If your dog is panting heavily and feels hot to the touch, it can be alarming and may indicate an underlying health issue.
While panting is a normal way for dogs to regulate body temperature, excessive panting combined with a hot body can be a sign of a medical condition that needs attention.
We outline the common reasons why a dog may pant and feel hot, what you can do, and when to seek veterinary help.
Dog Panting and Feels Hot — Why It Happens
When a dog is panting and feels hot to the touch, it’s usually a sign of overheating or fever. Dogs rely on panting as their main way to cool down, so when their body temperature rises due to heat exposure, illness, infection, or overexertion, they pant heavily to release excess heat.
Sometimes medications, stress, or underlying conditions like thyroid imbalance can also raise body temperature.
Dog Panting and Feels Hot: Common Causes
Heatstroke
Heatstroke is a life-threatening condition that occurs when a dog’s body temperature rises too high.
Dogs that pant heavily and feel hot may be experiencing heatstroke, especially on hot days or after exercise.
Other signs include drooling, lethargy, vomiting, and bright red gums. Immediate cooling and veterinary care are critical to prevent organ damage.
Read more: Dog Panting and Fever (Here’s why)
Fever from Infection
A high temperature due to infection can make a dog pant excessively and feel hot to the touch. Infections like kennel cough, urinary tract infections, or systemic illnesses may cause fever.
Dogs may also show shivering, reduced appetite, or lethargy. A veterinarian can diagnose the infection and provide appropriate treatment.
Heart or Respiratory Problems
Heart disease, congestive heart failure, or respiratory issues like pneumonia can cause dogs to pant and feel hot.
These conditions reduce oxygen delivery and increase the effort needed to breathe, leading to overheating and discomfort.
You may notice coughing, rapid breathing, or fatigue. Prompt veterinary evaluation is essential for proper management.
Pain or Discomfort
Pain from arthritis, injuries, or internal issues can trigger panting and an elevated body temperature.
Dogs often pant as a stress response to discomfort and may appear restless, whine, or have changes in posture.
Identifying and addressing the source of pain improves comfort and reduces excessive panting.
Anxiety or Stress
Emotional stress can cause dogs to pant and feel warm, even without an environmental heat source.
Situations like thunderstorms, separation, or travel can trigger panting, increased heart rate, and warmth. Calming techniques, routine, and safe spaces can help reduce stress-induced panting.
Endocrine Disorders
Conditions like Cushing’s disease or hyperthyroidism can lead to increased body temperature and panting.
Dogs may also show increased thirst, urination, or weight changes. These disorders require veterinary diagnosis and long-term management.
What to Do If Your Dog Is Panting and Feels Hot
Move your dog to a cooler environment immediately, such as an air-conditioned room or shaded area.
Offer small amounts of water, but avoid forcing them to drink, as rapid intake can cause vomiting.
Use cool (not ice-cold) compresses on the neck, chest, and paws to help lower body temperature gradually.
Encourage rest and minimize physical activity until your dog’s breathing and body temperature normalize.
Monitor closely for other symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or disorientation, which may indicate a more serious issue.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
Seek immediate veterinary care if your dog shows signs of heatstroke, including unresponsiveness, heavy panting, drooling, vomiting, or bright red gums.
Persistent panting and elevated body temperature without obvious environmental causes should also be evaluated by a veterinarian.
Dogs with underlying heart, respiratory, or endocrine issues need prompt assessment if they become hot and pant excessively.
Even if symptoms seem mild, professional guidance can ensure your dog’s safety and prevent escalation into more serious conditions.
Read more: Dog Panting and Farting (What it could mean)
Key Takeaway
Panting and feeling hot in dogs can result from environmental heat, medical conditions, pain, or stress. While occasional panting is normal, persistent or severe symptoms require careful attention.
You can help by moving your dog to a cool area, providing water, reducing stress, and monitoring for additional symptoms. Timely veterinary evaluation is essential when panting and heat are accompanied by other warning signs.