Updated September 25, 2026. Fact-checked against veterinary sources; review by a licensed veterinarian is in progress. See our editorial policy.
Quick answer: Panting is normal after exercise, in warm weather, or with excitement. It’s a concern when it happens at rest, in a cool environment, at night, or comes with restlessness, weakness, or unusual gum color. Causes include heatstroke, pain, anxiety, heart or lung disease, Cushing’s disease, and some medications like steroids.
Signs to watch
- Panting at rest or at night
- Heavy panting with drooling
- Restlessness or pacing
- Bright red, pale, or blue gums
Common causes
- Heat or exercise (normal)
- Heatstroke
- Pain
- Anxiety or fear
- Heart disease or laryngeal paralysis
- Cushing’s disease
- Steroid medications
- Fever or anemia
Go to a vet or emergency clinic right away if
- Heavy panting with weakness, vomiting, or collapse (possible heatstroke)
- Blue or gray gums
- Panting with a swollen belly and retching (possible bloat)
- Noisy, raspy breathing
Safe home care while you arrange a visit
- Move your dog to a cool, shaded place
- Offer water
- For suspected heatstroke, wet with cool (not ice-cold) water and go to a vet
What to avoid
- Ice baths
- Exercise in heat
- Human pain relievers
Can you ask a vet online about this?
Online vet services can be helpful for deciding how urgent a problem is, getting general advice, and follow-up questions. But they have limits:
- A vet can’t examine your dog, listen to the heart and lungs, or run tests over video
- In many US states, a vet must have examined your dog in person before prescribing medication. Rules vary by state and are changing
- For any emergency sign listed above, go directly to an emergency clinic rather than waiting for an online reply
Have your dog’s age, weight, medications, and photos or video of the problem ready to make any consultation more useful.
More: laryngeal paralysis.
Sources
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Heatstroke in small animals
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Cushing’s disease in dogs
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Laryngeal paralysis in dogs
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for care from your own veterinarian. Learn about The Pet Vet and our editorial policy.