20 Reasons For Excessive Panting in Dogs

The most common reason why the dog's panting is to cool down is because they are hot. It acts as a way for them to cool off like sweating does for people. 

When dogs pant, they rapidly inhale and exhale air, allowing moisture on their tongue. The air picks up moisture from the tongue and upper respiratory tract as it's exhaled. Dogs only have sweat glands on their paws and can't cool themselves adequately with sweating, so they pant, cooling them down from the inside out by evaporation. As the moisture evaporates, it takes heat away from the dog's body, cooling them down.

Just like how people will breathe heavily when they are out of breath after exercising or running, your dog will also breathe rapidly when they are tired from running after the ball or playing with friends. This rapid breathing helps refill oxygen levels in their bloodstream during periods of excitement or stress

Dogs primarily want to regulate their body temperature. As carrying a playful nature, they love to play with their human companions most of the time running here and there the whole day. The excess running and playtime make them tired of running behind the ball with their other furry friends or human friends, resulting in panting. 

Excitement is another common reason for your dog panting. You may have noticed that your dog sometimes breathes in heavily when they greet you at the door. Just like happy jumps and wiggly tails, they start panting to show their joy and affection towards their human companion and show their excitement. Watch for relaxed body language, a wagging tail, and bright eyes. 

If your dog is panting, because he is excited, he will take short breaths and might make sounds like whining or barking. When they anticipate playtime, a walk, or seeing their loved one, the excitement kicks in, leading to some happy panting. 

During the hot summer days, it might be tempting to get everyone out of the house into the fresh air for the day including your furry friend. However, walking your dog in the summer when it's hot puts them at risk of heatstroke. 

It occurs when a dog's body temperature rises and cannot be cooled down. They can only lose heat by panting and small amounts of sweat from their paws. Once their temperatures go too high, they plan themselves excessively to avoid stroke. Brachycephalic breeds like Pugs and Boston terriers can be at risk for heatstroke because of their short snouts, causing problems in breathing heavily. 

Pain is also a major cause of panting in dogs. If your dog is panting excessively, it could be a sign that they are suffering from pain. Pain can be a red flag for hidden pain in dogs. Unlike whining or yelping, panting is a subtle sign. 

If you think your furry friend is in some pain or discomfort, take him to the nearest vet to have him checked out. 

• Injury: A recent sprain, cut, or internal injury can trigger panting as a stress response.
• Internal Issues: Pain from arthritis, bladder infections, or stomach problems can manifest as panting.
• Dental Pain: Just like humans, toothaches or gum problems can cause pain, leading to panting in dogs.

If your dog suffers from occasional anxiety, that's temporary and you don't need to worry too much. However, if your dog experiences severe anxiety and stress, it can be distressing for both. It can be a major cause for panting alongside barking and whining. Sometimes, while they pant, it is easy to point out the cause of your's dog anxiety.

They may suffer separation anxiety if they follow you around constantly and seem to become anxious when you are ready to go out for some time. If they start panting, when they see another dog, or when they hear a firework from a distance. However, not all stress triggers are apparent and you might need your vet's help. 

During exercise, dogs breathes heavily for two main reasons: to cool down and increase oxygen intake. Panting is their primary way to regulate body temperature. Moisture evaporates from their tongues and airways as they pant, creating a cooling effect. This cooling mechanism is essential in preventing overheating, especially in breeds with dense coats or those prone to heat sensitivity.

Also, the exercise generates heat, helping them to stay comfortable as they pant. Physical activity increases a dog's oxygen demand. Panting helps them quickly absorb more cool air and expel stale air rich in carbon dioxide. This rapid breathing allows them to get the oxygen they need to keep their muscles working efficiently.

Infections in the upper respiratory tract like kennel cough or lower respiratory tract can lead to inflammation and irritation of the airways, making your pup difficult to breathe. This is a condition that affects short-nosed breeds like pugs and bulldogs. It can cause difficulty breathing, especially during exercise or hot weather.

Any respiratory illness can result in heavy panting. When this happens, part of the problem is that the heart has a hard time getting blood to the rest of the body. If you suspect your dog might be ill, consult your vet as soon as possible. 

Also known as hypocalcemia, low blood calcium causes panting in dogs. It typically occurs because calcium plays a crucial role in muscle function, including the muscles involved in breathing. When the quantity is low, it can lead to muscle weakness or spasms, which can manifest as panting in dogs. 

Other signs of hypocalcemia in dogs may include restlessness, tremors, stiffness, and in harder cases, seizures. No matter what kind of breathing your dog has, unexplained changes whether heavy panting, coughing, or wheezing. 

Excess weight makes panting more likely in dogs for a few reasons. First, carrying extra pounds is strained on their entire body, including their respiratory system. Second, fat deposits can pressure the lungs and chest cavity, further limiting their ability to air. Third, overweight dogs tend to get hotter faster, especially during exercise.

Panting is their only way to cool down, and they'll likely respirate more heavily and for longer periods to compensate. This extra exertion can further tire them out and worsen their breathing difficulties.  

When a dog ingests something poisonous, the toxin can disrupt their normal physiological processes. It can make it difficult for the dog to maintain a healthy body temperature, leading them to respirate in an excessive attempt to cool down. This can cause internal heating, which they try to combat by panting heavily.

Certain toxins can irritate the lungs or airways, making it difficult for the dog, and leading to rapid, shallow panting. Look for labored breathing, shaking, vomiting, or drooling. If you notice these along with panting, especially if your dog hasn't been exercising, get them to a vet immediately

This is a condition caused by the reduction in RBC in a dog's body. These cells are crucial as they help make sure the body gets the needed oxygen to be as healthy as possible. They start panting to make up for that lack of oxygen. 

If your dog has trouble exercising, you might assume that they are out of shape. However, the problem could be anemia, a shortage of RBC. The pups suffering from this disease may breathe highly in situations that don't require much effort, such as getting up and walking around. 

The panting works due to moving air across a moist surface to evaporate water. This evaporation absorbs heat, chilling the dog's body. However, humidity reduces its efficiency. 

When the air is soaked with moisture, it can't hold much more from the dog's panting. This reduces the cooling effect because less water evaporates, making it harder for the dog to regulate its temperature. With less effective cooling, a dog has to breathe harder and faster to return to their normal state. This extra effort can lead to exhaustion and dehydration if the dog can't keep up.

Allergies can trigger panting in dogs because they cause inflammation and irritation in the respiratory system. Allergens like pollen or dust mites can irritate the airways in your dog's lungs, causing them to swell and narrow, making breathing difficult

To compensate for the narrowed airways, your dog should breathe harder and faster, leading to excessive panting. Sometimes, allergies can cause wheezing, a high-pitched whistling sound during breathing, worsening the panting. Some dogs develop allergies to specific ingredients in their food, such as proteins (e.g., chicken, beef) or grains (e.g., wheat, corn). Excessive scratching and discomfort may induce panting as dogs try to reduce their itchiness.

When an object gets stuck, it partially or completely blocks the airway, making breathing difficult. The body panics when it can't get enough oxygen, triggering the "fight-or-flight" response, including rapid panting, and a desperate attempt to get more air.

A blocked airway forces the dog to work harder to breathe, leading to heavy panting as the dog struggles to pull air through the obstruction. This discomfort can further worsen the panting as the dog tries to expel the object. Additionally, if the object obstructs the digestive tract, it can lead to abdominal discomfort, bloating, and nausea, which may lead to panting. 

When a dog feels scared, their body goes into "fight-or-flight" mode, releasing adrenaline, a hormone that prepares the body for action. This response includes several physiological changes to the dog to either confront a threat or escape from it.

Fear increases the heart rate to pump more blood to the muscles and vital organs, preparing the dog for action. Even if the smell threat isn't close, the expectation of danger triggers panting. Increased heart rate and muscle tension can make it breathe heavily for dogs, leading to panting. Avoid yelling or getting agitated, this can worsen the fear and provide a quiet and familiar space for your dog to retreat.

Cushing's illness is caused by an overactive adrenal gland, responsible for producing the hormone as well as having other roles in fluid regulation in a dog's body. Too much of this hormone leads to symptoms like excess panting and excessive thirst and hunger. 

You might also notice your dog's skin and fur have become thinner and develop a pot-bellied appearance. Over time Cushing's can lead to diabetes and even congestive heart failure. Cushing's disease also triggers excessive thirst and urination. While your pup drinks more, they often become dehydrated because their body struggles to retain fluids. 

Normally, as dogs pant, moisture evaporates from their tongue and respiratory system, helping them shed heat. When dehydrated, their body has less water to spare for evaporation.  This makes panting less effective, forcing them to respirate harder and faster to try to cool down.

Additionally, dehydration thickens blood, making it harder for the heart to pump it throughout the body. This reduced circulation can further hinder oxygen's flow, making it harder to breathe. It creates a vicious cycle: the dog respirates excessively more to cool down, but loses even more fluids, making panting less effective.

Heart conditions or congestive heart failure can cause panting in dogs. This panting may be more seen during activity or at rest, supported by lethargy, or difficulty lying down. 

It leads to reduced oxygen delivery and fluid buildup in the lungs due to which dogs breathes in excessively. Dogs may show signs of the same symptoms including breathing difficulty, reduced exercise tolerance, and coughing. The difficulty can lead to excess panting as a sign of pain due to heart issues in dogs. If your pup is seen any symptoms like coughing, or having breathing difficulty, it is best to consult your vet. 

Gastrointestinal issues such as gastritis, abdominal pain, or any intestinal blockages can cause dogs to pant. These issues may occur alongside symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or changes in appetite. 

The pain and discomfort from this issue can lead to increased respiratory rate as a response to discomfort. The discomfort from these conditions can also trigger anxiety or stress responses, further contributing to increased respiratory rate. They may also exhibit restlessness, pacing, or attempts to find a comfortable position. Therefore, managing these conditions effectively not only reduce panting but also improves the dog’s overall comfort and health