Why Is My Dog Panting? Here’s What You Should Know
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If you have a dog, you probably know that panting is a normal behavior for them. Panting helps dogs regulate their body temperature and cope with stress or excitement.
But sometimes, panting can be a sign of a serious health problem that needs your attention.
Disclaimer: The medical/health information is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Read more.
In this blog post, we will explain some of the common causes of excessive or abnormal panting in dogs, and what you can do to help your furry friend.
Why is my dog panting?
There are many reasons why a dog may be panting, but the most common cause is heat exhaustion.
Dogs do not sweat as humans do, so they must pant to evaporate the moisture from their lungs and cool their bodies down. Other causes of panting may include anxiety, pain, respiratory infections, or heart disease.
Observing your dog’s behavior and general health can help you determine why they are panting. If your dog is only panting when they are outside in the heat, then heat exhaustion is the likely cause.
If your dog is panting and seems anxious or uncomfortable, they may be experiencing pain or may have an anxiety disorder.
Respiratory infections and heart disease can both cause rapid and/or labored breathing, so if your dog is panting and seems to be having difficulty catching their breath, these may be the underlying cause.
If you are unsure why your dog is panting, it is always best to consult with your veterinarian. They will be able to perform a physical examination and may order additional testing, such as x-rays or blood work, to help determine the cause of the panting.
Once the cause is determined, your veterinarian will be able to provide you with treatment options to help relieve your dog’s symptoms.
What is normal panting?
Normal panting is usually fast, shallow, and quiet. It occurs when your dog is hot, thirsty, or happy. For example, your dog may pant after a walk, a play session, or a car ride. Normal panting helps your dog cool down and release excess heat through their tongue and mouth.
Normal panting should stop when your dog is calm and comfortable. If your dog is panting for no apparent reason, or if their panting is loud, labored, or irregular, it may indicate a problem.
What are some causes of excessive or abnormal panting?
There are many possible reasons why your dog may pant excessively or abnormally.
Some of the most common ones are:
- Heatstroke: This is a life-threatening condition that occurs when your dog’s body temperature rises above 104°F (40°C). It can be caused by exposure to high temperatures, humidity, or lack of water. Symptoms include heavy panting, drooling, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and collapse. If you suspect your dog has heatstroke, you should move them to a cool place, offer them water, and contact your vet immediately.
- Pain: Dogs may pant when they are in pain or discomfort. This can be due to an injury, illness, surgery, or chronic condition. Panting can also be a sign of anxiety or fear in dogs. If your dog is panting and showing other signs of pain or distress, such as whining, limping, hiding, or aggression, you should consult your vet as soon as possible.
- Respiratory problems: Panting can be a symptom of various respiratory diseases or disorders that affect your dog’s lungs, airways, or chest. These include asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, heartworms, lung tumors, and heart failure. If your dog is panting and coughing, wheezing, gagging, or having difficulty breathing, you should seek veterinary attention right away.
- Medications: Some medications can cause side effects such as increased thirst, appetite, urination, and panting in dogs. These include steroids, painkillers, antihistamines, and some antibiotics. If your dog is on any medication and is panting more than usual, you should talk to your vet about adjusting the dosage or switching to a different drug.
- Hormonal imbalances: Panting can also be caused by hormonal imbalances in dogs. For example, dogs with Cushing’s disease have too much cortisol (a stress hormone) in their body. This can lead to increased thirst, hunger, urination, weight gain, hair loss, and panting.
Dogs with hypothyroidism have too little thyroid hormone in their body. This can cause weight gain, lethargy, hair loss, and intolerance to cold and heat.
If you notice any changes in your dog’s appearance or behavior along with panting,
you should have them tested for hormonal disorders by your vet.
How can you help your dog?
If your dog is panting normally due to heat or excitement, you don’t need to worry too much. Just make sure they have access to fresh water and a shady spot to rest. You can also use a fan or a wet towel to cool them down.
Observing your dog’s behavior and general health can help you determine why they are panting. If your dog is only panting when they are outside in the heat, then heat exhaustion is the likely cause.
If your dog is panting and seems anxious or uncomfortable, they may be experiencing pain or may have an anxiety disorder.
Respiratory infections and heart disease can both cause rapid and/or labored breathing, so if your dog is panting and seems to be having difficulty catching their breath, these may be the underlying cause.
However, if your dog is panting excessively or abnormally, you should take them to the vet as soon as possible.
Panting can be a sign of a serious underlying condition that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. Your vet will examine your dog and perform tests to determine the cause of their panting.
Once the cause is determined, your veterinarian will be able to provide you with treatment options to help relieve your dog’s symptoms.
Panting is a natural and essential behavior for dogs, but it can also indicate a problem.
By paying attention to your dog’s panting patterns and frequency, you can help them stay healthy and happy.