Why Dogs Pant When Not Hot

Many a time owners are concerned as to why dogs pant excessively and whether there is any cause for concern. Dogs pant when not hot to cool down as they can not sweat and in most cases this should explain why dogs pant excessively. Panting tends to lower the body temperature of the dog and the salivary glands further help the cooling process. It isn’t uncommon to observe excessive dog panting if the dog has been involved in any strenuous physical activity such as going for a long walk, running around, playing, or if it has been outside in the hot weather. In such cases the dog will have as rapid and shallow breathing with its mouth open which is considered to be normal. Dogs may also pant as a reaction to an environmental change or even as an emotional response on account of feelings of anxiety, fear, excitement, and so on. However, excessive dog panting may be indicative of a life threatening underlying medical condition which could require a swift diagnosis and appropriate treatment. One of the commonly observed reasons for a dog to pant heavily may be on account of respiratory problems; this could include both upper and lower respiratory tract problems. Upper respiratory tract problems involve blockages in the nasal passages of the dog, the development of growths in the back of the throat or the nose of the dog or even a collapsed trachea, which may cause excessive dog panting.

Dog panting heavily on account of a lower respiratory problem may be because of excessive gas in the chest cavity or accumulation of fluid in the lungs or even development of masses in the chest cavity. In some cases the dog may pant excessively on account of certain blood disorders such as anemia or even carbon monoxide poisoning. Similarly heartworm or heart disease, blood clots and other such cardiovascular problems may also result in excessive dog panting. Dog panting heavily is also observed in dogs because of neurological problems, which are basically diseases affecting the nervous system that tend to adversely affect the respiratory system. The nervous system of the dog may get damaged by head trauma, brain tumors or even abnormalities in the muscles of the respiratory system. Some other health complications that may cause abnormally excessive panting in dogs are illnesses caused by heat, drug poisoning, and pregnancy, among others. In all the above cases, it is necessary to seek veterinary guidance to determine the root cause of the excessive dog panting so that the appropriate treatment can be administered at the earliest.

Panting in Dogs

One of the main reasons for a dog panting excessively would be because it is a method of cooling down its body through rapid shallow breaths. When a dog pants after any exercise or strenuous activity it is normal. During this time a dog pants because it is happy. On a hot day it is normal for dogs to pant as this is the only way for them to cool themselves down. Always be careful on hot days as many dogs die of heat strokes. At times dogs pant during obedience training when they don’t understand a certain technique or command. There are many reasons why a dog pants excessively. Some of them are, respiratory disorder which cause a problem with the upper and lower respiratory tract, neurological disorder due to head trauma or a brain tumor, cardiovascular disorders and hematological disorders that cause anemia and an increase of carbon monoxide that causes panting.

Sometimes a excessive panting in dog can be due to fear or stress. It is your job as the owner to help your dog fight and overcome this fear and nervousness. Before performing any tests you need to consider factors that cause panting such as heat and exertion. Try and get rid of them from your dog’s environment. If you notice that your dog is still panting despite removing these factors it is important to seek veterinary care. The vet will conduct a series of tests in order to diagnose the problem. Some of these tests are: A complete blood count, urine analysis and bio chemical profile. These tests will help you determine if the dog suffers from conditions such as anemia, infections and diabetes, which could be the reason for excessive panting. X-rays of the chest abdomen and neck will be done in order to check if there is any foreign body or tumor in the upper body respiratory tract. If there is a central nervous system disease suspected a CT Scan or M.R.I might be done.

In order to treat the problem of excessive panting the VET will need to understand the cause of the problem and correct it if possible. If there is an obvious environmental problem just eliminate it. Antibiotic and anti inflammatory medicines will be prescribed if the dog has any inflammatory disorders. At home always keep your dog in a cool stress free zone and avoid over exerting the pet.

In conclusion it is important for you to closely monitor when your dog pants and if it looks serious consult your vet immediately.