You walk through your front door—and yippee!—you are treated to the sight of your happily-panting, tail-wagging BFF! In short, an excitedly panting pooch is a common (and adorable) sight for pet parents. So when, if at all, should you be concerned about your panting pup?

Let’s break it down: here are the most common dog panting causes, what healthy panting looks like, warning signs to watch out for, and what to do if you suspect your dog’s panting is indicating a serious medical problem.

Why do dogs pant?

Unlike humans, dogs can’t cool themselves off by sweating. They rely mostly on panting - rapid, open-mouthed breathing - to release heat, regulate their temperature, and bring in more oxygen. Panting speeds up the evaporation of moisture from the tongue, mouth, and upper airways, helping them cool down efficiently - which is why dog panting is such a critical part of their cooling system.

Panting is also part of a dog’s emotional and physiological response system. You often see it when they're excited, nervous, or reacting to their environment. So, some panting is not only normal but totally expected.

But when panting seems excessive, more frequent, or out of nowhere, it’s time to pay attention.

Read the reasons why dogs pant and when you should take your dog to the vet. VEG ER for Pets is the highly rated 24-hour vet hospital, providing immediate care for any dog's emergencies.

Regular, normal dog panting: causes that are nothing to worry about

Here are the most common and normal reasons your dog may be panting:

• Cooling down after exercise. If your dog was just on a walk, playing fetch, or running around the yard, panting is simply their way of cooling off. As long as the panting gradually slows down after a few minutes and your pet is otherwise alert and responsive, it's normal.

• Hot weather or warm indoor temperatures. Dogs pant to regulate their body temperature when the weather heats up. On hot days - or even in warm rooms - panting is expected and typically harmless as long as they have water, shade, and a chance to rest.

• Excitement or emotional stimulation. Every dog owner knows - pups pant when they’re happy, enthusiastic, or overstimulated. Greeting you at the door, waiting for a treat, or meeting a new dog can lead to cheerful panting.

• Mild stress or temporary changes. A vet visit, loud noise, car ride, unfamiliar house guest, or even a change in routine can cause momentary panting. This usually stops once your dog feels safe again.

These types of panting typically fade quickly, match the situation, and don’t come with other symptoms - which helps distinguish normal dog panting from more concerning heavy panting in dogs.

Excessive dog panting: when it may be a problem that requires a vet visit

If you’ve ever seen your dog panting heavily for what seems like no reason, you’re not alone. “Why is my dog panting so much?” is one of the most common questions veterinarians hear - and for good reason. Panting is generally a normal behavior in dogs, but excessive dog panting, especially panting at rest, can sometimes signal something more serious.

If you notice your dog panting heavily when they haven’t exercised, aren’t hot, or haven’t been excited, the abnormal panting may be due to an underlying cause. Common issues include:

• Overheating or heatstroke

  Heat-related heavy panting in dogs is among the most urgent causes. Dogs can overheat quickly, especially in humid weather, in parked cars, or during exercise in warm temperatures. If you suspect heatstroke, seek immediate veterinary care. Signs of heat exhaustion or heatstroke can include:

  • Extremely rapid panting

  • Bright red or dark gums

  • Drooling

  • Weakness

  • Vomiting or collapse

    
    

• Stress, fear or anxiety 

  Panting is one of the first physical signs of stress in dogs. You may also notice pacing, whining, trembling, or hiding. Anxiety-related panting in dogs may show up during:

  • Fireworks or thunderstorms

  • Separation from family

  • Travel

  • Vet visits

  • New environments or unfamiliar animals

    
    

    

    VEG ER for Pets is always open for top-quality emergency vet care. If your dog is panting a lot, come in anytime for immediate vet attention.

• Pain or physical discomfort

  Dogs often hide pain - but panting can be an early indicator. Look for other signs like stiffness, restlessness, reluctance to move, or changes in appetite. If your dog starts panting heavily without exertion, they may be dealing with:

  • Joint or muscle pain

  • Internal discomfort

  • Injury

  • Dental pain

  • Post-surgical pain

    
    

• Heart or lung issues

  Medical conditions affecting the heart or lungs make it harder for dogs to breathe normally, leading to increased panting or labored breathing. These kinds of dog breathing problems often show up along with coughing, lethargy, or reluctance to exercise. Examples include:

  • Congestive heart failure

  • Heart murmurs

  • Respiratory infections

  • Collapsing trachea

  • Pneumonia

  • Chronic bronchitis

    
    

• Hormonal or metabolic conditions

  Certain illnesses can change your dog’s breathing patterns. If your pup’s panting seems chronic or unrelated to activity, it could be: 

  • Cushing’s disease. This is an endocrine disorder that often causes excessive panting, as well as other symptoms like extreme thirst and lethargy.

  • Diabetes. Complications like high blood sugar can cause rapid panting, as well as loss of appetite and energy.

  • Thyroid disorders. These can influence your dog’s metabolism and heat regulation, leading to abnormal panting.

    
    

• Age-related changes

  Senior dogs may pant more due to arthritis, heat intolerance, weakened respiratory muscles, or age-related anxiety. Monitoring these patterns is especially important as dogs enter their senior years.

  
  

• Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome 

  Dogs with short snouts - like bulldogs, pugs, boxers, and Shih Tzus - have narrow airways and often struggle to cool themselves efficiently. These dogs may pant more loudly and frequently, and they are at higher risk of overheating.

How to know if dog panting is an emergency

Call or visit your nearest 24-hour VEG emergency location right away if your pup’s panting is:

• Sudden and severe

• Not stopping after rest and cooling

• Accompanied by pale, blue, or bright red gums

• Paired with collapse, weakness, or confusion

• Linked to vomiting, distress, or drooling

If your dog is panting heavily for no reason, that’s an important red flag. Trust your instincts - dogs rarely pant excessively “just because.”

Vet tips to help a panting dog

For non-emergency situations when your dog’s panting is due to heat, overstimulation, or mild stress, a few simple steps may help reduce excessive panting:

• Offer water and a cool resting spot. Fresh water, shade, and a cool room can help reduce heat-related panting. You can also gently hose your pup down to help them cool off. Use lukewarm or cool water rather than cold, which can constrict blood vessels.

• Adjust activity on hot days. Walk during early morning or evening, take frequent breaks, and avoid long runs in warm weather.

• Minimize stress triggers. If your dog is heavily panting due to anxiety, creating a calm, predictable environment can help. Some dogs benefit from white noise machines, calming routines, or veterinary-approved anxiety support.

• Keep an eye on senior or at-risk dogs. Dogs with chronic conditions or Brachycephalic breeds may need extra monitoring during heat or exercise.

• Track panting patterns. If you notice a clear change in when or how your dog pants, mention it to your vet - these details help guide diagnosis.

Take your dog to VEG ER for Pets for abnormal panting

Panting is normal - even healthy - for dogs. But excessive, unexplained, or heavy panting, especially when your dog is resting indoors or the environment is cool, can be a sign of something more urgent. Paying attention to the context of panting and other accompanying symptoms gives you the clearest picture of what’s going on.

If your pup is showing any worrying symptoms or abnormal panting, visit your nearest VEG animal hospital location. Our team is always here, day and night, to help your dog (and you!) feel better as quickly as possible.