Panting and barking together are often the body’s way of signaling distress or heightened arousal.
We outline the common reasons why dog panting and barking happens, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help.
Dog Panting and Barking — Why It Happens
Panting and barking in dogs can be caused by heat exhaustion, respiratory issues, pain, anxiety, or even certain medical conditions affecting the heart or lungs. Dogs may also bark and pant when overly excited or during periods of fear, such as thunderstorms or fireworks.
Dog Panting and Barking: Common Causes
Heatstroke
When a dog overheats, panting is the body’s main cooling mechanism.
If they’re barking excessively, it might be due to restlessness, confusion, or agitation caused by rising body temperature.
You may notice drooling, weakness, or even collapse alongside panting and barking.
Heatstroke is a medical emergency that can quickly become life-threatening without immediate care.
Read more: Dog Excessively Barking (Here’s why)
Anxiety or Fear
Dogs experiencing anxiety may pant heavily due to increased heart rate and adrenaline release.
Barking often accompanies these episodes as a way to alert, communicate distress, or fend off perceived threats.
Triggers can include loud noises, unfamiliar people, separation from their owner, or changes in the environment.
Prolonged anxiety can harm both physical and emotional health.
Pain or Injury
Pain can cause a dog to pant from stress and discomfort. Barking may be their attempt to communicate that something is wrong.
This is often seen with sudden injuries, joint issues, dental problems, or internal discomfort.
Dogs in pain may also pace, whine, or become unusually clingy.
Heart or Lung Disease
Conditions like congestive heart failure, pneumonia, or tracheal collapse can make breathing more difficult.
Panting is the body’s response to reduced oxygen levels, while barking may be triggered by discomfort or a feeling of breathlessness.
Other symptoms can include coughing, lethargy, and reduced tolerance for exercise. These conditions require prompt veterinary evaluation.
Overexcitement
Some dogs pant and bark when they’re overstimulated by play, meeting new people, or seeing other dogs.
While this is often harmless, excessive arousal can lead to overheating or stress.
In young or energetic breeds, this behavior may be frequent but can still benefit from training and structured calm-down periods.
Cognitive Dysfunction (in Senior Dogs)
Older dogs with canine cognitive dysfunction may bark more often, sometimes at night, and pant due to confusion, anxiety, or discomfort.
They may also pace, seem disoriented, or have disrupted sleep cycles.
These signs should be discussed with a veterinarian to ensure comfort in later years.
What to Do If Your Dog Is Panting and Barking
First, assess your dog’s environment for any immediate stressors.
If it’s hot, move them to a cool, shaded area with fresh water. Calmly reassure them to avoid adding to their stress.
Check for signs of injury, heatstroke, or breathing difficulty. Remove potential triggers such as loud noises or other animals if anxiety seems likely.
Offer a quiet, safe space where your dog can relax.
Gentle petting or distraction with a favorite toy can sometimes help ease tension.
If barking and panting persist without an obvious cause, or if other symptoms appear, it’s best to seek veterinary guidance.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
If your dog is panting and barking excessively and you notice collapse, extreme lethargy, pale or blue gums, or trouble breathing, treat it as an emergency.
Sudden onset of these symptoms without a clear cause also warrants immediate veterinary attention.
Any signs of heatstroke, persistent anxiety, severe pain, or worsening respiratory distress should be addressed right away. Early intervention can prevent serious complications.
Read more: Dog Panting and Barking in Crate (Should you worry?)
Key Takeaway
Panting and barking together can signal anything from simple excitement to a serious medical condition.
By observing your dog closely, removing stressors, and acting quickly when symptoms are severe, you can protect their health and comfort.
When in doubt, consult your veterinarian. Your quick attention and care can make all the difference for your furry friend.