Why Do Puppies Pant a Lot?

The process of panting in dogs has a biological purpose behind the action. It can be a way to help cool the body or a indicator of a more serious problem. Panting is normal if it happens in a predictable pattern, such as during heat or long runs. Puppy owners may notice their hounds are panting faster than their older dogs, which is normal for the younger ones.

  1. Function of Panting

    • Humans are able to cool down by an evaporative process driven by sweating. Dogs do not have the same advantage in this respect and must look to other means of cooling their body. Panting is a physiological process that moves air in and out in a shallow portion of the lungs. Air can exchange enough to allow a cooling process to take place but not deep enough to make them hyperventilate.

    Normal Panting

    • Panting should be considered normal if it is in response to a stressor such as hot weather, stress, running or excitement. These are all situations that panting would be expected. Adult dogs have a normal respiratory rate of 18 to 34 breaths a minute, according to the Dog Health Handbook. Puppies will have a normal breathing rate above that of an adult dog, which can be mistaken for panting. The respiratory rate of a puppy can increase nearly 10 times its normal rate before it is considered to be panting. Panting should be temporary until the current situation has resolved, longer durations can be a more serious sign.

    Health Problems

    • Excessive panting in a dog can be a sign of respiratory, heart or neurological problems. Respiratory problems can lead to nasal congestion, tracheal collapse and altered gas exchange in the lungs. Some symptoms to look out for are a cough, nasal congestion, fever and difficulty breathing. Heart problems can manifest into canine heart congestion, heartworm infection and blood related diseases. Lethargy, loss of appetite and rapid shallow breathing are a few of the signs to look for in a puppy. Neurological problems that are tied to breathing are serious and should be addressed immediately. Contact your veterinarian for any questions related to your specific dog or if any abnormal symptoms arise.

    Signs of Abnormal Panting

    • A dog panting is not a sign of a problem by itself. There are usually other signs and symptoms that manifest when a more serious problem occurs. Long bouts of panting, heavy breathing, lethargy, fever and a loss of appetite should be considered to be related to a more serious condition. In puppies, if their breathing is nearly 10 times that of what their normal should be, this would be considered panting. A veterinarian should be contacted immediately for a case of nonstop panting as this can be a life threatening situation.