Sweating
Dogs do not have sweat glands like humans, which are distributed all over the body. They can only sweat on their paws and nose. However, this is not enough to cool their body when it is hot. That's why they pant to release excess heat.
Why is panting important?
Panting is a natural and healthy reaction of dogs to regulate their body temperature. When dogs pant, the saliva in their mouth evaporates and cools the mucous membranes. The blood that flows through the tongue is also cooled and lowers the temperature throughout the body.
When is panting a problem?
Panting can also be a sign of stress, anxiety, pain or illness. If your dog is panting unusually much or quickly, you should observe him and consult a vet if necessary. Possible causes of excessive panting are
- Heat stroke: If your dog is exposed to the sun or high temperatures for too long, he may suffer from heat stroke. This is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate attention. Symptoms include heavy panting, shivering, vomiting, diarrhea, unconsciousness or convulsions.
- Heart problems: If your dog suffers from heart disease, he cannot carry enough oxygen in his blood. This leads to shortness of breath and panting. Other signs of heart problems are coughing, weakness, blue coloration of the mucous membranes or fainting.
- Respiratory diseases: If your dog has an infection or injury in the respiratory tract, he may have difficulty breathing. This can manifest itself in panting, wheezing, sneezing or nosebleeds. Allergies or foreign bodies can also affect breathing.
- Hormonal disorders: If your dog suffers from hyperthyroidism or adrenal hyperfunction, he may have an increased metabolism. This leads to more heat production in the body and panting. Other symptoms include weight loss, increased thirst and appetite or hair loss.
- Medication: Some medications can cause panting as a side effect. These include painkillers, steroids or bronchodilators, for example. If you give your dog medication, you should always read the package leaflet and pay attention to possible side effects.
How can you help your dog?
If your dog is panting, you should first try to find out whether it has a harmless or a serious cause. If you are unsure or your dog shows other symptoms, you should always consult a vet. To make it easier for your dog to pant, you can take the following measures:
- Provide plenty of fresh water and shade for your dog.
- Avoid leaving your dog outside for too long in high temperatures and avoid physical exertion.
- Keep your dog's coat short if it has a thick undercoat.
- Ventilate your home regularly and avoid extreme temperature fluctuations.
- Calm your dog if he is stressed or anxious.
- Keep your dog's weight in a healthy range.
The authors assume that a veterinarian should be consulted if an animal is ill and that medication should only be taken after consultation with a doctor or pharmacist. Only an individual examination can lead to a diagnosis and treatment decision.
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