why is my dog panting so much

Dogs pant to regulate their body temperature since they have limited sweat glands. Excessive panting can be caused by normal reasons such as heat, exercise, excitement, or stress. However, if the panting is excessive and occurs without these triggers or persists in cool environments, it may indicate a medical problem. Possible serious causes of excessive panting include Cushing’s disease, respiratory disease, heart disease, heatstroke, pain, anxiety, or effects of medication. Brachycephalic breeds (dogs with flat faces like pugs) often pant more due to breathing difficulties. If a dog’s panting is accompanied by other symptoms such as lethargy, pale or blue gums, or inability to recover, veterinary evaluation is strongly recommended to rule out potentially life-threatening conditions.