Dogs\u2019 panting is completely normal when they experience excitement, are feeling energetic or playful, and if it\u2019s hot outside. But heavy or excessive panting is a sign of concern as it could mean that your dog is alarmingly overheated, having chronic medical issues, or has experienced something traumatizing to them.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s important to know the difference between regular panting and heavy panting to ensure your dog is not in any harm.<\/p>\n
Dogs usually pant when trying to cool off after being exposed to heat or intense exercise. Depending on your dog\u2019s size, they will breathe and pant differently.<\/p>\n
Heatstroke<\/a> can happen in temperatures above 85 degrees in 15 minutes if your dog does not have adequate shading and hydration. Bigger dogs with thicker coats should be even more careful as they could have heatstroke much easier. Heatstroke signs will most likely be heavy panting, looking down or seemingly exhausted, drinking more water than normal, looking for shade or water, and having gums appearing bright red.<\/p>\n Dogs may also pant heavily if they\u2019ve eaten something poisonous to them. If you suspect they\u2019ve consumed something toxic, take them to the vet immediately.<\/p>\n Dogs can have illnesses<\/a> that cause them to pant heavily indicating they have an issue or are in some sort of pain. This is why it is so important to take your pooch to the vet to make sure if there is an underlying issue.<\/p>\n Dogs can face heart failure as the heart inadequately pumps blood out and the body becomes deprived of oxygen. This results in heavy panting as a natural response.<\/p>\n This is when dogs\u2019 adrenal glands overproduce cortisol. Symptoms include heavy panting, excessive thirst and hunger, hair loss, and a bloated stomach.<\/p>\n Disorders like pneumonia, lung tumors, and laryngeal paralysis can cause heavy panting and increasing breathing as conditions worsen.<\/p>\n Dogs give us signs they\u2019re injured or in pain by different variants like heavy panting, breathing, and whining.<\/p>\n Along with heavy panting, a dog\u2019s pupils can be enlarged, have a reduced appetite, won\u2019t lie down or won\u2019t get up, restless pacing, whining with anxiety, or biting themselves. These are all signs that something is wrong<\/a> and you need to visit a vet.<\/p>\n Extreme heavy panting can indicate many different issues, but it needs to be addressed immediately. Visit a veterinarian if you observe odd behavior in your pup especially in their panting and breathing.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Dogs\u2019 panting is completely normal when they experience excitement, are feeling energetic or playful, and if it\u2019s hot outside. But heavy or excessive panting is a sign of concern as it could mean that your dog is alarmingly overheated, having chronic medical issues, or has experienced something traumatizing to them. It\u2019s important to know the…<\/p>\nChronic Illness<\/h2>\n
Heart Failure<\/h3>\n
Cushing Syndrome<\/h3>\n
Respiratory Disorders<\/h3>\n
Injury or Pain<\/h3>\n