Understanding Why Dogs Pant

1. Understanding Why Dogs Pant All of our canine friends pant. You’ve most likely seen it when it’s hot outside or after Fido has exercised vigorously. But there are other reasons for panting, too. Here, your veterinarian Scottsdale, AZ explains why your dog pants: Panting cools your dog down. Panting is your dog’s way of cooling down; they don’t sweat like we do. When a dog pants, the evaporation of moisture at the tongue, lungs, and nasal passages increases, thereby lowering the body temperature. Dogs pant when they’re excited or stressed out. Panting is often a reaction to excitement, or it could be a reaction to stress. Perhaps you’ve seen your dog pant in fear when a thunderstorm rolls in, for example. Usually, this is nothing to worry about, but let your veterinarian know if your dog’s stress level seems severe. Dogs might pant when they’re ill. Dogs also might pant if they’re sick or in pain. If you can’t pinpoint any other reason for your dog’s consistent panting, it’s time topay a visit to the vet’s office and have your dog examined. It’s always better to be safe than sorry! Need to schedule an appointment for Fido? Contact your vets Scottsdale, AZ.