6 Causes of Excessive Panting in Dogs

Dogs are very expressive creatures. They have many different ways of communicating through vocalization like barking and whining, body language and behavior. Panting is a common behavior in dogs, both big and small, and can mean many different things.

However, while normal panting is common, excessive panting in dogs is something to keep an eye out for as it may mean that your pet is struggling with a condition that's causing this and could need medical attention right away.

Reasons for Excessive Panting in Dogs

Excessive panting isn't always something that requires immediate veterinary care, as the reasons for this condition range from common behavioral reactions to something more serious. It's important to know what can bring this on in your pet so you know how to best handle the situation when it arises.

Six common causes for excessive panting in dogs include:

Excitement

When a dog is happy to see their owner come home or meets someone new, they may pant in short bursts, often along with vocalization. It’s their way of letting us know they're having a good time.

Stress or Anxiety

Panting can be your dog’s way of telling you that they are anxious about something. Stress or anxiety can be brought on by a variety of different things, ranging from loud noises to extreme life changes.

If you think your dog’s panting may be a sign of anxiety, pay close attention to their language. Additional signs that your dog may be anxious about something include:

• Pacing
• Hiding
• Walking low to the ground in a fearful stance
• Yawning
• Lack of eye contact

Your veterinarian may suggest behavior modification to help teach them coping mechanisms. Anti-anxiety medication like Xanax or Prozac can be helpful in treating your dog’s anxiety, but you should always wait and consult with your vet to see if this is would be the best route to go with your pet.

Heat

Panting is how dogs cool themselves down. Dogs can’t sweat through their skin like we do to bring our body temperature down. They only sweat through the pads of their feet. By breathing in air in quick bursts, it helps speed up the evaporation of water from your dog’s nose and lungs. This results in cooling the body down from within.

Because dogs can lose a lot of fluids in a small amount of time, it’s best to keep an eye on them and make sure they always have access to plenty of fresh water. If they are outside on a particularly hot day and they seem to be panting more than usual, you should bring them indoors and give them cool, not cold, water.

If they are still panting after they've cooled down, it’s best to take them to the vet to see if something else is going on.

If Your Dog Gets Overheated

If the panting persists and your dog seems to be uncomfortable or disconnected and not responding to you, they may be overheating or becoming dehydrated and it’s important to take action immediately. You can help them cool down by giving them cool water and cold compresses or draping cool washcloths on their back to start bringing their body temperature down.

It’s best to call your nearest Emergency Veterinary Care Center location if you think your dog might be starting to overheat. The vet may want to give your dog fluids and run blood work to see if there was any organ damage.

Other signs that your dog could be overheated or suffering from heatstroke to look out for are:

• Bright red tongue
• Thick and sticky saliva
• Weakness
• Vomiting
• Unsteady on their feet
• Diarrhea

What to Do

If your dog is showing any of these signs it’s recommended that you get them inside immediately if they've been outside on a walk or a hike with you, and give them cool water but not cold as it could shock them. If their symptoms persist, it’s best to call the vet and get them checked out as soon as possible. The vet will most likely give her fluids and run some tests to rule out any permanent damage. In extreme cases of heatstroke, your dog may have to be admitted for ‘round the clock care.

How to Prevent Heatstroke

The best way to prevent your dog from getting heatstroke is to implement some best practices to keep them cool and hydrated. Always make sure they have enough water, both indoors and out.

If they're joining you for a walk or hike, don’t forget to bring enough water for them as well as something for them to drink out of. Collapsible water dishes are available online and at pet supply stores.

Take the time to give them little breaks in the shade along the way. Try to limit their time outside on especially hot days and never leave them in a hot car or home. If you feel heat, they are feeling much hotter and are more likely to overheat.

Pain

Excessive panting can also be a sign that your dog is in some kind of pain. If you notice that your dog is acting like they're in pain, take them to see the veterinarian or to your nearest EVCC location right away so they can find the underlying cause of the pain and help your pet right away.

Laryngeal Paralysis

Laryngeal Paralysis is a condition which causes paralysis of the larynx, or voice box, which makes it difficult for the dog to breathe properly. If your dog has Laryngeal Paralysis, in addition to excessive panting, they may be audibly struggling to breathe and making sounds like they're trying to clear their throat. It’s most prevalent in large, older dogs such as Labradors and Newfoundlands.

It’s important to have your veterinarian run specific tests to check for the disease. The leading treatment is a corrective surgery that permanently opens the airways. The surgery can prolong lifespan and improve quality of life.

Cushing’s Syndrome

If in addition to panting, your dog is drinking and urinating more, eating less than usual, losing hair or bruising easily they may have Cushing’s Syndrome. Cushing’s tends to present in dogs six or older, and certain breeds are more genetically predisposed.

Cushing’s Syndrome is when a dog’s body overproduces the stress hormone cortisol. Cortisol not only helps respond to stress as well as fight infections and regulate weight.

If you think your dog may have Cushing’s, you should have your vet do a complete examination. Your vet will decide which tests to run, as there is no completely conclusive test to diagnosis the disease. Once other medical issues are ruled out, Cushing’s can be treated with surgery or medication.

Talk to a Vet if Your Dog is Excessively Panting

While regular panting can be very normal behavior for dogs, excessive panting can be caused by a variety of different things that could need immediate medical attention. It's very important to pay attention to your dog's behavior to see if the panting continues or becomes worse.

Our teams at Emergency Veterinary Care Centers are available 24 hours a day so your pet can always get the care they need as soon as they need it. We know how serious excessive panting can be for dogs, and we'll make sure to find the root of what's causing his behavior in your pet so we can develop the best treatment plan for them going forward. If you have any additional questions, contact us at any of our locations, day or night.