Panting is a normal canine behavior that helps dogs regulate their body temperature, but panting can sometimes indicate a health issue. Our Creature Comforts Veterinary Service team explains the ins and outs behind why dogs pant and when you should be concerned.

Normal reasons dogs pant

If you are a dog parent, you’ve probably noticed how much your four-legged family members pant, especially after playing or on a warm day. This behavior is perfectly normal and no cause for concern. Dogs pant for regular reasons, including:

  • Panting as a cooling mechanism — Unlike humans, dogs don’t have sweat glands spread over their bodies. Instead, they primarily rely on panting to regulate their body temperature. When a dog pants, moisture evaporates from their tongue and the lining of their lungs, which helps cool their body—the reason dogs pant more on hot days.
  • Panting during exercise — When you work out, you breathe heavily. Similarly, your dog pants more when they are active. Running, fetching, or playing with other dogs increases your pet’s need for oxygen, resulting in increased panting. Panting also helps your dog cool down after exertion, but should subside after they rest.
  • Panting from excitement or stress — Dogs also pant when they are excited, nervous, or stressed. If your dog starts panting when you come home, during a car ride, or when they’re at the veterinarian, that could signal emotional arousal. This type of panting usually stops once your dog calms down, but you must be aware of your dog’s triggers, so you can help them feel more comfortable in stressful situations.

Concerning reasons dogs pant

Excessive or abnormal panting can indicate a health issue. Here are some concerning reasons why dogs pant:

  • Heatstroke or overheating — While panting is a normal way for dogs to cool down, excessive panting can signal heatstroke or overheating, especially in hot weather or after intense exercise. Heatstroke, which occurs when your dog’s temperature rises above 106 degrees, is a serious, potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate, emergency veterinary attention. Signs include heavy panting, excessive drooling, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, and collapse. If you see these signs, start cooling your dog immediately and seek veterinary care as soon as possible.
  • Pain or discomfort — Panting can also indicate pain or discomfort in dogs. If your dog pants heavily for no obvious reason, such as heat or exercise, something could be wrong. Conditions, such as arthritis, injury, and internal pain, can cause your dog to pant more than usual. If you notice this behavior, consult our Creature Comforts Veterinary Service team, so we can rule out an underlying health issue.
  • Respiratory or cardiovascular problems — In some cases, excessive panting may be related to respiratory or cardiovascular problems. Conditions such as heart disease, asthma, and laryngeal paralysis can make breathing difficult for your dog, leading to increased panting. Seek veterinary care if your dog is not only panting but also coughing, wheezing, or breathing with difficulty.
  • Obesity — Overweight and obese dogs tend to pant more, because they carry an extra insulation layer, which makes staying cool and getting enough oxygen during physical activity difficult. Maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise can help reduce excessive panting and improve your dog’s overall health.
  • Medications and medical conditions — Certain medications and medical conditions can also explain why your dog is panting more. For example, corticosteroids, used to treat inflammation and allergies, can lead to increased thirst and panting as side effects. In addition, conditions such as Cushing’s disease, which affects the adrenal glands, can cause excessive panting. If you notice increased panting in your dog who is on medication or has been diagnosed with a medical condition, consult our veterinary team.

Panting is a normal behavior for dogs that primarily serves to regulate their body temperature. However, panting can also signal excitement, stress, pain, or underlying health issues. Understanding why dogs pant and when you should be concerned is important, so you know when veterinary care is needed. If you’re unsure, contact our Creature Comforts Veterinary Service team, so we can assess their panting and offer advice.