Excessive Panting in Dogs: Causes, Remedies and Training Techniques for Canine Comfort

Updated on: January 18, 2023
Excessive Panting in Dogs: Causes, Remedies and Training Techniques for Canine Comfort

Overview:

It's not uncommon for your pup to pant. After all, it helps them regulate body temperature! But have you noticed excessive panting? This could be due to a number of factors like overheating or an underlying medical condition - and we'll show you some simple tactics that can help reduce the over-panting so Fido stays happy & healthy. Let's explore what causes this behavior in dogs and how best to address it today!

Table of Contents:

 

Reasons for Over Panting:

  • Overheating can be indicated by heavy panting in dogs and should be monitored during hot weather or after physical activity.
  • Excessive panting can also signify an underlying medical condition, such as heart or lung disease.
  • Dogs may pant as a sign of anxiety or stress in unfamiliar situations, and it's essential to address the cause of discomfort to help them feel at ease.
  • Other behaviors such as trembling, whining, hiding, and aggression may accompany panting due to stress or anxiety.
  • Techniques such as positive reinforcement training, crate training, desensitization exercises, a calm home environment, regular exercise, and calming supplements can help reduce stress and anxiety in dogs.

Overheating: When the summer heat hits and your pup is panting heavily, it could be a sign that they are in danger of overheating! Dogs naturally use their form of "air conditioning" to regulate their body temperature by way of excessive panting - so make sure you keep an eye on them during those hot days or after physical activities.

Excessive panting can be a red flag for something more severe beneath the surface. An underlying medical condition could pose risks to your pup, like heart and lung disease. 

Dogs may pant to signal anxiety or stress in unfamiliar situations. If your pup is considerably out of breath, it's essential to take an extra step and help them feel at ease by addressing the cause of their discomfort.

Anxiety or stress: Excessive panting can signify distress in dogs when they find themselves uncomfortable or uncertain - whether it's around new people, exploring an unfamiliar place, or feeling scared. Anxiety and stress may cause them to gasp for air as their bodies respond naturally to these stressful situations.

Panting is often a sign of stress or anxiety, but it can be accompanied by other more subtle behaviors such as trembling, whining, hiding, and even aggression. Taking the time to recognize these indicators beforehand can work wonders in reducing stressful panting episodes - so don't wait until your pet sits down for an undeserved breather![1]

To ensure your dog feels their best, several techniques can help reduce stress and anxiety. Positive reinforcement through training is a great start! You may also want to think about crate training or desensitization exercises as well - be sure to consult an experienced professional for advice explicitly customized for your pup's situation. Additionally, making the home atmosphere calm and safe, providing regular exercise, and offering calming supplements will give them all the support they need on this journey toward contentment!

 

Medical condition: If your pup has been breathless for an extended time, it could be a sign of underlying health issues like heart or lung disease. Please speak to your vet as soon as possible to ensure Fido gets the best care and returns to his usual energetic self!

Panting vigorously indicates an underlying medical condition, but it rarely stands alone. As pet owners, we must know that coughing, difficulty breathing, and even lethargy can accompany panting in such cases. Recognizing these more significant symptoms early on will help your furry friend receive adequate treatment for the root cause![2]

Your furry family member's health is paramount, so if your dog has been diagnosed with a medical condition that causes excessive panting, it's essential to be proactive. Always keep an eye out for signs of change!

 

 

Remedies:

  • Training can help reduce stress and anxiety in dogs, which can lead to panting. Positive reinforcement training, using treats and praise, is an effective method.
  • Teaching basic obedience commands such as "sit" and "stay" can give dogs a sense of security and reduce anxiety and panting.
  • Proper training methods, such as professional trainers, books/videos/online courses, can help calm down a dog. Training takes patience to see results, so it's essential to choose the best method for your dog and stick to it.
  • Keeping dogs cool by providing shade, water, and hydration can help reduce panting caused by overheating.
  • Calming supplements such as melatonin and L-Theanine can help with occasional situational stress.
  • Regular exercise can help burn off energy and create a serene atmosphere for dogs, reducing panting. Activities such as walks, fetch, agility training, and swimming can be beneficial depending on the dog's breed, size, and age.
  • Creating a comfortable home environment with cozy bedding, cleanliness, tranquility, and security can help reduce stress and panting in dogs.
  • Providing dogs with fun toys and tasty treats can help keep them entertained and reduce boredom.

Training: Training can be the perfect remedy for a panting pup! Positive reinforcement training is an excellent method to calm your canine companion. By rewarding them with treats and praise, you'll help build their confidence and reduce any stress or anxiety they may have.

Teaching your pup obedience commands like "sit" and "stay" can do more than keep them in line - mastering these basics will give your dog a sense of security, helping to reduce anxiety and panting. Establishing this foundation sets up both you and Fido for success!

You can turn your pup into an obedient puppy with a little TLC and consistency! Not only can they learn the basic commands of "sit" or "stay," but with proper training methods (like professional trainers, books/videos/online courses), coming in handy in situations like when calming down becomes essential. Training will take patience to see results - so make sure you choose which method works best for your four-legged friend and stick to it!

Cool down: Is your pup overheating? Help them stay cool by taking a few simple steps. Lead them to a shady spot indoors or under a tree outside - even splashing around in lukewarm water can help! Keeping their temperature down is essential for maintaining good health and happiness.

Keep your pup hydrated, fresh, and relaxed with a water bowl - it's an easy way to help them beat the heat! Adding some ice cubes is an excellent way for Fido to keep their thirst quenched while also balancing their body temperature.

It's essential to stay aware of your pup's body temperature when keeping them cool. If they're feeling the heat, their skin will be warm, and they may become sluggish or sleepy - so don't hesitate to get professional help immediately!

Calming supplements: Veterinarians often suggest supplements as an alternative to medications for calming anxious pups. From melatonin and L-Theanine, several natural solutions are available that may help keep furry friends composed during events like fireworks or thunderstorms - perfect for occasional bouts of situational stress! [3]

Calming supplements can be a great solution for over-panting, but it's essential to look at the root cause and treat it instead. Read more about our calming supplement Calm here.

Exercise: Exercise is pivotal in ensuring that your pup stays fit and relaxed. Regular physical activity can help burn off energy, creating an atmosphere of serenity for the canine companion - plus, no more panting!

Give your pup a chance to explore and have fun every day! Plan an outdoor adventure, like a stroll around the neighborhood or an invigorating outing at your local park – make sure it's suited for their age, breed, and fitness. Your furry friend will thank you with plenty of tail wags.

Exercise is an ideal way to strengthen the bond between you and your pup. Many activities suit any canine companion depending on their breed, size, and age, such as a stroll in the park, fetch at home, agility training, or swimming! Keeping them active will benefit their physical fitness and provide mental stimulation for loyalty that lasts a lifetime.

Create a comfortable environment: Creating the perfect home environment is essential for a happy and healthy pup. Start by providing your furry friend plenty of cozy bedding to cuddle up in - trust us; they will thank you for it! Additionally, ensure their space is clean, tranquil, and secure so your pup can relax without fear or stress.

Provide your pup with a more enjoyable place to stay by offering them plenty of fun toys and tasty treats! Not only can this help keep boredom at bay, but it also provides mental/physical stimulation. Plus, who doesn't love rewards for good behavior? Treats make training less stressful while creating positive associations - a win-win situation right there!

When creating a cozy home for your pup, keep their needs in mind. If they are aging or suffer from any pain, such as arthritis, make sure to provide them with the best cushioning - like memory foam beds or even heated beds! Also, consider its size and breed when deciding on living space sizes; be careful not to overcrowd the area but ensure it remains appropriately lit and aired out.

Conclusion

Panting is generally a typical behavior for dogs, but it can also indicate medical or behavioral issues – and even cause your pup to feel uncomfortable. To help keep them healthy and comfortable, stay aware of potential causes like anxiety/stress or heatstroke while making sure they get regular exercise, training sessions if needed, and hold access to fresh water plus calming supplements when available. 

Stop dog panting with Calm. Order now and see the difference it makes in your pet's well-being.