When you see your dog panting, you’d think it’s a normal occurrence. Dogs pant all the time. But did you know that there are many different reasons as to why dogs pant? Some of the reasons are harmless, while others are a little more complicated. So, why do dogs pant? Finally, we have the answers here.
What is panting?
Panting is when your dog breathes with its mouth open and its tongue hanging out of its mouth. This is a way for them to lower their body temperature if they’re too hot. Or, it’s a way for them to get more oxygen in their body.
On the other hand, panting should not be confused with labored breathing. If your dog is having trouble breathing, then it will pant. However, it’ll also be accompanied by crying or whining. Sometimes, your pup will whistle if their nose or windpipe is blocked.
Why do dogs pant?
There are quite a few reasons why dogs pant. Some of these reasons are totally normal.
Dogs will pant if they need to cool off
As we already discussed, dogs pant if they need to lower their body temperature. Your pooch does not have sweat glands as you do. Panting is a way for them to cool off. In addition, if they play too much or they have just exercised a lot, you may notice them panting a bit. Again, this is your doggo trying to cool themselves down. Sometimes they might be winded, just like how we get winded after too much exercise.
The hotter your dog is, the more they’ll pant. This is harder for some dog breeds, such as the English Bulldog or Pug. Breeds with short faces have difficulty breathing, so you may notice these dogs panting more than another dog, such as a Beagle.
Dogs will pant if they’re excited or stressed
We all love to watch our doggos run around excitedly when we say, “walk,” “car ride,” or “dinner.” In fact, we may repeat the words a couple of times because it’s adorable seeing how excited our furry friends get. When this happens, your dog will begin to pant more.
On the other hand, if they are nervous, stressed, or don’t know what’s going on, they may pant as well. So, for example, if you hear fireworks in the distance or you’re bringing them to the vet, your pooch may pant as a sign of distress.
Dogs will pant if they’re in pain
Our canine companions never want us to worry. They’re pretty good at hiding when they’re in pain or feeling under the weather. However, depending on how bad it is, they may not always be able to hide it. So, they’ll begin to pant. If this happens and you notice your pooch wasn’t exercising recently, they’re not fearful or excited, or the temperature around them is pretty cool, then they might have something else going on.
In this case, if your dog is panting due to pain, other physical symptoms are liking to appear. For example, they may limp, lose their appetite, have diarrhea, be lethargic, or show other signs of being sick or in pain.
What does it mean if your dog is panting too much?
If your furry friend is heavily panting, then there is most likely some underlying cause. For example:
- Allergic reactions
- Bloat
- Cushing’s Disease
- Fever
- Heart or Respiratory problems
- Heatstroke
- Laryngeal paralysis
- Obesity
- Overexertion
- Side effects from medication
If you notice that your pooch is breathing too heavily, then you should call your veterinarian right away.
How can you tell if your dog is panting too much?
Sometimes your doggo may pant, and it’s no big deal. But, for example, if you have a French Bulldog, how can you tell if their breathing is normal due to their flat face or if there’s something else going on?
One way to recognize if your dog’s panting is out of the ordinary is to pay attention to your dog and everything they do and how they act. For example, take note of what your dog was doing. If they were exercising, had the zoomies, or playing, they might be a bit winded and try to cool down.
Look for other symptoms, as well. For example, if they’re feeling extra tired and not eating their food, they could not be feeling well. Finally, be sure to listen to the way they pant and breathe. If they’re making whining sounds or the panting is louder than it usually is, they might be having trouble breathing.
You should always call your vet to be on the safe side and ensure nothing else is going on with your furry friend.
Panting is normal
When your dog pants, there’s nothing to be worried about. As long as you watch them and monitor their activity, then panting is absolutely normal.
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