Why Is My Dog Panting so much?
Why Is My Dog Panting so much? behavior of dogs range from barking and digging to marking territory. One question most frequently directed towards
The Pony Express Veterinary Hospital staff is, “Why does my dog pant so excessively?” Panting is a normal dog behavior that serves as a self-regulation mechanism for body temperature for dogs. That being said, sometimes panting indicates your dog has a medical problem. Find out why dogs pant and when panting in a dog is a concern.
Just like how dog panting which is caused by excitement, dogs will also whine and pant when they are stressed.
When you notice your dog panting, note their body language. Are their eyes wide and suspicious? Are they yawning and looking away? These are some of the common body language signs that show your panting dog is stressed.
Evaluate the situation to see how you can make your dog more comfortable to avoid them becoming fearful or more stressed.
If your dog’s stress appears to be a regular occurrence, discuss possibilities with your vet such as dog anxiety vests, calming diffusers, calming supplements, or medication.
Why Is My Dog Panting So Much?
Why Is My Dog Panting so much? While there are numerous healthy reasons for a dog to pant, one with an excessive pant (e.g., one who pants for a long time in a climate-controlled, quiet room) may indicate something is amiss.
They’re Feeling Stressed or Anxious
Why Is My Dog Panting so much? Dog’s can also pant when they’re stressed or anxious. Known as ‘behavioral panting’ this form can typically be observed with some of the following symptoms with it: pacing, repetitive yawning, lip licking, whining, shaking or hiding. You can observe this sort of dog panting if your dog’s afraid of fireworks, on car rides or when going to the vet.
1. Pain
It is worth noting that over-panting in dogs may also be a sign of nausea, distress, and pain. Your veterinarian will be able to determine if your dog is panting due to pain by examining them thoroughly and possibly running some diagnostics.
2. Medicine
Some drugs, particularly prednisone or steroids, can bring about excessive panting even if your dog is not stressed, excited, or hot. It is a common side effect. Discuss with your vet if your dog is excessively panting after medication.
3. Heatstroke
Heatstroke or overheating will lead to heavy panting in dogs, which can very rapidly cause dehydration and death if not treated. Heatstroke treatment involves emergency vet care.
Why Is My Dog Panting so much? Dogs who are overheated will pant heavily and will probably be uncomfortable in some manner. They may be restless, stretched out flat, and/or ignoring you because they are so intent on cooling themselves.
You can avoid heatstroke on hot summer days by taking regular breaks, staying in the shade, and providing your dog with lots of water.
Body temperature regulation in dogs
Why Is My Dog Panting so much? In contrast to humans, dogs lack a sophisticated sweat gland system to cool their bodies. They must depend on panting to remove excess body heat and cool their bodies. Through fast breathing with the mouth, dogs are able to cool themselves in hot conditions and guard against hyperthermia (i.e., heatstroke). Panting enables dogs to inhale cold air, again helping to cool them. Also, panting adds moisture and serves as a natural evaporative cooling system, helping to cool dogs’ bodies. Dogs pant excitedly or under stress.
You might have noticed your furry companion hyperventilating during a veterinary visit, while traveling in the car, or when they see another animal.
Panting often results from excitement, anxiety, or fear. This is often accompanied by additional body signals, like tail wagging, restless pacing, or soft whining. Your dog will also pant because of excitement when they see someone they like a lot or expect a walk or are faced with new things. Stress panting may be caused by thunderstorms, fireworks, or going to the grooming parlor.
How much is abnormal panting?
Why Is My Dog Panting so much? To see if your dog is panting excessively, count how many breaths they take in one minute while they are asleep or relaxed. (It’s also a good idea to do this when your dog is healthy, so you know what their normal breathing rate looks like.) Less than 30 breaths per minute is normal, over 35 could be a cause for concern and is worth ringing your vet about. Your veterinarian will have a good idea of your dog’s typical respiratory rate from past check-ups.
Why is my dog panting so much?
Short-nosed dog breeds, (those with ‘flat faces’ or shortened noses), like Boston terriers, boxers, and pugs are at increased risk of breathing problems and should always be watched carefully by their owners for signs of heightened respiratory effort.
Short-nosed breeds are not the only ones who may get into trouble breathing normally. Regardless of what breed your dog is, heavy breathing or rapid breathing may be an indication that your pup is in pain or ill and needs immediate veterinary attention. Some of the possible reasons for rapid or heavy breathing in dogs are:
- Exercise
- Smoke Inhalation
- Asthma
- Kennel Cough
- Stiffening of Airways
- Windpipe Issues
- Pressure on Windpipe
- Fungal Respiratory Infection
- Bacterial Respiratory Infection
- Lung Diseases such as cancer
- Laryngeal Paralysis
- Pain
- Nausea
- Medication
- Breed Characteristics
- Heat Stroke
- Parasites
- Compressed Lungs
- Hernia
- Anemia
- Pneumonia
- Collapsing Windpipe
Why Dogs Pant Heavily: Common Causes and Treatments
Dogs pant to regulate their body temperature, especially when they feel hot or after energetic activity.
On average, a dog breathes anywhere from 10 to 30 times per minute, depending on its size. By observing your pet’s normal breathing and panting patterns, you’ll be better able to recognize any unusual changes right away. Why Is My Dog Panting so much?