Symptom: Panting – When Should I Contact a Vet?
Signs my pet is panting
Panting is a normal way for dogs to cool themselves after exercise, during excitement or in warm weather. However, excessive panting, panting at rest, or panting together with other symptoms may indicate a serious underlying problem. Cats rarely pant, so panting in a cat should always be assessed by a vet.
Common signs include:
Rapid, open-mouth breathing
Panting that continues after exercise or once your pet has cooled down
Panting while resting or sleeping
Loud, laboured or noisy breathing
Panting together with weakness, coughing, pale or blue gums, or collapse
Written by Gillian Burkhill, Veterinary Surgeon, Animal Trust Vets CIC | Published July 2026 | Review date July 2029 | This advice is for UK pets only and is not a replacement for seeing a vet
Frequently asked questions
What are the common reasons for my pet to be panting?
- Exercise, excitement or warm weather: Normal panting helps dogs cool themselves after activity or when they are hot.
- Heatstroke or overheating: Excessive panting can be an early sign of heatstroke and requires immediate veterinary attention. Further reading: Cats & Heatstroke, Dogs & Heatstroke
- Pain or stress: Pets may pant when they are in pain, anxious or frightened.
- Heart or lung disease: Conditions affecting the heart or lungs can cause panting and difficulty breathing.
- Other medical conditions: Obesity, certain medications, hormonal disorders and other illnesses can all lead to increased panting.
DOs - My pet is panting, what to do at home:
- If your pet is panting excessively, struggling to breathe or you suspect heatstroke, contact your vet immediately.
- Move your pet to a cool, quiet area and allow them to rest.
- Offer fresh drinking water, but don't force your pet to drink.
- Monitor your pet closely and arrange a veterinary appointment if the panting persists or occurs for no obvious reason.
DON'Ts - My pet is panting, what not to do at home:
- Don't force your pet to exercise or continue walking if they are panting excessively.
- Don't leave your pet in a hot environment, such as a parked car or a poorly ventilated room.
- Don't ignore panting that occurs at rest or is accompanied by other symptoms.
- Don't delay contacting your vet if your pet is struggling to breathe or the panting is getting worse.
When is it an emergency?
Seek immediate veterinary attention if your pet:
- Is struggling to breathe or panting excessively at rest.
- Shows signs of heatstroke, such as excessive panting, collapse or weakness.
- Has pale or blue gums.
- Collapses or becomes unresponsive.
- Has panting together with coughing, weakness or other signs of illness.
Panting that persists without an obvious cause or does not settle with rest should always be assessed by your vet.