Panting is a very normal and usual behavior in dogs. When they run, when they are hot, when they get overexcited, dogs pant. Nevertheless, the reasons that explain dog panting can also be related to other different things, and it’s important that you get to know them in order to better understand your furry friends and what’s going on inside it. Dogs can’t talk to us to tell us what’s happening with them, but they do have many other ways to transmit and communicate with us, and panting is one of them. Read along to understand why your dog pants!
In need of a break
When you have been engaging in a lot of physical activity with your dog, for example, playing in the park, running around, having fun with other dogs or going for a long walk, the panting can be a sign of exhaustion and it indicates that it’s time for a rest. If your dog starts to pant after having done a lot of exercise, be sure to hydrate it well and make it rest and stop for a while. It’s very important to understand the needs of your dog and act upon them, so if you can see that it needs to rest, give your dog the space to do so.
A sign of happiness
In certain contexts and situations, panting might be a sign of happiness and fun. For example, if your dog is playing with you or with another dog, if you see its tail moving and an overall body language that expresses joy, then it’s very possible that, if it pants, this is also a way of expressing that it’s having a great time and enjoying the moment. So don’t worry! As we have mentioned, panting is normal in dogs, and you will be able to tell if it’s having a good time. In this case, note that the panting can also be a way of expressing their happiness.
It’s too hot!
Did you know that the weather is also a factor that influences your dog’s panting? In times of hot temperatures, it can happen that your dog pants more frequently. Panting is a way to keep their bodies cool during the warm seasons, this may be a reason why they pant more frequently. In this sense, if it’s a very hot day and you see that your dog is panting a lot, be sure to provide it with some cold, fresh water and ensure that it stays in a cool area. And, remember, never leave your dog inside a car with the windows closed!