What Does it Mean When Dogs Pant?

All dogs pant. Some seem to pant excessively probably because their panting is loud or sloppy. Panting is the way dogs breathe in and out rapidly, usually with their tongue hanging out. Panting means different things at different times and circumstances. If your dog pants constantly, regardless of the time or situation, then a trip to the veterinarian is in order.

  1. They're Hot

    • A hot, tired dog pants to cool off.

      Dogs can't perspire the way people do. Humans have sweat glands over most of their body, but dogs have very few sweat glands, mostly on the pads of their feet. Panting cools the dog by using the surface of the lungs for evaporation. Dogs can also dilate certain blood vessels in their faces and ears to cool off, according to PetPlace. On a really hot day, a dog will pant while just lying down, but in cooler weather, physical exertion causes panting, because a dog's activity increases its body temperature.

    They're Nervous or Afraid

    • A dog pants when nervous, such as in the veterinary office.

      Panting is a common behavior when a dog is afraid or nervous. Nervousness varies among dogs. Many dogs pant excessively when they arrive at a new home, or when traveling and staying somewhere strange. Others pant because they don't know what is about to happen, such as when the family suddenly starts new or hurried behaviors.

    They're in Pain or Ill

    • Constant panting can indicate a serious illness.

      Your dog's panting could be a sign of pain or illness. Pain can have a hidden cause, so it's wise not to ignore your dog's steady panting. Panting that is accompanied by a raspy sound or gurgling could indicate an emergency. Difficulty breathing, fluid build-up, cardiac problems and more can all cause excessive panting, so never ignore the symptom.

    Considerations

    • Excessive panting with no obvious cause, such as fear or heat, requires veterinary attention, and is sometimes an emergency. In addition, when your dog is panting from heat and exertion, be alert for signs of overexertion or heatstroke. Some dogs will literally run themselves to death on a hot day, in part because heat stress can cause mental confusion, and some dogs just don't have a stop button. That last group includes dogs that have an intense desire to please their owners, dogs that are bred not to give up, such as the entire terrier group and working group, and high-energy dogs. Intense panting, confusion, lack of coordination, listlessness as well as overactivity, are signs of heat stress and heatstroke. Confusion can range from a change in personality to overactivity or appearing lost. For example, an older dog that is suffering from heat stress may suddenly start behaving as a puppy would.