Dog Panting: Understanding Why Dogs Pant and When to Worry

Panting is your dog's primary cooling mechanism since they can't sweat like humans. 

When dogs get hot from exercise, warm weather, or simply lying in the sun, they pant to release heat and regulate their body temperature.

This is completely normal and healthy.

But not all dog panting is the same. Understanding the difference between normal and excessive dog panting can help you spot when your dog needs help.

Heat Regulation and Exercise

Dog panting is the main way your dog cools down. After a walk, during warm weather, or following playtime, panting helps release heat and regulate body temperature.

You'll notice their tongue hanging out, breathing rapidly but rhythmically, and an overall relaxed body posture.

It's also important to remember that in very hot weather excessive panting (especially into the night when it gets cooler) can mean heat related illness.

Excitement and Happy Panting

Excitement is another common trigger for panting. Whether you've just come home, grabbed the lead for a walk, or pulled out their favourite toy, many dogs pant when they're happy and energised.

This type of panting usually subsides once your dog calms down and is nothing to worry about.

Dogs don't just pant when they're physically uncomfortable. They also pant when they're emotionally stressed or anxious.

Situations like thunderstorms, fireworks, vet visits, car rides, or changes in routine can trigger stress-related panting. 

Unlike heat-related panting, anxious panting may be shown with other signs like pacing, whining, trembling, yawning, or pinned-back ears.

If your dog pants excessively in certain situations or environments, they may be experiencing anxiety.

When Dog Panting Means "Please Go Away"

If your dog pants when they are being handled, trained (without heavy exercise) or touched in general they are usually asking to be left alone and need some space.

Sometimes we see dogs panting when people are invading their space. This is a very clear 'please go away' request.

"Dog panting during handling or touch is usually a clear request for space and autonomy."

Creating a calm, safe space and using positive reinforcement can help. For severe anxiety, consult your vet about behaviour modification techniques or anxiety management options.

Excessive dog panting can sometimes indicate underlying medical conditions that require veterinary attention.

Common Medical Causes of Dog Panting

• Heart disease can cause dogs to pant more as their cardiovascular system struggles to supply adequate oxygen throughout the body.
  
  
• Respiratory issues such as infections, asthma, or collapsed trachea make breathing more difficult, leading to increased panting.
  
  
• Obesity puts extra strain on your dog's body, making them pant more easily even with minimal exertion.
  
  
• Pain from arthritis, injuries, or other conditions can also cause panting as your dog tries to cope with discomfort.
  
  
• Anxiety disorders may require medical intervention if they're severe enough to impact your dog's quality of life.

When to Contact Your Vet About Dog Panting

If your dog's panting seems excessive, occurs at rest, sounds different than usual, or is accompanied by symptoms like lethargy, coughing, blue-tinged gums, or loss of appetite, contact your vet promptly.

Early diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions can significantly improve your dog's comfort and wellbeing.

Understanding your dog's normal breathing rate can help you identify when something might be wrong. 

A healthy dog at rest typically takes between 10 and 30 breaths per minute.

You can count your dog's breathing rate when they're relaxed or sleeping by watching their chest rise and fall, counting the breaths for 60 seconds.

Warning Signs in Dog Breathing Rates

If your dog's resting breathing rate consistently exceeds 40 breaths per minute, this could indicate a problem and warrants a veterinary check.

Breathing rates above 60 breaths per minute at rest are considered an emergency and require immediate veterinary attention.

Other warning signs include:

• Laboured breathing
• Gasping
• Pale or blue gums
• An inability to settle and rest comfortably
  
  

"Monitoring your dog's normal resting breathing rate when they're healthy gives you a useful baseline for comparison."

If you notice persistent changes or a significant increase in their resting rate, contact your vet for advice.

Monitoring your dog's normal resting breathing rate when they're healthy gives you a useful baseline for comparison. 

This way, you'll quickly recognise when something changes.

Dog panting is usually nothing to worry about when it's related to heat, exercise, or excitement. But when panting becomes excessive, happens at rest, or comes with other symptoms, it's time to seek veterinary care.

Trust your instincts. You know your dog best, and if their panting seems different or concerning, it's always worth checking with your vet.

I would love you to join our community of dog guardians just like us, where we talk dog, learn and laugh a lot and generally spend time realising we are not alone in this dog life!

The full study, "Influence of early life adversity and breed on aggression and fear in dogs," is available in Scientific Reports (2025).