Does your dog seem to pant all the time, even when the outside temperature is cool? Many pet owners voice this concern to our Santa Monica Veterinary Group, and understanding why your four-legged friend pants can be fascinating but vital for their well-being. Panting is a normal canine behavior that helps them regulate their body temperature, but heavy panting can also signal excitement, anxiety, or a health issue. Learn why your dog is panting heavily, so you’ll know exactly how to respond.

Excitement causes dogs to pant

Dogs are like little kids on a sugar rush when they get excited. Whether they’re meeting new people, spotting a squirrel, or anticipating a treat, excitement can get their hearts racing and tongues flopping. Panting is their way of expressing all that enthusiasm.

Imagine you’re watching a thriller movie. The suspense is high, and your heart is racing. Suddenly, the climax hits, and you find yourself taking deep breaths. Your dog might do something similar when they’re excited. If your pooch is panting heavily when nothing particularly thrilling is happening, talk with our veterinarian. 

Anxiety causes dogs to pant

Just like people, dogs can get anxious. Whether your pooch’s anxiety trigger is the sound of fireworks, a trip to the vet, or being left alone, they are likely to pant excessively in response. This panting is usually accompanied by other distress signs such as whining, pacing, or hiding.

Think of excessive panting like a car alarm going off in the middle of the night. It’s unexpected and alarming. If your dog is panting without a clear reason, something might be wrong. Don’t ignore it; check it out just like you would investigate that blaring alarm.

When your dog is anxious, try to identify and remove their trigger to create a calm environment. If your pooch’s anxiety is frequent, chat with our compassionate team at Santa Monica Veterinary Group to learn helpful strategies and treatments.

Overheating causes dogs to pant

Panting is the canine version of air-conditioning. Dogs don’t have sweat glands like people do, so they rely on panting to cool down. When your dog is running around or basking in the sun, panting helps them evaporate moisture from their tongues and mouths to lower their body temperature.

Imagine you’re out for a jog on a sunny day: you’re sweating, your heart is racing, and by the end, you’re desperate for water. Dogs are similar. When your dog runs around the yard or plays fetch, they pant to cool off, just like you sweat during exercise. Nature’s built-in cooling system is amazing, don’t you think?

However, if your dog is panting while lying on the couch and has been resting for a while, they may have a health issue. To keep your dog cool and reduce their heatstroke risk, always provide fresh water and a shady spot, especially on hot days.

Facial structure can cause dogs to pant

Ever notice how dogs with those adorable squished faces, such as pugs and bulldogs, seem to pant a lot? These brachycephalic breeds have short airways, making being able to cool down difficult for them. Imagine trying to breathe through a straw while running–it’s tough!

Flat-faced dogs’ unique anatomy means they pant more to regulate their temperature and catch their breath. If your smoosh-faced friend is panting excessively, ensure you keep them cool and comfortable and check in with our vet if you’re worried.

Health issues can cause dogs to pant

Sometimes, panting can indicate that your pooch has a serious health issue such as heart disease, a respiratory problem, or even obesity, which can cause your dog to pant excessively. While panting is usually harmless, if your dog pants excessively, this behavior can be a red flag. Call our team if your dog exhibits any of the following signs:

  • Excessive panting — If your dog is panting heavily even though the weather is not hot or they haven’t been active, your pooch may be in distress.
  • Panting at rest — Continuous panting while resting can indicate a health issue.
  • Other signs — Look out for signs, such as cough, lethargy, or an appetite change, alongside excessive panting.

Panting is a natural and necessary behavior for dogs, but understanding the reasons behind it can help you keep your pet comfortable and healthy. Our Santa Monica Veterinary Group is here to help with all your pet health needs. Call us today or request an appointment online if you have any concerns about your dog’s panting or overall health. The next time your dog is panting up a storm, you’ll know just what to do—stay cool, stay informed, and keep an eye on the signs.