If you’re a doggy daddy or pup parent, you know everything about your dog, including when something just isn't right. Discover the possible causes of excessive dog panting and when to call the vet by reading below.
Panting in a normal dog is a common and natural occurrence. Healthy dogs may pant when they feel warm, excited, anxious, or tired after exercise. As long as the panting is not excessive, there is usually no cause for concern.
Of course, there’s no specific amount of panting that is ‘too much’ for any dog. Dogs are individuals, and the amount of panting they do will depend a bit on their breed, age, fitness, and lifestyle there’s no specific amount of panting that is ‘too much’ for any dog.
Once you're aware of when they usually pant and for how long, you'll be able to spot any changes. As a rule, dogs should recover from exertion or heat within five to ten minutes. If they're still panting after this despite resting in a cool, shady spot, this may be excessive.
For example, a very unfit dog may pant for longer after a walk than a very fit and active dog. The most important thing that will help you decide whether your dog’s panting is excessive is knowing what’s normal for them. Please don’t panic, though; you’ll get to know their normal panting behavior over time.
Excessive panting might also mean your dog pants in a situation where they didn’t use to, so it’s not only about the duration of the panting but also the circumstances.
Excessive panting in dogs can stem from heatstroke, cushing’s disease, heart or lung disease, pain, genetics, age,obesity, or anxiety. Each cause has distinct triggers, from hot weather to physical discomfort or stress, making it crucial to identify the root cause for appropriate treatment. Here’s a breakdown of each possible cause:
Heatstroke is when a dog’s body temperature rises, and it cannot cool down effectively. Dogs can only lose heat by panting and via small amounts of sweat from their paws, and both methods are inefficient.In fact, it doesn’t have to be exceptionally hot; just a warm day can cause heatstroke if your dog is exerting itself and doesn’t have access to shade and water to cool off.
Once your dog’s temperature gets too high, they risk seizures, brain damage, organ failure, and even death. To avoid heatstroke, you should only walk your dog at dusk or dawn on warm days and even skip a walk altogether if it feels too warm.
Cushing’s disease, also known as hyperadrenocorticism, is caused by an overactive adrenal gland. The adrenal gland is responsible for producing the steroid hormone cortisol, as well as having other roles in fluid regulation. Too much cortisol leads to symptoms like excessive panting and excessive thirst and hunger.
Other symptoms of Cushing's disease include:
- Increased appetite and thirst
- Increased urination
- Lethargy
- Hair loss
- Skin infections
- Abdomen enlargement
Cushing's disease causes panting in dogs for a number of reasons, including stress because the dog doesn't feel well. If you notice excessive panting at night, it's always best to schedule a visit with your veterinarian.
Dogs with heart disease and heart failure pant more because their heart is working harder to pump oxygen throughout the body. If your dog develops a heart problem, you might notice that they’re suddenly not able to run or walk for as long as they used. They might tire more easily and pant for a while after even a short walk.So it's important to keep your dog protected by getting heartworm prevention medication from your vet.
One of the most common causes of panting is pain. Dogs in pain have a higher heart rate, which can lead to faster, heavier breathing and panting at night. Pain can come from internal problems, such as a disease or illness, or external problems, like a hurt paw from jumping off the couch. So, if your dog is panting, it could be a sign that they are painful. Sometimes the cause of the pain is obvious, especially if there’s been a recent trauma. However, some causes of pain, like arthritis, cystitis, back pain, or toothache, might not be so obvious. You can read more about the signs that your dog is in pain here.
Some dog breeds have a genetic predisposition to breathing problems. If your dog is panting at night, it's possible that it isn't an emergency; instead, it just might be something to expect with their breed. For example, dogs with short heads typically have brachycephalic syndrome, which means they are prone to obstructive breathing because of the shape of their head, muzzle, and throat.
- French bulldog
- English bulldog
- Pug
- Pekingese
- Boston terrier
Because of their short muzzles, these breeds have shorter or flattened throats and breathing passages, which can make them have breathing problems, including excessive panting at night. While breathing issues may be a familiar problem with these breeds, it’s extremely important to keep an eye on your pet when you notice that they’re having trouble breathing. Check for signs of inadequate oxygen, like turning blue or purple (cyanosis) as this constitutes a veterinary emergency.
Many senior dogs pant at night for a number of reasons, which can include health conditions like anemia and Cushing's disease. Older dogs can also suffer from cognitive dysfunction, which disrupts their sleep-wake cycle, causing them to be restless at night. Additionally, older dogs have weaker muscles, which may require them to put more effort into regular movements, which can cause panting at night. Older dogs may also be more anxious because they're not able to move around as much, or they may experience pain when walking or standing. Combined with changes to their daily life, dogs can become stressed more easily as they get older, which may result in panting.
If your dog suffers from occasional anxiety that’s temporary, then you don’t need to worry too much. However, if your dog experiences severe anxiety and stress, it can be distressing for both of you. Dog anxiety symptoms include panting, pacing, barking, whining, and even damaging furniture by scratching or chewing. Sometimes it’s easy to pinpoint the cause of your dog’s anxiety.
For instance, they probably have separation anxiety if they follow you around constantly and seem to become anxious when you put your shoes on and grab your keys. Equally, if they start panting when they see another dog or when they hear a firework in the distance, you can see what the trigger is. However, not all stress triggers are apparent, and you might need your vet’s help.
If you notice any of the following signs along with excessive panting, it’s important to consult a vet:
- Changes in gum color
- Coughing or wheezing
- Increased thirst
- Loss of appetite
- Behavioral changes
- Physical discomfort
- Short or shallow breaths
- Open-mouth breathing
- Excessive salivation
- Restlessness or anxiety
You can help your dog stop panting at night by understanding the cause of their panting. For example, if your dog has allergies, your vet might prescribe them allergy medication, while if your pet has anxiety, they might benefit from behavioral training or behavioral medication to help them calm down. If your dog is panting because they're hot, you can cool them down with a wet cloth, offer them cold water or an ice cube, or turn the air conditioning up for a few minutes.
For more serious reasons why your dog is panting at night, you should always consult your vet. If your dog is panting due to heart disease or pain, your pet will benefit from medication and treatment.
If your dog is panting excessively, or breathing noisily or with difficulty, it could be a sign of a health problem. Schedule a meeting with your veterinarian to discuss possible causes and available treatments.
If your dog is panting heavily but hasn't been exercising, it could be that they're in pain. Dogs in pain will often pant well before displaying more obvious signs, such as a limp or whining. It's worth bearing in mind that dogs with shallow breathing could also be suffering pain.
If your dog is breathing fast at rest or breathing fast while sleeping, it could be experiencing respiratory distress. Contact your vet if you notice any of the following signs: Engaging stomach muscles to help with breathing. Reluctance to drink, eat or move.
Panting without apparent reason can be due to anxiety, excitement, or pain. It can also indicate overheating or underlying health problems. If the panting persists, consult your veterinarian to determine the cause and get appropriate care. For more insights, check topo pet news!
If this applies to your dog and you're concerned about their panting or breathing, speak to your vet urgently. Heavy or noisy panting can also be an indication of other health issues, such as heart or respiratory disease. So, it's important to get your dog checked by your vet if you're worried.
20 minutes is about how long it takes my lab/border to stop panting completely too. An hour I think definitely means they haven't cooled down much at all or have some underlying condition. Most likely, they're just still warm.
If your dog is panting at night it could be nothing more than a normal cooling mechanism or it could be a sign of underlying health issues, anxiety, or environmental factors.
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