How to Respond When Your Dog Is Panting Excessively
While panting is a normal behavior in dogs, occurring during excitement, after exercise, or in warm weather, excessive or abnormal panting can signal serious health issues. Understanding what’s normal and when to act can make all the difference in your pet’s health and well-being.
Understanding Normal Panting in Dogs
Dogs use panting to regulate body temperature since they lack sweat glands across their bodies like humans. Panting allows for water evaporation from the tongue and upper respiratory tract, helping to cool them down.
- Normal resting respiratory rate: 10–35 breaths per minute
- Abnormal rate: Over 40 breaths per minute at rest
Breed, age, health, and environment all influence a dog’s typical panting levels. Brachycephalic breeds like pugs and bulldogs tend to pant more heavily and can be more vulnerable to respiratory issues.
When to Worry: Signs of Excessive Panting
Panting should subside once the dog calms or cools down. However, panting that is excessive, unusual, or occurs during rest requires further attention, especially if accompanied by:
- Pale, blue, or brick-red gums
- Excessive drooling
- Coughing or wheezing
- Collapse or weakness
- Reluctance to move or behavioral changes
If any of these symptoms appear, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Common Causes of Excessive Panting
Excessive panting can result from several conditions:
- Heatstroke: An emergency. Early signs include heavy panting and bright red gums; can rapidly lead to vomiting, confusion, or collapse.
- Anxiety or excitement: Common but usually short-lived.
- Pain: Dogs pant to cope with discomfort.
- Heart disease or heart failure
- Respiratory disorders: Pneumonia, laryngeal paralysis, etc.
- Cushing’s disease: Associated with high cortisol levels.
- Anemia or obesity
- Poisoning or toxin ingestion
- Certain medications: Especially steroids
Emergency Actions to Take
If your dog is panting excessively and showing distress:
- Move them to a cool, shaded, or air-conditioned space
- Offer fresh, cool water
- Apply cool (not cold) water to paws, groin, and neck
- Call or visit your veterinarian immediately
Do not attempt home remedies without guidance, as some can harm your dog more than help.
How to Monitor Your Dog’s Breathing
Tracking your dog’s normal breathing is crucial to recognizing deviations. Count breaths per minute when your dog is calm or sleeping. Look for:
- Changes in breathing rate or sound
- Effort in breathing – using belly muscles or expanding neck
- Associated behaviors—shaking, lethargy, loss of appetite
These symptoms suggest issues requiring medical intervention.
Preventive Measures
To help your dog avoid heat stress or other panting triggers:
- Provide ample shade and water on hot days
- Avoid strenuous activities during peak heat hours
- Acclimate dogs slowly to warm weather
- Use cooling vests or mats for prolonged outdoor time
- Maintain ideal weight through diet and exercise
- Schedule regular veterinary checkups
Risk Factors to Be Aware Of
Certain dogs are more at risk:
- Brachycephalic breeds: Bulldogs, pugs, boxers, etc.
- Older dogs: More susceptible to disease
- Dogs with pre-existing heart or lung problems
Conclusion
Panting is a normal part of your dog’s physiology, but when it becomes excessive, abnormal, or is paired with concerning symptoms, quick action is essential. Recognizing the warning signs and knowing how to respond can protect your dog’s health—and potentially save their life.
