why-do-dog-panting

Whether your pet’s panting is excessive or abnormal, researchers have looked at dog panting to determine its cause; What they discovered may surprise you.

If you’ve ever noticed your dog gasping in the summer, you know it’s because he’s trying to cool down, and if you have a breed such as a pug or a bulldog, you may have seen your dog pant frequently. This heavy breathing is expected due to their short snouts. However, every dog owner should be aware of other, more severe causes of panting.


What is panting in dogs?

Moderate to rapid open-mouth breathing is a typical dog and puppy behavior that lowers body temperature. And oxygen also goes into the dog’s blood. The panting dog breathes with the mouth open and the tongue out.

Panting is essential as a cooling mechanism, as dogs do not have an effective system of sweat glands like people. Instead, dogs cool their bodies by evaporating moisture from the mouth and tongue and replacing the warm air in their lungs with cold outside air.

Common reasons for dogs are panting.

Your dog may be panting for any of these five reasons.

For cooling

This is similar to how humans breathe heavily while doing aerobic exercise. However, panting is also the primary way dogs cool themselves because they do not sweat like humans. Although dogs sweat a little from their paw pads, this may not cool them down enough. Instead, dogs cool themselves with their mouths.

Temperature for dog panting.

When the outside air temperature is equal to or higher than the puppy’s average body temperature of 102 F., panting will not cool the puppy down effectively, leading to heatstroke. Hot pups may also resort to digging to find cool places to rest.

Excitement or tension for dog panting.

The gasping may have nothing to do with body temperature. Many dogs gasp when experiencing fear, anxiety, or stress. Examples include car rides, separation anxiety, fireworks, vet visits, and other stressful events.

Watch your dog’s body language to help you determine if your four-leg friend is showing signs of any other type of distress or fear. Understanding the cause of anxiety or fear in a dog can help you reduce these occurrences. Suppose the gasping seems related to fear, anxiety, or stress. In that case, it is best to wean your dog off the situation as soon as possible.

Many Dogs Pant When They Play

Gasping can be a sign of happiness in your dog. If so, the dog’s body language will reflect this happy mood. The tail will usually wag pleasantly. Your dog’s body and face will be slightly loose. come on

Eyes will appear happy and bright once things settle down. So the gasping will slow down and eventually stop. It is usual for a calm, content dog to gasp continuously with an open mouth and bright eyes. Many people consider it a doggy smile.

Pain or discomfort

However, once dogs reach a certain level of pain, they often cannot help but show symptoms such as panting.

Look for other signs of pain or illness, such as limping, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, lethargy, changes in movement and behavior. Contact your nearest veterinarian if you suspect that your dog is sick or injured.

Physiological problems for panting in dogs

Why do dogs pant? Here are some possible reasons why the dog is gasping:

  1. Medications given by the vet may cause increased respiration or rapid panting.
  2. A condition called Cushing’s disease can cause excessive panting.
  3. Those with a high fever may gasp to help lower their body temperature.
  4. Laryngeal paralysis: The throat’s back becomes weak or paralyzed, which is another cause of panting.
  5. The condition in a dog is more common in medium to old too large breed dogs such as Labrador retrievers. Panting is often accompanied by a loud wheezing sound called stridor.
  6. A full stomach or bloating can also cause your dog to gasp, sometimes in preparation for vomiting. This can be an emergency and should be evaluated immediately if your pet is vomiting or having dry heat.

NOTE: Call your veterinarian immediately if you suspect that your pet is ill. For health questions, always consult your pet veterinarian. Because they have examined the pet, know the pet’s health history, and can make the best recommendations for your pet.

Non-Dangerous Reasons for Dog Panting at Night

A dog gasping at night doesn’t necessarily mean something wrong. Most of the time, they suffocate due to natural or hereditary reasons. Three reasons are not dangerous. In:

Becoming cool

All dogs pant to be excellent. Don’t forget that dogs are all in thick fur, making them very hot and sweaty, especially in summer. They ventilate their bodies day and night to reduce the body temperature. When dogs stick out their tongues, it helps the water evaporate faster. And thus, ensures the coolness of the air.

Specific physiology

Some breeds have a genetic tendency to pant. These are French Bulldogs, Pugs, Boxers, and some others. Such physiology leads to brachycephalic obstructive syndrome or BOAS for short. Their upper respiratory tract becomes constricted, and thus, panting occurs.

Anxiety or stress

Sometimes gasping is due to some mental problems. All animals can be stressed, frightened, excited, etc. Anxiety and stress can happen for many reasons. For example, you have moved to a new home or changed your pet’s owner. A poor home environment can also cause stress.

Age

Finally, age can cause a dog to gasp loudly at night. When dogs get older, unpleasant changes occur in their bodies, including panting. Give your pet vitamins, fish oils, probiotics, and other supplements. You will significantly reduce and slow down the aging process.

Use these tips to help determine if your dog’s panting is typical or a sign that something is wrong. Call your pet vet if you think your dog is panting excessively or unusually.

Pay attention to what your dog is doing.

Dogs Panting must be related to outdoor temperature or activity. Healthy dogs usually do not need to gasp in the absence of exercise or stimulation.

Could your dog be stressed, excited, or hot? If so, it’s probably normal dogs panting. However, if your dog is gasping or breathing rapidly during rest or sleep, it is often abnormal panting.

Dog panting remedy

  • Give them water to drink.
  • If your dog is overheating:
  • Act quickly, but don’t panic:
  • Call your vet or local emergency hospital for guidance.
  • If you must bring your dog to the hospital, run the air conditioner in your car.
  • Cool your dog by wetting it with a hose, and take them indoors or at least in the shade.

Your friend may be admitted to the hospital to receive treatment with fluids. And blood tests may be done to ensure their organs are not damaged.

Look for Other Symptoms

Is your dog lethargic or not eating properly? Are they coughing? Other symptoms are clues that can help differentiate normal panting from abnormal panting. These clues will help diagnose the cause of dogs’ panting.

When in doubt, the dog is panting, call your veto.

How do you know when to call your vet? Short answer: whenever you’re worried. Don’t wait and worry about your dog gasping unnecessarily. Leave it to your vet to determine if your dog is experiencing unusual panting.

Dog panting, Final thoughts

Suppose you notice that the panting is highly intense and cannot be explained. That’s why you should take the dog to the nearest vet immediately. It’s always best to play it safe and let your vet check things out.

Emma scott

By Emma scott

The Care4Dog website aims to simplify the search for quality pet care and animal hospital emergency medical services in the United States as well as other countries. The Care4Dog website was founded by dog ​​lover Emma Scott, who has always wanted to provide the highest standard of care for pet dogs.

Related Post

One thought on “Dog Panting 5 Reasons | Is Your Dog Gasping A Lot?”

Leave a Reply