Panting combined with hot ears in a dog can be worrying for any dog owner. While panting is a normal cooling mechanism, when it comes with ears that feel unusually warm, it can signal underlying illness.
We outline the common causes of panting and hot ears in dogs, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help.
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Dog Panting and Ears Are Hot — Why It Happens
A dog may pant and have hot ears due to fever, ear infection, allergies, or heat-related stress. When the body is fighting inflammation or infection, extra blood flow can make the ears warmer to the touch. Allergic reactions or skin irritations may also increase temperature in the ear tissue.
Overheating and heatstroke often present with both heavy panting and warm extremities. Sometimes, excitement or anxiety alone can cause panting and raise ear temperature temporarily.
These changes are important to monitor, especially if they persist or worsen, since they can indicate underlying illness or even an emergency situation.
Dog Panting and Ears Are Hot: Common Causes
Fever
When a dog develops a fever, the immune system increases body temperature to fight infection.
The ears often feel hot because they have many blood vessels close to the skin that radiate excess heat. Alongside panting, you might notice lethargy, loss of appetite, shivering, or reluctance to play.
Fever can be triggered by a wide range of conditions, from viral and bacterial infections to tick-borne diseases.
A dog’s normal temperature is between 101°F and 102.5°F. Anything significantly above that should be considered abnormal.
If a dog has both a fever and hot ears, it may be the body’s way of battling something serious that needs professional attention.
Read more: Dog Panting and Fever (What it means and when to worry)
Heatstroke
Hot weather, vigorous exercise, or being left in a warm environment can quickly lead to heatstroke. Dogs cannot sweat like humans, so panting is their main way to release heat.
When that is not enough, body temperature rises, and their ears and body become hot to the touch. Signs of heatstroke often include drooling, bright red gums, vomiting, unsteadiness, or even collapse.
Breeds with flat faces, such as Bulldogs or Pugs, are especially at risk. Without intervention, heatstroke can be fatal, making this one of the most urgent causes of hot ears and panting.
Ear Infections
Ear infections are very common in dogs, particularly in breeds with floppy ears or those prone to allergies. Infected ear canals become inflamed, which radiates noticeable heat outward.
A dog with an ear infection may pant due to pain or irritation. Other signs include scratching at the ears, shaking the head, whining, or producing foul-smelling discharge.
Chronic ear infections can cause lasting ear damage if untreated. Panting with hot ears should prompt you to check for these telltale ear infection signs and seek veterinary help if present.
Allergies
Allergic reactions from food sensitivities, pollen, dust, or insect bites can lead to ear inflammation and overheating. The ears may feel hot because of increased circulation during the allergic response.
Dogs often scratch or rub their ears, and some develop hives or redness on their skin. Panting can follow as a stress response or due to itch-related discomfort.
Chronic allergies not only make dogs miserable but can also lead to secondary ear infections.
Managing allergies usually requires identifying the trigger and sometimes using medications or dietary changes.
Pain or Stress
Sometimes hot ears are not about illness but rather about how the body reacts to stress or discomfort.
When a dog is in pain, circulation increases, which can make ears warm. Panting is also a common pain response.
This could happen if a dog has dental problems, arthritis flare-ups, stomach upset, or even anxiety from loud noises.
Dogs often mask pain, so hot ears paired with panting may be one of the few outward signs. If you suspect pain or stress, pay attention to changes in posture, appetite, or behavior.
Inflammatory or Autoimmune Conditions
Certain chronic illnesses, such as lupus, vasculitis, or autoimmune skin conditions, can cause inflammation that makes the ears warmer than usual.
These conditions may also present with scabs, sores, or patches of hair loss around the ears. Panting can be secondary to ongoing discomfort or systemic illness.
Unlike temporary issues, autoimmune or inflammatory disorders tend to persist or flare repeatedly. These require veterinary testing and often long-term treatment.
What to Do If Your Dog Is Panting and Ears Are Hot
If your dog has hot ears and is panting, the first step is to evaluate the environment. Move your dog to a cooler, shaded area, and make sure fresh water is always available.
Rest and cooling often help if the problem is related to overheating or excitement.
For suspected fever, gently check for other signs like fatigue, loss of appetite, or shivering, and avoid giving human medications unless instructed by a vet.
If you think it might be an ear infection, look closely for redness, swelling, or discharge.
Cleaning with a vet-approved ear solution may provide temporary relief, but professional care is needed for lasting treatment.
For allergies, try to eliminate possible triggers such as new foods, scented cleaning products, or pollen exposure.
Stress-related panting and hot ears can often be soothed by creating a calm environment, offering comfort, or removing the source of anxiety. Always keep in mind that while some causes are mild, others require urgent veterinary attention.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
You should contact your veterinarian if your dog’s ears stay hot for more than a few hours, or if panting seems excessive and unrelated to exercise or weather.
If your dog appears weak, is drooling excessively, has bright red or pale gums, vomits, or collapses, treat it as an emergency—these are hallmark signs of heatstroke.
Ear infections also need veterinary care, especially if you see discharge, swelling, or your dog is in obvious pain.
Persistent fever, unexplained changes in behavior, or ongoing loss of appetite should never be ignored, as they can indicate serious internal illness.
When in doubt, it is always best to err on the side of caution and have your dog evaluated by a professional.
Read more: Dog Panting and Ears Back (Here’s why)
Key Takeaway
Panting with hot ears in dogs can result from fever, infection, allergies, pain, or overheating.
While some causes are temporary and mild, others are urgent medical emergencies. Always monitor your dog closely, provide comfort and a safe environment at home, and call your vet if symptoms persist, worsen, or seem severe.
Acting quickly can make the difference in protecting your dog’s health and ensuring peace of mind for you as their owner.