illness. Learn why dogs pant, what normal panting looks like and when it\u2019s time to call your veterinarian.<\/p>\n
There are a few reasons why dogs pant, but they primarily use panting as a way to regulate their body temperature. Unlike humans, who use sweat to cool their body down, the only place dogs sweat<\/a> is from their paw pads, which isn\u2019t enough to regulate their temperature. A little heat is also lost through blood vessels close to the skin surface, but the most effective way that dogs cool their body down is by panting.<\/p>\n Panting circulates air quickly through the respiratory system, and evaporates water from a dog\u2019s tongue, mouth and upper respiratory tract, which cools their body down. If dogs are hot, they pant more to release more body heat.<\/p>\n Evaporation of water during panting is key to helping your dog\u2019s body maintain a normal temperature. When dogs pant, they lose water from their bodies, which needs to be replaced to prevent dehydration. Your dog should always have access to some cool, fresh water, but hydration is especially important on a hot day. If you\u2019re away from home during warm or humid weather, take a collapsible bowl and water bottles with you, so you can provide fresh water for your dog. Letting your dog drink from lakes or streams, especially slow-moving water, can be risky, as they may ingest water-borne bacteria or parasites that can cause illnesses like leptospirosis<\/a> and giardiasis.<\/p>\n If your dog is panting more than usual because they\u2019re hot, cooling them down should be your first priority. First, move them to a shaded area or air-conditioned environment. Offer them cool (not cold) fresh water, but don\u2019t force them to drink, and let them rest for a while. It\u2019s important to watch for signs of overheating, which occurs when a dog can\u2019t pant fast enough or the environmental temperature and\/or humidity is too high, and their body temperature increases to dangerous levels.<\/p>\n Heat exhaustion signs include panting, moving slowly, lots of drooling, restlessness and red skin on the dog\u2019s muzzle, ears and belly. If the dog\u2019s temperature continues to rise above 104\u00b0F, they are at risk of developing heatstroke, which can be fatal. Symptoms of heatstroke include pale or red gums, staggering or wobbling when walking, seizures, weakness, fast heat rate, vomiting and loss of consciousness. Heatstroke is a medical emergency, and you should seek urgent veterinary care.<\/p>\n Brachycephalic dog breeds (dogs with smooshed-in snouts like pugs, Boston terriers and bull mastiffs) are at an increased risk of heatstroke because it\u2019s more difficult for them to pant and get their body cooled down. Obesity can be another contributing factor to heatstroke. So if you have dogs who are at risk of heat exhaustion or heatstroke, protect them from summer\u2019s heat<\/a>.<\/p>\n If your dog is panting, but they\u2019re not hot, it could be due to excitement or stress. Panting is a common sign of anxiety and stress in dogs, due to an increased heart rate and faster breathing. Along with panting, you may notice other symptoms like whining or yawning more than usual, extra-wide or panicked-looking eyes, their tail tucked between their legs and their hackles raised. Panting can also be a sign of pain or an underlying health condition (see below).<\/p>\n You can help calm your dog by removing them from the stressful situation (if possible). For example, if your dog becomes stressed when guests come over or when something like the vacuum comes out, move your dog to another room and provide them with a safe space that has their favorite toys, blankets, food and water and anything else that may comfort them. You could also try playing soothing music or releasing pheromones that may help calm them. If your dog has intense fears, a certified behavior specialist may be able to help desensitize or countercondition your dog to their fears.<\/p>\nWater Goes Hand in Paw with Panting<\/h3>\n
How to Help a Dog Panting Heavily Due to Hot Weather<\/h3>\n
It\u2019s Not Hot. Why Is My Dog Panting Heavily?<\/h2>\n
How to Calm a Panting Dog<\/h3>\n
Do Dogs Pant When They\u2019re in Pain?<\/h2>\n