Seeing your dog panting and making a clicking sound can be alarming, especially when it seems unusual or persistent.
Panting can be normal after play or exercise, but when paired with clicking noises, it may signal an underlying health condition.
We outline the common causes of panting and clicking in dogs, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help.
Dog Panting and Clicking — Why It Happens
A dog panting and producing a clicking sound often indicates an issue with the mouth, teeth, or breathing. Clicking can come from dental problems, jaw movement, or even respiratory issues, while panting may signal pain, overheating, or stress. Sometimes, these two symptoms happen together when your dog is struggling to cope with discomfort, fatigue, or illness. It’s not always serious, but in some cases it can point to problems that need veterinary attention.
Dog Panting and Clicking: Common Causes
Dental Problems
One of the most frequent reasons for a clicking sound is dental disease. Dogs with loose, broken, or damaged teeth may make clicking noises when panting, chewing, or moving their jaw.
Gum disease and abscesses can also cause discomfort, leading to excessive panting as the dog tries to cope with pain.
You may notice bad breath, drooling, difficulty chewing, or reluctance to eat hard food. Left untreated, dental infections can spread deeper into the body, making it essential to address them promptly.
Read more: Dog Panting and Closing Eyes (What it could mean)
Jaw Alignment or TMJ Issues
Clicking during panting can sometimes come from the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects the jawbone to the skull.
If this joint is inflamed, injured, or misaligned, it can produce a clicking or popping sound when your dog opens and closes its mouth.
Dogs with jaw issues may also struggle to chew properly, yawn fully, or may show signs of discomfort around the head and neck.
Panting may occur because of the associated pain or stress from trying to manage the discomfort.
Respiratory Conditions
In some cases, the clicking noise may come from your dog’s airway or throat. Conditions such as tracheal collapse, laryngeal paralysis, or respiratory infections can cause abnormal sounds during panting.
Dogs with these issues often struggle to breathe comfortably, especially when active or resting in a hot environment.
You may also notice coughing, wheezing, or raspy breathing. Respiratory conditions should always be taken seriously, as they can worsen quickly without treatment.
Heat Stress or Overheating
Excessive panting is the primary way dogs cool themselves, but when panting becomes heavy, it can sometimes create strange noises, including clicking.
Overheating can make your dog restless, weak, or drooly, and in severe cases can progress to heatstroke, which is life-threatening.
If your dog is panting heavily with unusual noises in hot weather or after intense exercise, move them to a cooler space right away and monitor closely.
Anxiety or Stress
Stress can make dogs pant heavily, even in normal temperatures. When combined with repetitive jaw movements, lip smacking, or chattering, it may create a clicking sound.
Dogs under stress may pace, tremble, or avoid eye contact.
While mild anxiety might settle on its own, ongoing stress needs management to prevent long-term effects on your dog’s health and wellbeing. Identifying the triggers, whether loud noises, separation, or unfamiliar environments, is key to helping your dog feel calmer.
Pain or Discomfort
Panting is one of the most common signs of pain in dogs. If your dog has an injury, arthritis, or abdominal discomfort, panting may increase as a coping mechanism.
The clicking sound could be coincidental, coming from the jaw or teeth during panting, or it may reflect tension in the mouth.
Dogs in pain often act restless, avoid lying down, or whine when touched. This combination of signs should not be ignored, especially if symptoms persist.
What to Do If Your Dog Is Panting and Clicking
If your dog begins panting and making clicking sounds, start by observing when and how it happens. Check the environment: is your dog hot, stressed, or recovering from exercise? Make sure they have access to water and a calm space to rest.
Inspect your dog’s mouth if possible. Look for redness, swelling, or broken teeth, and pay attention to any bad odor that may suggest infection. If eye or jaw discomfort seems likely, keep your dog calm and avoid forcing their mouth open.
If your dog seems anxious, try reducing stress by removing triggers, using soothing tones, and providing a safe resting area. Some dogs benefit from calming aids, but always consult your vet before introducing supplements or medications.
Monitor your dog closely. If the clicking persists, worsens, or is accompanied by coughing, gagging, or difficulty eating, veterinary care is strongly advised.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
You should contact your vet if the clicking and panting do not resolve quickly or if your dog shows additional concerning symptoms.
Signs that warrant a veterinary visit include refusal to eat, pawing at the mouth, drooling excessively, or signs of dental pain. Clicking with coughing, raspy breathing, or struggling for air may indicate a respiratory issue that requires immediate evaluation.
If panting is heavy, continuous, or happens at rest in cool conditions, it should not be dismissed. Older dogs or those with existing health conditions should be checked sooner, as they are more vulnerable to complications.
Emergency care is needed if your dog collapses, has bluish gums, or cannot catch their breath. These are signs of a serious, potentially life-threatening problem.
Read more: Dog Panting and Licking Air (What it means)
Key Takeaway
A dog panting and clicking can have several causes, ranging from dental problems to stress or respiratory issues. While some cases are minor and resolve with rest or cooling, others require veterinary treatment to prevent complications.
Pay attention to when the symptoms occur, how severe they are, and whether other signs are present. If the problem doesn’t settle quickly or your dog appears distressed, contacting your vet is the safest step.
With timely care and close observation, most dogs recover well, and you can help your dog stay comfortable and healthy.