2024-08-29
Panting can be a normal behavior for a dog after they have engaged in a physical activity for a long period and when they are trying to cool down. As you may already know, your canine does not have sweat glands like you do and they primarily use their mouth and paw pads to cool off. We would be remiss if we did not mention that panting may be a sign of a disconcerting medical issue. This article is meant to help you understand why dogs pant and when that is a sign of trouble.
The process of panting enables your paw partner to quickly inhale air and exhale it. Since the air enters the dog’s nose and lungs, it is humidified and the evaporation of water helps your dog cool off. Just like you – your pooch will need plenty of water during the hot days so they can stay hydrated and cool down.
This type of “cooling” panting can be quite heavy depending on the temperature during the day so don’t be too concerned and make sure your dog has plenty of fresh and clean water. How much water is necessary exactly? Here’s a general guideline based on your dog’s weight:
5 lbs: 5 oz (⅝ cup) (~150 ml)
10 lbs: 10 oz (1 ¼ cups) (~300 ml)
20 lbs: 20 oz (2 ½ cups) (~600 ml)
30 lbs: 30 oz (3 ¾ cups) (~900 ml)
50 lbs: 50 oz (6 ¼ cups) (1,5 l)
75 lbs: 75 oz (9 ⅜ cups) (2,2 l)
100 lbs: 100 oz (12 ½ cups) (3 l)
Remember that factors like diet, activity level, overall health, and climate influence a dog’s water needs. If your furry friend exercises a lot or lives in a warm area, they may require more water. H20 is very important for the proper function of the liver, the absorption of nutrients, transporting oxygen to cells, protecting the spinal cord, lubricating joints, cooling and many other functions.
If your dog is overheated they are going to look for a cool spot on the ground and press their body down. They would also pant heavily and may not respond to any commands as they are focused on reducing their body temperature. Treating heatstroke requires emergency veterinary care so keep an eye on your furry buddy. If your dog is not responsive, heavily panting, and appears lethargic, take them to a veterinarian quickly. Turn on the air conditioner in your car while transporting them to seek medical care.
If your canine is short-nosed they should be let outside only early in the morning or late in the evening when the temperature is more bearable. Their short noses and mouths do not enable them to cool easily so pay attention to their body language.
Panting is often observed when your dog is very excited and psychically active. This type of panting can be rapid and shallow. When your dog is meeting new people, favored friends and family, or smelling a squirrel in their vicinity they are likely to pant quickly and potentially whine.
Whenever your canine is panting quickly, their eyes are wide and they are yawning frequently – they are most likely stressed. Try to identify the stimulus that may be stressing your dog and re move it from their environment. Physical touch (like petting) and speaking softly to your dog can help them relax.
Sometimes you will just have to expose them to the stimulus that is stressing them and let them slowly accustom. Do not try to give them treats while they are stressed. Let your paw partner take in the situation and relax. Keep your leash slack and do not stress as dogs are great at sensing their owner’s distress and emotions in general. Give a treat to your dog only after they calm down.
If your dog is on medication they may suffer a side effect that causes them to pant. Some steroids make dogs pant even if they are not hot or physically active. You should talk to your veterinarian if your paw partner is panting without an obvious reason.
Sometimes when your dog is in pain they may pant as a way to cope with the pain and accompanying stress. If the canine has not been physically active recently and they are not hot try to examine your four-legged friend for any injuries, especially for cuts on their paws that may be hard to notice.
Some dogs love to ingest just about everything. While this may be fun at home when your children are looking for ways to make their less-desirable vegetables disappear – you should keep an eye on your dog nevertheless. Your pooch may swallow toys, big bones, and many other things that they are not supposed to. This can cause a blockage of their throat and your canine companion may pant as they are struggling to get enough oxygen into their lungs.
If you are dealing with this sort of situation then your canine might make raspy and wheezing noises while they are panting. You should seek immediate veterinary assistance if you suspect a foreign object is stuck in your dog’s throat.
