_{Dog Panting: Causes, When to Worry, and When to Seek Care}

Panting is a normal behavior in dogs and is often used to regulate body temperature. However, excessive  or unusual panting can sometimes be a sign of discomfort, stress, or an underlying medical condition. 

Knowing what’s normal for your dog—and what’s not—can help you decide when to seek veterinary care. 

Common Causes of Panting in Dogs 

Panting can occur for many reasons, both normal and medically concerning. 

Common causes include: 

• Heat or exercise (cooling mechanism) 
• Stress, anxiety, or excitement 
• Pain or discomfort 
• Fever 
• Difficulty breathing - respiratory conditions affecting the lungs or airways 
• Heart disease 
• Heatstroke (a medical emergency) 
• Certain medications (such as steroids) 
• Obesity or decreased fitness 

Context matters—panting after a walk is expected, but panting at rest may be more concerning. 

When Should You Be Concerned? 

While panting can be normal, there are situations where it should not be ignored. You should seek care if your dog: 

• Is panting excessively at rest or in a cool environment 
• Has sudden or unexplained panting 
• Is restless, unable to settle, or seems uncomfortable 
• Has pale, blue, or brick-red gums 
• Is drooling excessively or appears overheated 
• Has difficulty breathing or labored breathing 
• Is lethargic or not acting like themselves

If you suspect heatstroke or your dog is struggling to breathe, this is an emergency and requires  immediate care. 

How We Diagnose Panting in Dogs 

At L&L Animal Urgent Care, we evaluate panting by looking at the full picture—your dog’s history,  environment, and physical exam findings. 

Diagnostics may include: 

• Temperature check and hydration assessment 
• Bloodwork to evaluate organ function 
• Chest X-rays to assess heart and lungs 
• Additional testing depending on suspected cause 

Our goal is to determine whether the panting is normal or related to an underlying condition. 

Treatment Options 

Treatment depends on the cause of the panting. 

Common treatments may include: 

• Cooling measures and supportive care for overheating 
• Pain management if discomfort is present 
• Anti-anxiety medications if stress-related 
• Oxygen therapy in cases of respiratory distress 
• Treatment of underlying conditions such as heart or lung disease 

Some cases require close monitoring or hospitalization, especially if symptoms are severe. 

When in Doubt, Give Us a Call 

Panting can be completely normal—but it can also be one of the first signs that something isn’t right. If  your dog’s panting seems unusual or concerning, it’s best to have them evaluated. 

At L&L Animal Urgent Care, we provide same-day urgent care for dogs and cats—helping you get answers  and treatment when your pet needs it most.