Your dog is panting heavily on the couch. It’s not hot outside. They’re not exercising. You’re starting to worry. Why is my dog panting so much? This question lands in my exam room at least three times a week, and honestly, the answer is usually reassuring—but sometimes it’s not. Let me walk you through what’s actually happening when your dog won’t stop panting, and when you need to call the vet versus when you can relax.
I’ve been a vet tech for 12 years, and I’ve seen panting range from totally normal to genuinely urgent. The tricky part? Dogs can’t tell us what’s wrong, so we have to be detectives. This guide breaks down the five most common reasons why is my dog panting so much, what you should actually worry about, and what you can do about it right now.
Heat and Exercise (The Normal Stuff)
Let’s start with the obvious. Dogs pant to cool down. They don’t sweat like we do (except a tiny bit through their paw pads). Panting is their air conditioning system. When your dog runs around the yard, plays fetch, or sits in a warm room, panting is completely normal and healthy.
Here’s what normal panting looks like:
- Rapid, open-mouth breathing
- Tongue hanging out
- Starts shortly after exercise or heat exposure
- Stops within 10-15 minutes of cooling down
- Dog is otherwise happy, alert, and acting like themselves
This is not something to worry about. Your dog’s body is doing exactly what it’s supposed to do. The problem starts when panting happens without an obvious trigger—like when your dog is lounging inside on a cool day and still won’t stop.
One thing I tell dog owners: if you’re comfortable temperature-wise, your dog might still be hot. Dogs with thick coats (think Golden Retrievers, Huskies, German Shepherds) can overheat more easily. Brachycephalic breeds—flat-faced dogs like Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boston Terriers—are even worse at cooling themselves and pant more frequently, even when it’s not that warm.
Anxiety and Stress
This is where why is my dog panting so much gets interesting. Dogs pant when they’re stressed, anxious, or scared—just like humans breathe faster when nervous. The difference? Dogs can’t tell you what’s bothering them.
Common anxiety triggers that cause panting:
- Thunderstorms or fireworks: The noise and pressure changes freak dogs out
- Separation anxiety: Your dog panics when you leave the house
- Vet visits: The car ride, the smells, the exam table—all stressful
- New environments: Moving, visiting a new place, meeting new people
- Changes in routine: Dogs are creatures of habit; disruption causes stress
- Other pets or people: Social stress is real for dogs too
When anxiety is the culprit, you’ll usually notice other signs: pacing, whining, drooling, inability to settle down, or trembling or shaking. The panting might be intense and continuous, even in cool conditions.
Here’s the real talk: anxiety-related panting isn’t dangerous in the short term, but it’s uncomfortable for your dog and signals they’re genuinely distressed. If this is happening regularly, talk to your vet about management strategies. Some dogs benefit from anxiety wraps, calming supplements, or even medication. There’s no shame in that—it’s actually good pet care.
Pain or Discomfort
This is the one that keeps me up at night as a vet tech. Dogs hide pain incredibly well. Panting can be a sign your dog is hurting and trying to cope with it.
Dogs pant when they’re in pain because:
- Pain increases heart rate and respiratory rate (it’s a stress response)
- Panting might help them feel like they’re “doing something” about the discomfort
- Shallow, rapid breathing is sometimes easier than normal breathing when something hurts
What should make you suspicious? Look for panting paired with:
- Reluctance to move, jump, or climb stairs
- Stiffness, especially after rest
- Limping or favoring a leg
- Whining or crying (especially when touched)
- Hunched posture or inability to get comfortable
- Loss of appetite
- Behavioral changes (your normally friendly dog snaps at you)
Arthritis is the big one here, especially in older dogs. Your 10-year-old Lab might pant more because their joints hurt, not because they’re hot. Dental disease, ear infections, urinary tract infections, and even something as simple as a splinter can cause pain-related panting.
The tricky part? You might not see obvious signs of injury. That’s why panting that doesn’t match the situation (cool day, no exercise, no stress) deserves a vet check. Better safe than sorry.
Medical Conditions That Cause Panting
Now we’re getting into the serious stuff. Several medical conditions make dogs pant persistently, and some of them are emergencies.
Respiratory Issues
Pneumonia, bronchitis, or other lung problems make breathing harder and faster. If your dog is panting and you notice coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing (like they’re struggling to get air in), that’s a vet visit today, not tomorrow.
Heart Problems
When the heart isn’t pumping efficiently, your dog’s body doesn’t get enough oxygen. The lungs compensate by working harder, which means more panting. According to the AKC, heart disease in dogs is more common than many owners realize, especially in older dogs and certain breeds.
Cushing’s Disease
This endocrine condition causes excessive panting, even at rest. You might also notice increased thirst, increased urination, hair loss, and a pot-bellied appearance. It’s most common in older dogs and requires blood work to diagnose.
Fever or Infection
When dogs have infections (urinary tract infections, ear infections, skin infections), their body temperature rises, and they pant to cool down. The panting might be the first sign something’s wrong.
Heatstroke
This is the emergency. Heatstroke happens when a dog’s body temperature gets dangerously high and they can’t cool down. Signs include excessive panting, drooling, weakness, vomiting, collapse, or loss of consciousness. If you suspect heatstroke, get your dog to a cool place immediately and call your vet or emergency clinic. Don’t wait.
Medication Side Effects
Some medications (steroids, certain stimulants) can increase panting as a side effect. If your dog just started a new medication and the panting is new, mention it to your vet.
When to Call Your Vet (The Real Red Flags)
I’m going to be direct here because this matters. Call your vet today if:
- Panting is new and persistent (lasting more than a few hours without an obvious cause)
- Your dog is also drooling excessively (especially if it’s thick or discolored)
- Panting comes with lethargy (your dog seems weak, unresponsive, or unusually tired)
- Your dog won’t eat or drink
- You notice coughing, gagging, or difficulty swallowing
- Your dog’s gums are pale, blue, or purple (this is an emergency—go now)
- Your dog is panting and trembling together
- Panting is accompanied by vomiting or diarrhea
- Your dog seems disoriented or confused
Go to an emergency vet immediately (don’t wait for your regular vet) if:
- Your dog is struggling to breathe or gasping
- Gums are pale, blue, or gray
- Your dog collapses or loses consciousness
- You suspect heatstroke (excessive panting, weakness, no response to commands)
- Your dog is in obvious severe pain
I know it’s tempting to wait and see, but panting paired with other symptoms can escalate fast. I’ve seen dogs go from “seems off” to critical in hours. Your vet would rather you call with a false alarm than miss something serious.
What You Can Do Right Now
While you’re waiting for a vet appointment (or if it’s just normal panting), here are practical steps:
Cool Your Dog Down
- Move them to a cool, shaded area with good air circulation
- Offer fresh water (don’t force it, just make it available)
- Use a fan to help with air movement
- Wet a towel with cool (not cold) water and drape it over them
- Let them rest—no exercise or play
Reduce Stress
- Create a calm, quiet space away from triggers
- Play soft music or white noise
- Use calming pheromone products (Adaptil diffusers work for some dogs)
- Try gentle massage or TTouch (a specific technique that calms dogs)
- Keep your own energy calm—dogs pick up on your anxiety
Monitor Closely
- Watch for the red flags listed above
- Note when panting starts and stops
- Keep track of what your dog was doing before it started
- Take your dog’s temperature if you have a thermometer (normal is 99.5–102.5°F)
- Record any other symptoms (loss of appetite, vomiting, etc.)
When to Manage at Home
If your dog has anxiety-related panting and your vet has already ruled out medical issues, you can manage it:
- Anxiety wraps: Thundershirts apply gentle pressure that calms some dogs
- Supplements: L-theanine, CBD (check with your vet first), or melatonin can help
- Training: Work with a trainer on desensitization to triggers
- Routine: Predictability reduces anxiety
- Exercise: A tired dog is a calmer dog (but not right before the stressful event)
Age and Breed Matter More Than You Think
Here’s something most people don’t realize: your dog’s age and breed heavily influence how much they pant normally.
Puppies and Young Dogs
Puppies pant more than adult dogs. Their temperature regulation isn’t fully developed, and they’re often excited or stressed. If your puppy is panting constantly, it’s probably normal—but if they seem lethargic or won’t eat, that’s different.
Senior Dogs
Dogs over 8-10 years old pant more frequently, even at rest. This can be normal aging, but it can also signal arthritis, heart problems, or cognitive dysfunction. Increased panting in a senior dog is worth mentioning to your vet, especially if it’s a new behavior.
Brachycephalic Breeds (Flat-Faced Dogs)
Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, Shih Tzus, and Pekingese are bred with shortened airways. They pant more constantly because breathing is harder for them. This is just how they’re built. PetMD explains that brachycephalic syndrome affects many flat-faced breeds, and managing their environment (keeping them cool, avoiding overexertion) is crucial.
Double-Coated Breeds
Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Huskies, and similar breeds have thick double coats. They overheat more easily and pant more frequently. Never shave them thinking it’ll help (it actually damages their coat and makes overheating worse). Instead, keep them in cool environments and limit exercise in warm weather.
Giant Breeds
Great Danes, Mastiffs, and other giant breeds are prone to heart problems and bloat. Any new or increased panting in a giant breed should be checked by a vet sooner rather than later.
Small Breeds
Chihuahuas, Toy Poodles, and other tiny dogs can be prone to heart problems and tracheal collapse. They also get cold easily, so sometimes panting paired with shivering means they’re actually cold and stressed, not hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is panting at night normal?
– Occasional panting at night is normal, especially if your dog is dreaming or if the room is warm. But if your dog is panting heavily every night, that’s worth a vet check. It can signal pain, anxiety, or medical issues that get worse when they lie down. Older dogs especially might pant more at night due to cognitive dysfunction or discomfort.
My dog pants even in air conditioning. Should I worry?
– Not necessarily. Some dogs just pant more than others. But if this is new behavior or if your dog seems uncomfortable, it’s worth investigating. Anxiety, pain, and medical conditions don’t care about the thermostat. Pay attention to whether the panting is paired with other signs of distress.
Can anxiety medication help my dog’s panting?
– Yes, sometimes. If your dog’s panting is purely anxiety-related and manageable strategies aren’t working, your vet might recommend anti-anxiety medication. There’s no shame in this. Some dogs genuinely benefit from short-term medication during stressful events (thunderstorms, fireworks) or long-term management of anxiety disorders. Talk to your vet about what makes sense for your dog.
Does panting mean my dog has a fever?
– Not always. Panting can be a sign of fever, but it can also be normal cooling, anxiety, pain, or medical conditions unrelated to fever. If you suspect fever, take your dog’s temperature. Normal is 99.5–102.5°F. Anything above 103°F is a fever and warrants a vet visit.
My dog pants when riding in the car. Is that normal?
– Yes, car panting is usually anxiety or motion sickness. Some dogs get nervous in cars, others feel carsick. You can help by taking short trips, using a crate for security, cracking windows for fresh air, or asking your vet about anti-nausea medication for longer drives. Some dogs also pant when anxious about being separated from you, which is a form of separation anxiety.
How do I know if panting is an emergency?
– Emergency panting looks like rapid, shallow, labored breathing. Your dog might also show weakness, collapse, pale gums, or unresponsiveness. If your dog is struggling to breathe or seems in distress, that’s an emergency. When in doubt, call your vet or emergency clinic and describe what you’re seeing. They can tell you if your dog needs to come in immediately.
Can I give my dog anything to stop panting?
– Don’t give your dog anything without vet approval. If panting is just normal cooling or mild anxiety, you don’t need to stop it—it’s your dog’s body doing its job. If it’s caused by pain, fever, or medical issues, treating the underlying problem is what matters. If it’s severe anxiety, talk to your vet about options. Never give human medications or supplements without checking with your vet first.
Does breed affect how much dogs pant?
– Absolutely. Brachycephalic breeds (flat-faced dogs) pant constantly because breathing is harder. Double-coated breeds overheat more easily. Giant breeds are prone to heart issues that cause panting. Small breeds can have tracheal collapse or heart problems. Your dog’s breed history matters when interpreting panting. What’s normal for a Pug might be concerning for a Greyhound.
My older dog is panting more. Is this just aging?
– Increased panting in older dogs can be normal aging, but it can also signal arthritis, heart problems, cognitive dysfunction, or other age-related conditions. Don’t assume it’s just “getting old.” Mention it to your vet, especially if it’s a new behavior. Senior dogs benefit from regular vet checkups to catch issues early.
Can diet affect panting?
– Indirectly, yes. Obesity makes panting worse because overweight dogs work harder to breathe and regulate temperature. Poor nutrition or allergies can cause inflammation or discomfort that leads to panting. If your dog is overweight, working with your vet on a weight management plan can actually reduce panting. Diet also affects digestive health, which can influence overall comfort.
