Dogs are known for their endearing, often curious, and sometimes naughty behaviors. One of these normal behaviors is panting. Unlike people, who sweat primarily through their skin to regulate body temperature, dogs have minimal sweat glands, mainly on their paw pads. Panting is a vital mechanism dogs use to regulate their body temperature. Our Town & Country Animal Hospital team explains why dogs pant, focusing on thermoregulation, health indicators, and emotional responses.

Thermoregulation: The primary reason dogs pant

Dogs pant principally to regulate their body temperature. They rely on panting to cool down because their paw pads have a limited number of sweat glands. Here’s how panting works:

  • Evaporative cooling — When your dog pants, they rapidly breathe in and out, allowing tongue, mouth, and upper respiratory tract moisture to evaporate. This evaporation process helps dissipate excess heat from the body, cooling down your furry friend.
  • Increased airflow — Panting increases the airflow over the moist surfaces in your dog’s respiratory tract. This increased airflow enhances the evaporation process, which is crucial in hot weather or after physical exertion. Consider your dog’s panting mechanism as their internal air conditioner. 

Health indicators: Monitoring your dog’s well-being

Panting can also clue you in to your dog’s health. While panting is a normal behavior, excessive panting can sometimes indicate underlying health issues such as:

  • Heatstroke — Excessive panting, especially in hot weather, can indicate heatstroke, a serious condition that occurs when a dog’s body temperature rises to dangerous levels. Signs include heavy panting, drooling, weakness, seizures, and collapse. Contact our Town & Country Animal Hospital team if you suspect your pet has heatstroke.
  • Pain or discomfort — Dogs may pant excessively if they are in pain. Conditions, such as arthritis, injuries, or internal pain, can cause a dog to pant more than usual. Discuss your pet’s condition with our team so we can provide treatment to alleviate your furry pal’s discomfort.
  • Respiratory disorders — Conditions, including laryngeal paralysis, brachycephalic syndrome—common in breeds such as pugs, French bulldogs, and Lhasa apsos—and respiratory infections, can lead to increased panting as dogs struggle to breathe efficiently.
  • Heart disease — Panting can be a heart disease sign, in which the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, leading to poor oxygenation and increased respiratory effort.
  • Cushing’s disease — Also known as hyperadrenocorticism, Cushing’s disease is caused by an overactive adrenal gland that produces cortisol. Overabundant cortisol leads to excessive panting and increased thirst and hunger.

If your four-legged friend is panting excessively, at unusual intervals, such as during naps, or emitting strange noises that accompany the panting, our team should examine them. Your pet may be struggling with a medical issue that we can accurately diagnose and treat, promoting their health, longevity, and comfort. 

Emotional responses: Panting and canine psychology

Panting is also a response to various emotional states your dog may experience. These emotions include:

  • Stress and anxiety — Dogs often pant when they are stressed or anxious. Situations, such as thunderstorms, fireworks, trips to the vet, or separation anxiety, can trigger this behavior. Understanding and addressing the root cause of your dog’s anxiety can help reduce stress-induced panting.
  • Fear — Situations that make your pet fearful may cause increased panting as part of their fight-or-flight response. Identifying fear triggers and providing a safe environment can minimize this behavior.
  • Excitement — Has your dog ever started panting when you walk in the front door? How about when they see a dog they enjoy playing with at the park? This type of panting is common in dogs when they are excited. Playtime, meeting new people, or anticipating a favorite activity can increase panting.

Panting is a multifaceted canine behavior that plays a primary role in thermoregulation, health status, and emotional expression. While panting is a normal and necessary behavior, understanding the context and variations can help you identify when your dog might be suffering from a serious condition. By being vigilant to your dog’s panting frequency, intensity, and accompanying signs, you can ensure your pup remains healthy and comfortable, whether they’re cooling down after exercise or expressing excitement at the sight of their favorite toy. Contact our Town & Country Animal Hospital team if you are concerned about your pet’s panting.