If you have a dog, you might know that there is nothing much you can do about panting. All the dog's pant, so if your little one does, there is nothing to worry about (unless that's all they do).
Panting helps in circulating the airflow through the body. In humans, this happens through sweating; as dogs don't sweat, so are they panting.
Why is my dog panting and restless?
The normal breathing rate is about 35 – 40 pairs of inhalations and exhalations in a minute. But, if your dog does this 10x more times in a minute, say 350 – 400, then it is panting. This is normal.
Now, panting is classified into two types: Normal and Abnormal.
As mentioned above, normal panting is when your dog's body is trying to circulate the airflow. Abnormal panting can occur due to various reasons and must be identified and treated as soon as possible. Asthma is one of the deadly issues that your dog could be facing due to this abnormal panting.
What is abnormal panting?
When your dog pants more than the current panting pattern, then this is something that you must be considered. It happens at inappropriate times and sounds harsher, louder, and raspier. Your dog will exert more than usual.
Types of Dog Panting
While panting is normal, it's essential for dog owners to be aware of the various types of panting and understand what they may indicate about their canine companions' well-being.
- Normal panting
- Heat-related panting
- Stress Panting
- Pain-Induced Panting
- Medical Conditions and Panting
Dog panting causes
#1 Anxiety
Most dogs pant when they are stressed. There could be a physical or emotional trauma that they are going through. Keeping your dog calm and stress-free is your primary responsibility as a dog owner. Yawning, whining, trembling, and food refusal are a few of the other anxiety symptoms.
#2 Pain
Pain and panting go hand in hand. Your dog could be panting after a long walk because his legs are aching. If your dog pants, the first thing you need to check is if he also has pain.
#3 Heat or Temperature Change
Any change in the temperature could also cause excessive panting. This might even lead to heatstroke. Pugs, Lhasa Apso, Boston Terriers, English Bulldogs, Boxers, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and French Bulldogs are more susceptible.
Related Blog: How to Avoid Heatstroke in Dogs
#4 Heart Issues
There might be times when the heart doesn't get enough oxygen that it requires. When something like that happens, dogs pant to increase their blood flow. Please take sudden panting seriously if your dog has any history of heart problems or if he is overweight.
#5 Anemia
Red blood cells carry oxygen to the other parts of the body. And when this decreases, it causes Anemia. This can lead to heart or lung failure. One of the immediate symptoms of this is panting.
Excessive panting in older dogs
Cushing's disease is a hormonal imbalance that is common in older dogs. It is caused due to overproduction of a steroid called Cortisol by the adrenal glands. Abnormal panting is the first symptom that you will notice.
Successful treatment of Cushing's disease resolves to pant. Consult your vet immediately and get this treated.
Dogs panting in Car (or) while Traveling
Dogs panting while traveling is pretty common. This could be due to their first journey, not being comfortable, anxiety, etc. Here are a few things you must do to ensure your dog is comfortable while traveling.
Related Blog: 4 Behaviors to Consider When Traveling by RV with Pets
- Make sure that they are comfortably seated.
- Keep talking to them, and make them sit next to you if possible. They need to know that you are there to protect them.
- Do not feed them just before the trip. This is similar to the same reason most humans avoid eating before traveling.
- Stop as much as possible and take your dog outside for fresh air.
- Do not leave your pet alone inside the car.
In a nutshell!
Dog panting is a natural and essential behavior for dogs to regulate their body temperature and communicate their needs. It serves as a mechanism for cooling down, reducing stress, and indicating potential health issues.
Understanding the different types and reasons for dog panting can help pet owners ensure their furry friends remain comfortable and healthy.
If you notice excessive or abnormal panting fgfdin your dog, it is always advisable to consult a veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
Remember to provide adequate hydration, a comfortable environment, and appropriate exercise to support your dog's overall well-being and ensure their panting remains within normal limits.
