Quick answer: Panting is normal after exercise, in hot weather, or when excited. Panting is not normal when: the dog is at rest, in a cool environment, and the panting is rapid and shallow. The 4 categories of abnormal panting are: pain panting (tight mouth, "whale eye", reluctance to move), anxiety panting (in a stressful situation, with other stress signs), illness panting (persistent, with other symptoms), and brachycephalic panting (constant in flat-faced breeds). When in doubt, see the vet within 24 to 48 hours.
Normal panting
Three contexts where panting is normal.
After exercise. A dog pants to release heat. A 30-minute walk can push the breathing rate from 30 to 40 breaths per minute (at rest) to 200+ breaths per minute (panting). The panting slows as the dog cools down: 5 to 15 minutes for a moderate walk, up to 30 minutes for a hard run in warm weather. The dog should be back to resting breathing rate within 30 minutes.
In hot weather. Panting is the dog's primary cooling mechanism. A dog in a 25C room will pant to release heat, even at rest. The panting slows as the dog moves to a cooler spot or the room cools.
When excited or stressed. A dog meeting a new person, anticipating a walk, or recovering from a scare will pant for a few minutes. The panting stops as the dog settles.
Normal panting is fast and shallow, with the mouth open and the tongue out. The dog is responsive (looks at you, follows commands, can be distracted). The dog's gums are pink and moist.
Pain panting
A dog in pain pants differently. The signs.
- Tight mouth. The mouth is partially closed, with the lips pulled back. The dog is trying to keep still to avoid the pain.
- "Whale eye". The whites of the eyes are visible. The dog is anxious and uncomfortable.
- Reluctance to move. The dog is standing or lying still, not walking around.
- Vocalisation. Whimpering, groaning, or quiet yelping.
- Guarding. The dog protects a specific area (a paw, a side, the abdomen).
- Aggression when touched. A pain-snapping dog is not being aggressive; the dog is protecting the painful area.
A dog with pain panting is a vet call. The pain may be musculoskeletal (arthritis, injury), visceral (bloat, foreign body), or systemic (infection, fever). The vet will examine and likely recommend pain relief and further investigation.
Anxiety panting
A dog in an anxiety-inducing situation (fireworks, separation, vet visit) pants differently again. The signs.
- Panting with the mouth partially closed. The dog is "holding" the breath, not panting efficiently.
- Lip licking, yawning, "half-moon eye". Calming signals that indicate the dog is stressed.
- Body lowered, tail tucked. The dog is trying to make itself small.
- Pacing, inability to settle. The dog cannot relax.
Anxiety panting is usually obvious in context. A dog panting at the vet, panting during fireworks, panting when the owner leaves: the trigger is the cause. See our separation anxiety guide and our fireworks guide.
Illness panting
A dog panting for no obvious reason (not after exercise, not in hot weather, not anxious) may be showing a sign of illness. The 4 most common.
1. Cushing's disease (hyperadrenocorticism). A hormonal condition common in middle-aged and senior dogs. Symptoms: persistent panting, increased thirst, increased appetite, pot-bellied appearance, hair loss, skin thinning. The vet can confirm with a blood test (ACTH stimulation or low-dose dexamethasone suppression). Treatment is medical (trilostane) or surgical (depending on the cause).
2. Heart disease. Early heart disease (mitral valve disease in small breeds, dilated cardiomyopathy in large breeds) can cause panting at rest. Other symptoms: cough (especially at night), fatigue on walks, weight loss. The vet can confirm with a chest x-ray, ultrasound, or blood test (proBNP).
3. Respiratory disease. Laryngeal paralysis (common in older large breeds), bronchitis, pneumonia. Symptoms: panting, noisy breathing, exercise intolerance. The vet will examine and may recommend x-rays.
4. Pain. Pain from any source (arthritis, abdominal, dental) can cause panting. See "Pain panting" above.
A dog with persistent panting (more than 1 to 2 days) with no obvious trigger is a vet appointment within 1 to 2 weeks. A dog with panting plus other symptoms (lethargy, appetite change, weight change) is a vet appointment within 24 to 48 hours.
Brachycephalic panting
A brachycephalic dog (Bulldog, Pug, French Bulldog, Pekingese, Boston Terrier, Shih Tzu) pants more than other breeds, even at rest. The shortened upper airway that defines the breed makes efficient breathing harder. A "normal" brachycephalic panting is a low-grade, constant breathing that the dog has had since puppyhood.
A change in the brachycephalic panting pattern is the warning sign. If the panting becomes louder, more laboured, or is accompanied by retching or collapse, the dog may be in respiratory distress. This is a vet emergency. Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) is a real condition; many brachycephalic dogs benefit from airway surgery to improve quality of life.
A brachycephalic dog on a warm day is at high risk of heat stroke. The 5-second pavement test and the cooling protocol in our summer safety guide are essential.
Panting at night
Panting at night is one of the more common owner concerns. The 5 most common causes.
- Hot room. A warm room (over 22C) makes a dog pant. Open a window, use a fan, lower the central heating.
- Anxiety. A dog with separation distress often pants at night when the owner is asleep and the dog is alone. The separation anxiety protocol helps.
- Cognitive dysfunction. Senior dogs with CCD often "sundown": they become more confused, restless, and panting in the evening. The dementia guide has the management protocol.
- Pain. A senior dog with arthritis may pant at night when lying down, due to joint pain. The joint care guide has the management protocol.
- Cushing's or heart disease. See "Illness panting" above. A vet check is needed.
When to call the vet
A practical 5-question checklist.
- Is the panting persistent (more than 1 to 2 days) with no obvious trigger? Vet appointment within 1 to 2 weeks.
- Is the panting with other symptoms (lethargy, appetite change, weight change, cough, increased thirst)? Vet appointment within 24 to 48 hours.
- Is the dog a brachycephalic breed with a change in panting pattern? Vet appointment within 24 hours.
- Is the dog panting and unable to settle, with a swollen abdomen? Emergency vet immediately. Possible bloat (GDV).
- Is the dog panting and unable to settle, with blue or pale gums? Emergency vet immediately. Possible heart or respiratory emergency.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my dog panting so much?
Normal panting is after exercise, in hot weather, or when excited. Abnormal panting has 4 categories: pain panting (tight mouth, whale eye, reluctance to move), anxiety panting (in a stressful situation, with other stress signs), illness panting (persistent, with other symptoms like increased thirst or appetite), and brachycephalic panting (constant in flat-faced breeds). When in doubt, see the vet within 24 to 48 hours.
When is dog panting a sign of an emergency?
Panting is a vet emergency when: it is with a swollen or tense abdomen (suspected bloat / GDV), with blue or pale gums (possible heart or respiratory emergency), with inability to settle, or with collapse. A dog with any of these signs needs an emergency vet immediately. Drive, do not wait.
Why does my dog pant at night?
The 5 most common causes: hot room (over 22C, open a window or use a fan), anxiety (separation distress at night, see the separation anxiety protocol), cognitive dysfunction in senior dogs (sundown, see the dementia guide), pain (arthritis, see the joint care guide), or illness (Cushing's or heart disease, see the vet). A vet check is needed if the night panting is new or persistent.
See our dementia guide for the senior dog sundown protocol, and our summer safety guide for heat-stroke prevention.
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