Panting is something all dog parents notice, especially after a game of fetch or a long summer walk. Most of the time, it’s totally normal for dogs to pant to control their body temperature. But what if your dog starts panting for no clear reason or doesn’t stop after cooling down?
That could be a sign of stress, pain, or a more serious health concern. Knowing how to calm a panting dog can make a big difference in their comfort and well-being. In this guide, we’ll cover common reasons dogs pant, how to soothe them safely, and the signs that indicate it’s time to call your vet.
How To Calm a Panting Dog?
When your dog starts panting harder than usual, don’t panic. Instead, try these practical ways to help them cool down, relax, and feel more comfortable.
Cooling Down Your Dog
A good first step is making sure your dog isn’t overheated. Move them to a cooler, shaded area indoors or outdoors. Offer cool, not ice-cold, water to prevent shock to their system. Use fans, air conditioning, or cooling mats. Wet your dog’s fur with a damp cloth or spray bottle. Let them lie on a tile or concrete floor if indoors.
Avoid extreme cooling like ice baths, which can cause stress or even hypothermia. In Canada’s warmer months, heat can build up fast. Keep walks short on hot days and always watch for signs of overheating, like drooling or disorientation. If your dog doesn’t cool down within 10–15 minutes, consult your vet promptly.
Help Your Dog Relax
If your dog’s panting is caused by stress or anxiety, you’ll want to help them feel more emotionally safe. Speak slowly and softly to reassure them. Stay close without overwhelming them; your presence alone can be a calming influence.
Create a quiet “safe space” with soft bedding and a favourite toy or blanket. Reduce environmental triggers, such as busy guests, loud TVs, or barking dogs. Try playing soft music or white noise to ease outside distractions. Dogs often mirror our emotions, so staying calm helps them feel safe. Always stop if your dog shows signs of discomfort, such as stiffening or lip licking.
Gentle touch
Dogs can be deeply soothed by human touch when done correctly. Gently pat or massage your dog’s shoulders or ears. Try “Tellington TTouch” methods that involve light circular motions.
Avoid touching if your dog is in visible pain or growls when handled. Encourage slow breathing with your voice and touch. Dogs often sync with your energy. Some dogs find head strokes relaxing, while others prefer shoulder or back rubs. Watch your dog’s body language closely.
Remove stressors
Pinpointing and removing what’s stressing your dog out is one of the most effective long-term solutions. Close the curtains and windows during storms or fireworks. Avoid introducing too many new people or pets at once.
Maintain routines to reduce anxiety around unpredictable situations. If separation anxiety is an issue, gradually build tolerance with short departures. Even minor changes to your home can help, like noise-dampening curtains or defining calm zones.
Use calming aids
A few well-researched products can bring your dog much-needed relief from anxiety. Anxiety wraps (like ThunderShirts) apply gentle pressure and can ease panic. Dog pheromone diffusers or sprays mimic natural calming chemicals.
Some vet-approved calming chews may include natural ingredients like L-theanine or valerian. Always consult your veterinarian before use. Use these short-term strategies during known stress events (e.g., vet visits, fireworks).
Try natural solutions
Some dogs respond well to gentle, natural remedies. Some vets may suggest using pet-safe essential oils in a diffuser for short durations. Always ensure proper ventilation and allow your dog to leave the area.
Use only vet-approved calming chews and avoid placing any aromatic product near bedding or food. Keep aromatic solutions far from your dog’s bedding or food to avoid overwhelming their senses. Avoid burning candles or incense, and only use vet-approved products for pets.
CBD as a Remedy
Some Canadian dog owners report using pet-specific CBD products during stressful situations such as fireworks or vet visits. At CBDNorth, our CBD oil for dogs is made with lab-tested, full-spectrum hemp extracts and crafted to meet high safety standards.
Always consult your veterinarian before introducing any supplement, including CBD, to your dog’s routine.
What Are The Causes of Abnormal Panting In Dogs
Let’s take a closer look at why dogs pant in the first place.
Excitement, Play, and Exercise
After chasing a ball or greeting you at the door, panting is par for the course. It’s how dogs cool down after releasing all that energy. It usually lasts just a few minutes and stops once they rest.
Heat or Overexertion
Dogs don’t sweat like we do. When they’re out in the summer sun or overworked, they can quickly overheat. Panting is their only way to release body heat. In Canada’s hot summer months, heatstroke becomes a real risk if they can’t cool down.
Anxiety and Stress
Separation anxiety, loud noises, or new environments can trigger stress panting. This often looks different. It’s fast, shallow, and paired with pacing or whining. Your dog may also look wide-eyed or seek out a quiet space to hide.
Pain or Discomfort
Panting can be a sign that your dog is experiencing pain, discomfort, or internal health issues. They may not yelp or limp, but if they’re panting with no apparent reason, discomfort could be the cause.
Illness
Dogs struggling with infections, fever, or chronic illness may pant because their bodies are working harder. Conditions affecting breathing, like pneumonia or kennel cough, can also trigger fast or noisy panting.
Heart disease
When the heart isn’t functioning correctly, blood can’t deliver oxygen efficiently. That makes breathing harder work, which is evident in persistent panting, especially after light exertion or while at rest.
Reverse Sneezing
Though it sounds (and looks!) scary, reverse sneezing is usually harmless. It can mimic panting or struggling to breathe, and often happens in short, rapid bursts. Usually triggered by throat irritation or allergies.
Laryngeal paralysis
Laryngeal Paralysis affects older, larger breeds and causes the airway to collapse slightly during breathing. Dogs may pant loudly, especially in heat or after exercise. It’s serious and requires veterinary care.
Other Health Conditions
Panting can stem from hormonal disorders like Cushing’s disease, which increases cortisol levels and creates constant stress. Obesity also raises the risk of panting because of added pressure on the heart and lungs.
When Should I Worry About My Dog’s Panting?
Occasional panting is no big deal. But some symptoms should raise a red flag and prompt a call to your veterinarian. You should worry if your dog is:
- Panting excessively while at rest
- Showing signs of pain (trembling, whining, limping)
- Drooling excessively
- Having trouble standing or walking normally
- Vomiting or refusing food and water
- Displaying blue, grey, or pale gums (a lack of oxygen)
Most concerning is when panting occurs for seemingly no reason and doesn’t stop. It could point to:
- Heart or lung disease
- Internal injury or illness
- Poisoning or reactions to toxic substances
- Heatstroke, especially in warmer months
Try to note how long the panting lasts, what triggered it, and any unusual behaviours that follow. This info is helpful for your vet and could lead to a faster diagnosis. In case of suspected heatstroke, move your dog to a cool area, wet their body gently, offer water, avoid ice, and call your vet immediately.
Remember: it’s always better to be cautious. Sudden, unexplained changes in your dog’s breathing or behaviour are worth looking into, especially in senior dogs or those with health conditions. Quick intervention could save your dog’s life.
Concluding Thoughts on How To Calm a Panting Dog
Panting is a natural behaviour for dogs, but when it becomes excessive or unexplained, it’s a sign your dog might be stressed, overheated, or hurting. Knowing how to identify the cause helps you respond quickly and calmly.
Creating a cool, peaceful environment, removing stressors, and using tools like calming wraps or safe, vet-reviewed supplements like CBD dog treats may help your dog feel better faster. At CBDNorth, we’re proud to offer safe, effective CBD solutions made right here in Canada to support your dog’s well-being.
If panting is severe or constant, speak with your vet without delay. But in many cases, you can help your pup stay comfortable and calm right at home. To explore more about our pet CBD oil options, visit our site. All products are third-party tested and made in Canada with your dog’s comfort in mind.
FAQs
Panting from anxiety usually happens alongside behaviours like whining, pacing, tucked tail, and excessive licking. It doesn’t stop with rest or cooler temperatures and often occurs in stressful situations like car rides or loud noises.
No, it’s often totally normal after play or in summer heat. Panting while at rest or paired with unusual behaviour may signal stress or a medical issue. Always consider context and other signs, like how your dog acts or moves.
Some dogs feel better after a few minutes, while others need 30 minutes to an hour, especially after severe triggers like fireworks. Reducing stimuli and offering support helps shorten this time.
Some pet owners explore CBD to support general wellness during stressful events. Always consult your vet before trying CBD. If you’re considering it, choose a high-quality, pet-specific CBD product like CBDNorth’s and consult with your veterinarian before use. Start with low doses and monitor your dog’s response closely.
Use a cool, quiet space with soft lighting. Offer fresh water, and try calming aids like pheromone diffusers or wraps. Pet-safe lavender diffusers or gentle massage can also help lower anxiety safely.
