Why Dogs Pant at Rest: Causes Beyond Exercise or Heat

Dogs pant for various reasons beyond just exercise or warmth. While panting primarily helps them cool down, it can also indicate stress, pain, or health concerns when your dog is at rest. Understanding these reasons can help you ensure your pet’s wellbeing.

This guide explores common causes for panting in resting dogs and highlights when to seek veterinary advice.

1. Cooling Down: Dogs’ Primary Panting Reason

Panting cools your dog by exchanging warm air from the lungs with cooler outside air. In hot weather or after exercise, panting increases to regulate body temperature. However, even resting dogs may pant more in warm environments.

2. Panting Linked to Minor Exertion or Fitness Levels

A dog’s panting relates closely to their fitness. Active and fit dogs tolerate exercise better, panting later than less fit or overweight dogs, who may pant even after mild activity like a slow walk. Helping your dog maintain a healthy weight is essential for good respiratory health.

3. Breeds Prone to Panting: Brachycephalic Dogs

French Bulldog puppies and pug puppies are examples of brachycephalic dogs with flat faces. Their shortened airways and narrow nostrils make breathing and cooling more challenging, causing them to pant more often, even at rest. Routine vet assessments and gentle exercise routines are vital for their comfort and health.

4. Stress, Fear or Anxiety Can Trigger Panting

Panting can be a physical response to stress or fear, even in calm settings. Loud noises like fireworks or thunderstorms can make dogs pant. Symptoms often include a rapid heartbeat, shallow breathing, and other signs like hiding or lip licking. Helping your dog feel safe and calm can alleviate this panting.

5. Excitement: Happy Panting

Excitement also increases your dog’s breathing rate. Simple triggers—like getting their lead or favourite toy—can lead to panting. This is usually short-lived and harmless but shows your dog’s anticipation and joy.

6. Medication Side-Effects

Some medications may cause panting as a side effect. Your vet will inform you if this is expected. If panting seems unusual or concerning, consult your vet promptly rather than stopping medication abruptly.

7. Health Conditions That Cause Panting

Various illnesses can cause increased panting at rest, including heart disease, canine asthma, and infections. These often require veterinary evaluation and treatment. Watching for other symptoms like coughing, lethargy, or unusual behaviour alongside panting is important to catch problems early.

8. Panting Before Vomiting

Sometime dogs pant and slobber before vomiting, which can be a sign of stomach upset. They might also eat grass to induce vomiting when feeling unwell. If this happens frequently or is severe, seek veterinary advice to identify any underlying issues.

9. Emergency: Panting Due to Poisoning or Toxicity

If your dog has ingested something toxic, panting may be one of the first signs. Other symptoms might include unusual behaviour or distress. Contact your vet or emergency clinic immediately if toxicity is suspected, as swift treatment is critical.

When to Seek Veterinary Advice

While panting is normal in many cases, persistent, excessive, or unusual panting—especially alongside other symptoms—should prompt a vet visit. This ensures your dog receives early diagnosis and treatment for any health issues or emergencies.

By understanding why your dog pants when resting, you can better respond to their needs and maintain their health and happiness.