Why Do Dogs Pant?

Panting In Dogs

• Under normal circumstances, a dog's respiration rate is 30 to 40 breaths per minute. However, when it is hot, the respiration rate can increase to as much as 300 to 400 breaths per minute. As dogs do not have sweat glands, they use panting as a way to cool down their bodies when hot. When the heat is moderate, a dog may alternate between normal respiration and panting. Generally, respiration returns to normal after few minutes of panting.

  Fat dogs pant more, as they tend to overheat more easily. Similarly, dog breeds such as Pekingese, bulldogs and pugs with pushed-in faces, also known as brachycephalic breeds, having smaller snouts or shorter nasal passages that tend overheat easily and hence, their frequency of panting is far higher than "normal-snout" dog breeds. If your dog pants excessively due to obesity, it is advisable to start a weight loss program to reduce health complications in the long run.

Environmental Factors

• It is quite normal for dogs to pant if they are exerted, excited, anxious, stressed out or exposed to heat. However, if the panting is excessive even without such triggering factors, you should closely monitor your pet and observe whether there is any possibility of a health disorder. If you see your pet is persistently tired, distressed, restless and weak in addition to excessive painting, take it to the veterinarian for further examination. There are certain health conditions that can lead to excessive panting in dogs.

Respiratory Disorders

• These are one of the primary causes of unexplained excessive panting in dogs and include problems in the upper or lower respiratory tract, such as nasopharyngeal polyps, additional tissue growths in the nose or the back of the throat, collapsed trachea, fluid accumulation in the chest or lungs, lung diseases, cancer, asthma and other breathing difficulties. Voice box disorders lead to loud panting. Diaphragmatic hernia is a problem related to the chest cavity. Respiratory problem changes the color of the gums from a healthy pink to blue.

Hyperthermia

• Dogs suffering from heat stroke or hyperthermia have dark red gums and are quite weak. The rectal temperature reaches an all-time high, usually between 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. In such cases, first bring down the body temperature by placing your pet in a tub of cold water and wetting its belly and the inside of the legs. Then take the dog to the vet.

Cardiovascular Disorders

• Heart murmurs, congestive heart failure, cardiomyopathy, heartworm parasitical infection and blood clot (pulmonary embolism) are some of the reasons for excessive panting. Along with the panting, the dog will also have persistent cough, especially during the nights.

Hormonal Disorders

• Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland is not producing sufficient amounts of thyroid hormone. Usually, hypothyroidism causes panting episodes. Similarly, Cushing's disease, which can also occur due to long-term administering of steroids, can lead to panting in dogs. Cushing's disease causes development of potbelly along with excessive panting.

Blood Disorders

• Dogs suffering from anemia are quite weak, persistently tired and have pale gums. Carbon monoxide poisoning also leads to complications related to the blood. Internal bleeding may unknowingly occur unlike bleeding that is visible due to external laceration. Such disorders result in excessive panting, but can be treated with appropriate diet and medication. In certain cases, blood transfusion may be required.

Nausea, Vomiting and Diarrhea

• Dogs suffering from nausea tend to eat grass in order to facilitate vomiting. The rate of panting increases further, if it is accompanied by diarrhea and abdominal pain. Constant vomiting or continuous diarrhea can result in severe dehydration in dogs just like humans. To check whether your dog is dehydrated, pull up its skin at the shoulder blades. If it springs back fast, the pet is sufficiently hydrated. If it remains lifted or slowly sags down, you need to immediately rush your dog to the vet.

Pain

• Dogs pant when they are in pain. However, finding out the source of pain is quite challenging for pet owners. For example, dogs suffering from pancreatitis often suffer from abdominal pain. Joint pain is common among senior dogs. Though the pain may generally subside over time on its own, if your dog persistently whines and you are not able to identify the cause clearly, contact a veterinarian.

Fever

• Dogs with rectal temperature higher than 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit suffer from fever. Such an increase in body temperature leads to excessive panting, as the dog tries to bring down its body temperature. In order to bring down fever, place a wet sponge dipped in cold water on the paws, in the armpits and on the abdomen. Take the dog to a vet to diagnose the cause for fever.