Dog panting a lot: What's normal – and what's not

Dogs hardly sweat — they cool down by panting. After exercise, in heat, when excited: all normal.

Normal

• After play or a walk, subsides in minutes.
• In heat — regulated with water and shade.

Not normal — observe carefully

• Panting at rest without heat or exertion — can indicate pain, heart or respiratory problems → vet.
• With restlessness, trembling, tucked tail: Stress — look for the trigger instead of ignoring it.
• With glazed eyes and dark red mucous membranes in heat: Suspected heatstroke — emergency, cool immediately and go to the vet.

Short-nosed breeds

Pugs, bulldogs & co. reach their panting limit faster — for them: strictly regulate heat and exertion.

Reduce stress through trained calmness: the relaxation signal from the Everyday Toolkit.