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Every day, we celebrate our shared love of dogs and hopefully brighten your day. Enjoy!
Dog of the Day: Bailey!
Meme of the day: Always!
What’s Up Puppy Dog? Why the Pant?
If you’ve ever looked over at your furry friend and noticed them panting—tongue lolling out, chest rising and falling quickly—you might wonder, Is this normal? While panting is a natural behavior in dogs, excessive panting can sometimes be a sign of something more. So, let’s dive into why dogs pant and when you should be concerned.
Unlike humans, dogs don’t sweat the same way we do. Instead, they rely on panting to regulate their body temperature and cool themselves down. Here are the most common reasons your dog might be panting:
To Cool Down – Dogs pant to release heat, especially after playtime, exercise, or on warm days. Since they have only a few sweat glands (mainly in their paw pads), panting helps them cool off efficiently.
Excitement or Stress – Have you ever noticed your pup panting when they see their favorite person or when they’re on a car ride? Panting can be a sign of excitement or even anxiety. You might also notice excessive panting if they’re in a stressful situation—like during fireworks or a vet visit.
Pain or Discomfort—Dogs are great at hiding pain, but panting can be a subtle clue. If your dog pants excessively without an obvious reason, it could indicate pain, injury, or an underlying health issue.
Medical Conditions—Certain health problems, such as heart disease, respiratory issues, or Cushing’s disease (a condition affecting hormone levels), can cause excessive dog panting. If your dog’s panting seems abnormal or persistent, it’s best to check with your vet.
Obesity – Overweight dogs tend to pant more because carrying extra weight makes it harder to regulate their temperature and breathe efficiently. Regular exercise and a balanced diet can help keep your pup happy and healthy!
When Should You Be Concerned?
While panting is normal, excessive or unusual panting may signal a problem. Here are some signs to watch for:
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Panting that seems excessive compared to the usual
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Panting when your dog is at rest or in a cool environment
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Signs of distress like restlessness, drooling, or whining
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Labored breathing or unusual sounds while panting
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Gums or tongue turning pale or bluish (a sign of oxygen deprivation)
If you notice any of these symptoms, contacting your vet is a good idea.
How to Help Your Panting Pup
Provide Fresh Water – Always keep clean, cool water available to help your dog stay hydrated.
Give Them a Cool Spot – On hot days, make sure they have access to shade, fans, or air conditioning.
Avoid Overexertion – Exercise is important, but avoid intense activity in extreme heat.
Keep an Eye on Their Stress Levels – If your dog pants due to anxiety, try calming techniques like gentle petting, a cozy space, or even dog-safe anxiety relief products.
One More Thing
Panting is a normal part of your dog’s life, but trust your instincts if you ever feel like something is off. Our pups can’t tell us when something is wrong, so we must pay attention and ensure they stay happy and healthy. Luckily, with panting at least, we usually have a lot less to worry about.
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Family Photo of the Day: Greyson!
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Sources:
Dog of the day: IG bbj_bailey_toypoodle
Meme of the day: IG theblacklabrador_poppy