- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Panting is a perfectly natural—and necessary—way for dogs to cool down. Some dogs pant a lot, especially when they’re warm, playing, or feeling excited about something. In some cases, however, excessive or extreme panting may point to a possible health concern.
Excessive panting goes beyond the usual panting that happens with heat, play, or excitement, explains Dr. Jennifer Sperry, a veterinarian with Pets Plus Us Insurance.
Abnormal panting may happen during rest, when a healthy dog typically breathes just 12–24 times per minute. You might also notice other symptoms, like pale gums, weakness, or vomiting. You might notice this type during rest, when a healthy dog typically breathes
If you think your dog is panting too much, it’s important to pay attention to when it happens and how long it lasts. Heavy panting isn’t always a cause for concern—but sometimes, you’ll want to take your dog to the vet right away. Read on to learn the signs of excessive panting and how to help your dog.
Causes of Normal Panting
Dogs pant to regulate their body temperature and express emotions.
Unlike humans, dogs don’t sweat through their skin. Instead, they cool down by breathing rapidly. This process releases heat by allowing moisture to evaporate from the tongue, mouth, and upper respiratory tract.
It’s perfectly normal for dogs to pant in the following situations:
- When experiencing excitement or stress
- During or after physical activity
- In humid and hot weather
Normal panting can sometimes appear excessive, especially in high-energy or anxious dogs.
The key is to observe the circumstances and how long your dog continues to pant, Dr. Sperry says. “If your dog has been resting for 10 to 15 minutes after exercising or coming indoors from heat but is still panting heavily, there may be a more serious issue.”
How To Help a Panting Dog
Dr. Sperry explains that if your dog is panting but not in distress, you can usually support them at home.
Start with these tips:
- Offer cool, fresh water, but don’t force them to drink.
- Move them to a shaded or air-conditioned space.
- Use a fan to improve airflow.
- Gently apply cool (not cold) damp cloths to their paws, ears, or belly.
- Avoid rapid cooling, such as using icy water, which can lead to shock.
- Check for signs of pain or other triggers that might be causing stress.
- Give them time to rest quietly without loud noises or other stimulation.
Causes of Excessive or Abnormal Dog Panting
Excessive or out-of-context panting can suggest an underlying health issue.
Abnormal panting can have a number of possible causes, according to Dr. Nell Ostermeier, a veterinarian with Figo Pet Insurance.
Heat stroke
Since dogs don’t sweat like humans, they rely on panting to release heat. When their body overheats, panting becomes intense.
Symptoms of heat stroke in dogs include:
Pain
Panting helps dogs manage stress related to discomfort. This is especially common in senior dogs, who may pant more at night when trying to get comfortable.
Other signs of pain can include:
Respiratory issues
Infections, airway blockages, and other conditions that reduce oxygen intake can cause dogs to breathe more deeply or rapidly. This deep breathing can mimic panting.
Other symptoms of respiratory conditions include:
- Nasal discharge
- Coughing
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
- Appetite changes
Heart issues
When dogs have left-sided heart failure, fluid can build up in the lungs. This makes it harder to breathe and triggers panting and coughing.
Other symptoms of heart problems include:
- Fatigue
- Poor appetite
- Weakness
- Weight loss
Cushing’s disease
Cushing’s disease is caused by excess production of cortisol, a hormone that helps regulate stress, metabolism, and inflammation. High cortisol levels can increase thirst, appetite, and urination as well as panting.
Addison’s disease
This hormonal disorder develops when a dog’s adrenal glands don’t produce as much cortisol or aldosterone as they should. Aldosterone helps balance sodium and potassium levels in the body.
These hormone imbalances can lead to vomiting, weakness, and excessive panting.
Anxiety or stress
Panting doesn’t just help regulate a dog’s body temperature. It also helps regulate their emotions.
When dogs feel anxious, their bodies release adrenaline, which raises heart and respiratory rates. Dogs may pant at night due to noise sensitivity or separation anxiety.
Cognitive dysfunction
Older dogs with cognitive dysfunction may pant at night due to confusion or disrupted sleep patterns. They may also pace, seem restless, or drink more water during these episodes.
Breed characteristics
Brachycephalic breeds, like Bulldogs or Pugs, have short muzzles and narrow airways. These facial features can make their panting more frequent and labored—especially in warm weather or during activity.
Poisoning
Ingesting toxic substances can lead to panting as the body reacts to distress.
Other signs of poisoning can depend on the toxin, but may include:
- Vomiting
- Drooling
- Lethargy
- Diarrhea
- Facial swelling
Weight
Overweight dogs often pant more because more body fat increases heat retention and puts extra pressure on the heart and lungs. They may also tire easily and seek out cool surfaces to rest on.
Allergic reactions
Severe allergies can cause airway swelling. This makes it harder for your dog to breathe and leads to panting.
Other symptoms can depend on the allergy trigger but may include:
- Hives
- Swelling
- Vomiting
- Itching
When To Take a Panting Dog to the Vet or Emergency Vet
If you think your dog is panting too much, it’s important to pay close attention so you can act quickly if needed.
Depending on the situation and the severity of their symptoms, you may need to contact your vet or take them straight to the emergency vet, according to Dr. Ostermeier.
The table below can help you determine the best way to help your dog.
| Situation | What to do |
| Your dog pants heavily after activity or heat exposure and stops panting after resting in a cool space. | Monitor your dog’s condition. If panting stops within 10-15 minutes and your dog seems fine otherwise, no action is needed. |
| Panting gradually increases over time, or you’ve noticed a pattern in the panting. | Schedule an appointment with your regular vet so they can give your dog a full exam. |
| Panting begins or continues in a cool environment with no clear cause. | Contact your vet. This could be a sign of an underlying issue like pain, anxiety, or illness. |
| Panting begins suddenly along with other symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, pale gums, drooling, swelling, or collapse. | Seek emergency care immediately. Go to the closest vet clinic or emergency animal hospital. |
| You don’t know whether your dog’s panting is normal or a cause for concern. | When in doubt, call your vet. They can help you assess the situation and guide your next steps. |
Dr. Ostermeier also recommends knowing your vet’s regular hours and the location of the nearest emergency clinic.
Not all areas have a 24/7 emergency vet, so it’s a good idea to ask your vet in advance about after-hours emergency care.
