You’re walking past the dog park, Fido has just dropped his ball at his owner’s feet again.

He is panting; typical? Of course!

He’s trying to cool down.

Panting is how a dog cools themself down after chasing their ball in the park.

But what exactly is panting and is there a time you should be worried?

In this article we take you through the science behind panting, why your dog will pant and some of the physical changes you should expect to see during and after your dog pants.

The Science Behind Panting

Panting is generally associated with a dog trying to cool down, also known as thermoregulation.

Cooling results from the inhalation of cooler air and exhalation of heat and the evaporation of water in the dog’s respiratory system.

What is the purpose behind panting?

Firstly, like in humans, it is how a dog’s body exchanges carbon dioxide and oxygen.

In general, healthy dogs will have a resting respiration rate of anywhere between 15 and 40 inhalations and exhalations a minute.

The typical respiration rate when panting increases 10 fold, so up to 400 inhalations and exhalations per minute is expected.

It’s second function is to regulate body temperature. A normal body temperature for a dog is between 38.3°C and 39.2°C. An increase by just 1-2°C can have major effects on the dog’s system. They therefore rely on panting as their primary means of expelling heat.

There are three known patterns of panting:

Inhalation and exhalation through the nose, Inhalation through the nose and exhalation through the mouth, Inhalation through the nose and mouth and exhalation through the nose and mouth.

It is suggested that the most effective cooling system is when air is directed through the nose and out through the mouth.

So why don’t dogs sweat to cool down?

The human mechanism for cooling down is to sweat.

As sweat evaporates, we cool down.

Due to the thick coats dogs have, sweat just wouldn’t evaporate resulting in a thick, furry coat full of sweat! Nice!

Dogs do have sweat glands, but only on their paws.

It is rare to see a dog with sweaty paws after exercise.

You will tend to find sweaty paws during a visit to the veterinarian as a response to being stressed.

What are the triggers and causes for a dog panting?

1. Exercise

This is a well known cause for panting in dogs.

Exertion increases heart rate and overall body temperature.

Therefore, to regulate their body temperature, dogs will pant.

It would be typical to see dogs panting after running around the dog park or during and after their daily walk(s).

2. Heat or Temperature Change

It is suggested that it can take from 7-60 days for a dog to acclimatise to a temperature change in the environment. This can be influenced by body shape, size, coat type and length and the overall health of the dog.

Some of the breeds that are more sensitive to an increase in environmental temperature include:

Pugs,

Lhasa Apso,

Boston Terrier,

English Bulldog,

Boxer,

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and

French Bulldog.

These are known as brachycephalic breeds and due to their small nasal passages and short windpipes, they don’t pant as efficiently as other breed; This puts them at a much higher risk of heatstroke.

With any dog, expect to see more panting in the warmer months, but also expect to see it when your pooch is baking himself in front of the log fire in the middle of a snow storm!

Anxiety, Fear or Phobia

Many dogs who suffer with anxiety or fear will pant.

It is thought that the fear response increases the heart rate which in turn raises the body temperature.

There are usually other signs that accompany panting in a fear response, such as yawning, pacing, crying, whining, shaking, lip licking or hiding.

Electrical storms, and major holidays with fireworks, are often a source of anxiety for dogs, so it is quite common to see more panting during these times.

There are many ways to help relieve anxiety in dogs including:

Technique Reason Thunder Jackets A vest for your dog designed to provide consistent pressure to your dog’s body which produces a calming effect. Plug in Diffusers These release calming pheromones which mimic those of nursing dams when comforting their litter Creating a Safe Place A covered crate or a space under the stairs or a table

Panting accompanied with shaking is a typical stress response in dogs so consider whether there has been any change to their daily routine, even the smallest changes can be worrying for some dogs.

Chronic Health Problems Associated with Excessive Panting

There are a number of long term health conditions in which panting is one of the symptoms. Some of these health conditions are more serious than others (e.g. Heart failure and Heatstroke), however, all should be understood and investigated.

From early warning signs of heatstroke to symptoms of Addison’s Disease we now explore health conditions where panting is a symptom:

Heart Failure in Dogs

When the heart is no longer pumping oxygenated blood efficiently, body parts and tissues will become oxygen deprived in your dog.

The easiest way to correct this depletion is to increase respiration which often results in panting.

Symptoms of heart failure include:

Fatigue,

Difficulty breathing,

Loss of appetite,

Weight loss;

Coughing.

Older dogs are more susceptible to heart issues. The ageing process in canines naturally causes your dog’s organs and systems to deteriorate.

Heart failure can also occur as a result of heartworm disease which is a risk in all 50 US States.

Heartworms are spread through mosquitoes.

Infective heartworm larvae migrate through the dog’s body until they reach the heart and blood vessels in the lungs.

Symptoms of heartworm include:

Coughing,

Intolerance of exercise,

Laboured breathing/panting.

Heartworm prevention medications are available and should be administered to all at risk dogs.

Obesity in Dogs

Overweight dogs will often pant excessively; this is due to the strain placed upon the cardiovascular system.

Maintaining a healthy weight in your dog should be achieved through species appropriate diet with portion control and regular exercise. Gaining weight can be a symptom of other health issues so be sure to seek veterinarian advice if you are concerned.

Cushing’s Disease

This is a when the adrenal glands produce too much cortisol, also known as hyperadrenocorticism.

Cortisol is produced and stored by the adrenal glands in dogs; two small glands which sit on top of the kidneys.

Investigation of the cause will usually be tumours found on the pituitary or adrenal gland.

Veterinarians will use blood tests to diagnose Cushing’s disease.

Symptoms of Cushing’s disease include:

an increase in thirst, appetite and urination,

thin or fragile skin,

fatigue or reduced activity,

hair loss,

panting,

recurring skin infections and poor skin healing;

a bloated or pot bellied appearance.

Although there is no cure for Cushing’s Disease, it can usually be well managed with medication.

Addison’s Disease

At the other end of the scale is Addison’s Disease, also know as hypoadrenocorticism.

This is where the adrenal glands don’t produce enough cortisol and aldosterone. The outer layer of the adrenal gland contributes to the maintenance of sodium, potassium and water levels within your dog’s body.

Again, veterinarians will use blood tests to diagnose.

As with Cushing’s disease, tumours are prevalent.

Some of the symptoms of Addison’s Disease include:

Panting,

Fatigue/weakness,

Reduced appetite,

Dehydration/excessive thirst/increased urination – due to the imbalance of sodium/potassium which leads to lack of water conservation by the kidneys,

Weight loss,

Slow heart rate,

Shaking,

Cool to touch;

Vomiting/diarrhoea.

Addison’s disease can be well managed with medication under the supervision of a veterinarian. Although any dog can develop Addison’s, there are certain breeds which are predisposed to it, including:

Standard Poodle,

Bearded Collies,

Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers,

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers,

West Highland White Terriers;

Great Danes.

As you can see there are a number of long term health conditions that can cause panting. This can include: Heart Failure, Obesity, Cushing’s Disease and Addison’s Disease. Owners should also be mindful of more immediate health issues which can cause panting in dogs.

Health Symptoms of a Dog Panting

In addition to long term health conditions, excessive panting may be an early indicator your dog is suffering from an acute illness such as heat stroke or an allergic reaction.

Heat Stroke in Dogs

When a dog’s body cannot adequately dissipate heat, heatstroke is likely to occur and is often fatal.

At high temperatures, cells within your dog’s body start to die and the brain starts to swell.

This results in seizures.

Seizures are caused when the electrical impulses in the brain misfire; resulting in rapid twitching in muscle fibres. The increase in muscle activity further increases body temperature. The excess temperature in the body prevents it from functioning correctly eventually resulting in major organ failure.

Symptoms of Heatstroke:

Panting,

Dehydration,

Increased body temperature – above 39°C,

Swollen/dark/reddening gums,

Small, pinpoint areas of breathing,

Vomit/diarrhoea,

Seizures,

Rapid/irregular heart rate,

Shock,

Muscle tremors,

Wobbly/uncoordinated gait,

Stoppage of the heart and breathing;

Unconsciousness.

There are certain factors which can put a dog at a higher risk of heatstroke.

These include: obesity, poor lung and/or heart function, hyperthyroidism, brachycephalic breeds and thick/long coated breeds.

Some tips to keep your dog cool:

Walk your dog early morning and late night; at the coolest parts of the day,

Use brain games and puzzles throughout the day with your dog instead of exercising outside,

Ensure there is always fresh water available for your dog,

Use cooling mats/towels,

Heatstroke can be fatal, so watch for early symptoms. If you suspect your dog has heatstroke, seek immediate veterinarian attention.

Panting may indicate an Allergic Reaction

An anaphylactic shock in dogs manifests slightly differently than in humans.

In humans, the response is primarily in the respiratory system.

In dogs, it firstly affects the cardiovascular and gastrointestinal systems and secondly, the respiratory system.

After being exposed to the allergen, the first symptoms you would notice would be diarrhoea, vomit, urination, itching and/or hives. You would then soon observe the following:

Weakness/lethargy,

Drooling,

Shallow, rapid breathing (panting),

Pale gums,

Raised heart rate,

Weak pulse;

Cold to touch.

Anaphylactic shock will likely develop into seizures, collapse and unconsciousness. It is fatal. In any suspected anaphylactic shock, seek veterinarian attention immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions about Panting

What is the difference between normal panting and more serious panting?

Normal panting should be expected when the environmental temperature has increased and when you have been out exercising with your dog.

This is how they cool down.

Always be mindful of the risk of heatstroke.

Expert-Advice

You know your dog best, any increase in panting or any additional symptoms should be checked out by a veterinarian.

Why do dogs pant at night?

Your dog could be too warm at night and they are simply trying to cool down.

However, night time panting can be associated with liver issues in dogs.

Feeding your dog too late at night can also raise their metabolic state which increases panting.

Why do dogs pant for no reason?

There is always a reason why your dog will be panting.

Typical panting should be expected when they are trying to cool themselves down.

Excessive panting or additional symptoms should always be discussed with a veterinarian.

Why do brachycephalic breeds pant so much?

Brachy breeds tend to have furrowed faces.

Due to their small nasal passages and short windpipes, they don’t pant as efficiently as other breeds.

This means they have to pant more to cool themselves down.

They are also more sensitive to environmental temperature changes and at a higher risk of heatstroke.

Why do dogs pant when they are scared?

The stress response in a dog increases their heart rate which in turn increases body temperature. Dogs pant to thermoregulate.

Why do dogs pant with their tongue out?

The tongue is an important part of the cooling system.

When dogs get hot, blood flow increases and this includes to their tongue.

As the dog pants, moisture evaporates and cools the tongue. As the tongue cools down, so does the blood which flows through the body.

Summary

Panting is a completely normal behaviour to expect from your dog.

Expect to see them panting when they are sunbathing in the yard and also sleeping in front of the log fire when it’s cold.

You may also find them panting if they’re a little worried about something.

Brachy breeds will always pant more than long snouted dogs too!

As always, if there is a significant change in your dog’s health or behaviour, it’s always best to seek the advice of a qualified veterinarian.