Why Does My Dog Pant?

If you have a dog, you definitely know what panting looks like. It’s when your dog breathes in and out rapidly with his tongue hanging out. Typically, your dog pants after being active. After playing an active game of fetch with your dog, you typically both relax in the shade. While you fan yourself and drink a cool glass of lemonade, your dog pants and slurps water out of a bowl. You are actually doing the same thing: using your body’s natural, instinctual functions to cool off.

Most people know that panting helps their dogs stay cool. But have you ever wondered just how exactly panting works? Read on to learn how panting helps regulate body temperature, and the difference between normal panting and signs of illness or injury.

The Scoop on Panting

Have you noticed that your dog pants on warmer days and after physical exertion? That’s because panting is your dog’s primary means of thermoregulation. Thermoregulation is the ability of an organism to keep its body temperature within certain boundaries. Humans thermoregulate by sweating (and sometimes panting, too). As we heat up, our bodies produce perspiration which evaporates and cools our skin, lowering our overall body temperature.

It’s a common misunderstanding that dogs don’t sweat at all. Actually, dogs do have sweat glands on their paw pads and nose, and will sweat to help regulate skin function and release heat in those areas.  However, sweat plays a very small part in their thermoregulation.

Think of it this way: the nose and paws make up a very small percentage of a dog’s overall surface area, most of which is covered with fur.  In order to cool their entire furry body, dogs need a more efficient way to expel heat. That’s where panting plays an important part.

When your dog needs to cool down, his tongue may hang out of her mouth, and his breathing will speed up. Dogs have a typical resting respiratory rate of 18 to 34 breaths per minute, but this rate can get significantly faster while panting. Panting moves hot, moisture-filled air in and out, increasing moisture evaporation in the mucous membranes of the nasal passages, mouth, and lungs. This cools the body from the inside out.

The speed and pattern of your dog’s panting will change depending on the needs of his body. According to a report by veterinarian Jerilee Zezula, “Inhalation and exhalation first occurs through the nose entirely (rate is increased), then inhalation through the nose and exhalation through the nose and mouth, and, finally, both inhalation and exhalation through the nose and mouth with the tongue further extended as cooling needs demand.” In other words, the hotter your dog is, the faster and harder he will pant.

A panting dog can take 300 to 400 breaths per minute, yet it requires surprisingly little effort.  Because of the natural elasticity of the lungs and airways, panting does not expend much energy, nor does it create additional heat.

You may have noticed that sometimes your dog will pause in his panting to take a deep breath, then continue with short, rapid breathing. That’s because panting is not an effective means of exchanging air in the lungs. That panting pause is your dog taking a good respiratory breath, helping to maintain oxygen levels in the blood.

Panting moves hot, moisture-filled air in and out, increasing moisture evaporation and cooling your dog from the inside out.  Please refer to my article Hot Weather Pet Care to get tips on how to keep your dog cool in the hot weather months.

Other Reasons for Panting

Dogs Pant When Anxious or Stressed

Panting may have nothing to do with body temperature. Many dogs will pant when they experience fear, anxiety, or stress. Examples include car rides,  fireworks, rides, separation anxiety, vet visits and other stressful events. Look at your dog’s body language to get a better idea of the problem. Please check out my article Understanding Your Dog’s Body Language, dated March 28, 2017.

Understanding the cause of fear or anxiety in your dog can help you minimize these incidents. If panting seems to be related to fear, anxiety or stress, it’s best to remove your dog from the situation as soon as you can.

Dogs Pant When Excited or Happy

Panting may simply be a sign of happiness in your dog. If so, the rest of your dog’s body language will reflect this happy mood. The tail will usually be wagging in a happy way. Your dog’s body and facial features will be somewhat relaxed. The eyes will appear bright and happy. Once things calm down, the panting will likely slow down and may eventually stop. Continued mild panting with an open mouth and bright eyes is normal in a relaxed, content dog. In fact, many people consider this to be a doggie smile!

Dogs Pant When in Pain or Sick

Panting may be a sign of discomfort. Dogs are very good at hiding pain and illness from humans, and some dogs try harder than others to hide their discomfort. However, once they reach a certain level of discomfort they often cannot help but pant.  Look for other signs of illness or pain, such as vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, lethargy, limping, and behavior changes. Contact your veterinarian if you suspect that your dog is sick or injured.

If at any time you see that panting is extremely intense and cannot be explained, you should get your dog to the nearest veterinarian immediately.

When Panting is Abnormal

Most of the time, panting is a regular part of your dog’s body functions. But panting can also be a sign of injury or illness. Call your vet if your dog exhibits:

•  Panting that starts suddenly without physical exertion, seemingly “out of nowhere”
•  Panting that is constant and intense
•  Panting accompanied by wheezing, coughing, or other unusual sounds
•  Panting accompanied by excessive drool and lethargy, which are signs of heat stroke
•  Panting accompanied by a pale or blue-ish tongue and gums, a sign your pet may not be getting enough oxygen

The best way to tell the difference between plain old panting and something more serious is to simply pay attention to your dog. Notice his breathing rate while he’s resting, and after a normal exercise session. The better you get to know your dog’s regular breathing patterns, the more able you’ll be to spot inconsistencies.

The way your dog’s body works to cool itself off with panting is incredible! The next time your dog pants after a romp in the yard, sit back and marvel at his amazing anatomy.