Hey there, humans! It’s Hershey, your favorite chocolate Lab. I’ve noticed you’ve been a bit worried about my panting lately, so I thought I’d take a moment to explain why I pant so much. Panting is just one of the many quirky things we dogs do, and it can mean a lot of different things. By the way, if you ever get too concerned, reach out to the super nice team at Star of Texas Veterinary Hospital. They are always here to help.

Dog panting explained

Panting is a dog kind of thing. It’s like a person’s version of sweating. When I get hot, I pant to cool down. You see, we dogs don’t sweat like people do. We have a few sweat glands in our paws, but they don’t do much. So, panting is how dogs keep themselves from overheating.

Excited dog panting

You know that feeling when you’re really excited about something such as finding out your favorite show has a new season? That’s how I feel when you come home from work or when it’s time for a walk. My heart races, my tail wags like crazy, and yep, you guessed it, I pant. It’s just my way of showing how happy I am!

Nervous dog panting

Sometimes, I get a bit anxious. Maybe it’s a thunderstorm, fireworks, or even a visit to the vet. Those vaccination needles are scary! When I’m nervous, I pant more. It’s my way of coping with stress. If your dog has been panting more than usual, talk with the Star of Texas Veterinary Hospital team to see if they can prescribe a medication to help your pooch stay calm or offer other recommendations.

Dog panting after exercise

Remember when you chased me around the park, and I ran like a maniac? Yeah, that was fun! But after all that running, I needed to catch my breath, just like you would after a workout. Dogs pant heavily after exercise. It’s perfectly normal and means your pooch had a great time.

Ill dog panting 

Sometimes, panting can mean I’m not feeling my best. If I’m panting a lot and it’s not hot, I’m not excited, and I haven’t been running around, it might be a good idea to have me checked out. Conditions, such as heart problems, lung issues, or even pain, can make your dog pant more than usual. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, right?

Dog panting in hot weather

Summers can get really hot, and I rely on panting even more when the temperature skyrockets. This time of year is really important to provide me with plenty of water and a cool place to relax. Keep your dog cool, comfortable, and healthy during the summer by doing the following:

  • Water, water, water — I should always have fresh water available to stay hydrated just like you do.
  • Cool spots — I love having a shady or cool place to rest, especially on hot days.
  • Watch the outdoor temperature — Avoid taking me for walks during the hottest parts of the day. Early mornings or late evenings are much better.
  • Regular checkups — Remember to bring your dog to Star of Texas Veterinary Hospital for their regular checkups. They monitor your pooch’s health and ensure your dog is in tip-top shape.

If your dog is panting excessively and seems distressed, they may have heatstroke, and that’s an emergency. Take your pooch to a cool place and call our team right away! 

So, that’s the scoop on why dogs pant so much. Remember, if you ever have concerns, the experts at Star of Texas Veterinary Hospital are only a phone call away. You can even schedule online since you’re always on that phone of yours. Whether it’s a regular checkup or something more serious, the team is awesome at making sure I’m healthy and happy. Thanks for listening, but now, how about a treat?