What to Do If Your Dog Is Panting? Could It Be Sick?

Every time you take your dog out for exercise or a walk, you might notice them panting heavily right after. Is it just because they’re tired, or could there be something wrong with their health? If it’s neither of those, what causes dogs to pant? Let’s take a look!

• Heat Regulation
  Humans have numerous sweat glands all over their skin, but dogs have very few—mainly on their noses and paw pads. They rely on panting to effectively cool down. However, if a dog is panting excessively, it’s important to be cautious as it could indicate overheating or other stress-related issues.
  
  
• Stress and Anxiety
  Dogs may experience anxiety when they are in a new environment, visiting the vet, riding in a car, or hearing loud noises. You can observe whether their panting frequency differs from normal. When dogs face stress or anxiety, they tend to pant more frequently, similar to how our heart rate increases when we’re nervous. If your dog is under too much stress, try to remove them from the stressor and provide comfort to help calm them down.
  
  
• Illness or Pain
  Dogs are generally good at hiding their pain, but there are times when they can’t hold it in. Abnormal panting is a common sign of distress. If panting is accompanied by symptoms like vomiting, fatigue, or diarrhea, it’s essential to take them to the vet.
  
  
• Feeling Happy or Excited
  If your dog is panting while wagging their tail and has a relaxed expression, it’s a sign they’re feeling good! Once the excitement passes, their breathing will return to a more normal state, so pet owners shouldn’t assume that all panting is a bad sign.