Dog panting is an important way for dogs to regulate their temperature. Dogs can cool themselves down through panting by evaporating water in their mouths and across the dog's tongue which cools them off. Panting helps dogs regulate body temperature because it causes air to flow over the dog's wet mucous membranes in its mouth and nose. The evaporation of water from these areas will lower a dog's core body temperature.
Do you ever wonder why your dog pants? Many things could cause this behavior such as heat exhaustion, heart problems, or anxiety but there are also some very common reasons for panting that do not require veterinary attention!
What is panting in dogs and why do dogs do it?
Panting in dogs is a natural, physiological way of regulating their body temperature. Dogs pant to cool themselves off when their body temperature is higher than normal. Panting releases water onto the dog's tongue and through their mouth, which can reduce your dog's core body temperature if done enough times. A dog may also be panting because it has been of anxiety or stress. If you've ever noticed a dog panting and being followed by a yawn, this is most likely a response to feeling anxious.
How does panting cool a dog?
Panting increases airflow over a dog's tongue, mouth, and throat, allowing moisture to evaporate. As the water evaporates, it pulls excess heat away from the body, helping to cool the dog. Because dogs can only sweat in limited areas (mostly through their paw pads), panting is their main way to get rid of built-up heat and stay comfortable.
What are the common causes of panting in dogs?
Here are the top causes of panting in dogs and are in no particular order:
- Fear or anxiety
- Pain
- Fever
- Medications (opioids, which are commonly used to treat pain, glucocorticoids such as prednisone)
- Overheating or heat stroke
- Exhaustive exercise
- Cushing's Disease (Hyperadrenocorticism)
How to cool down a panting dog
Take your dog to a shaded or air-conditioned area and offer cool (not ice-cold) water. Place a damp towel on their belly or paws and use a fan to circulate fresh air if possible. Avoid drastic temperature changes, like pouring ice water on them. If your dog doesn’t improve or seems distressed, contact your veterinarian.
What is dog tachypnea and how does it differ from panting?
It is important to note that panting is a normal physiological response and often no veterinary attention is required. It is important to differentiate panting from tachypnea, as with tachypnea there is an increase in respiratory rate, but it is not as rapid as panting and does not involve the tongue sticking out.
Breathing can be nasal or oral and an increased effort may accompany these actions. Tachypnea relates specifically to the rate of breathing with an increased rate and depth of breathing. Tachypnea occurs normally during exercise to provide more oxygen to tissues throughout the body.
Unlike normal panting, tachypnea can occur in abnormal situations, most commonly to compensate for decreased respiratory function. There are two kinds of causes for tachypnea: those that come from the lungs and airways, and those that do not. Respiratory problems include asthma, pneumonia, and bronchitis for example. Non-respiratory problems would include heart failure, liver disease, and kidney disease.
Dog panting is an important way for dogs to regulate their temperature. Dogs can cool themselves down through panting by evaporating water in their mouths and across the dog's tongue which cools them off. Panting helps dogs regulate body temperature because it causes air to flow over the dog's wet mucous membranes in its mouth and nose. The evaporation of water from these areas will lower a dog's core body temperature. Panting can also occur when your dog feels anxious or stressed out!