If your dog is panting heavily and feels warm to the touch, it can be a sign that something is off with their health.
While panting is a normal way for dogs to regulate body temperature, excessive panting accompanied by a warm body may indicate overheating or an underlying medical condition.
We outline the common reasons why a dog may pant and feel warm, what you can do, and when to seek veterinary help.
Dog Panting and Feels Warm — Why It Happens
When a dog is panting and feels warm, it typically means their body temperature is elevated due to environmental heat, physical exertion, or an underlying health condition. Dogs cool themselves primarily through panting, so when they’re warm to the touch, it signals their body is working to release heat.
This can happen after exercise, stress, or spending time in a hot room. However, persistent warmth or panting at rest can point to fever, pain, infection, or metabolic issues such as thyroid or adrenal problems.
Dog Panting and Feels Warm: Common Causes
Heat Stress or Heatstroke
Heat stress and heatstroke are among the most common reasons a dog may pant excessively and feel warm. On hot days or after exercise, a dog’s body temperature can rise dangerously.
Signs include heavy panting, drooling, bright red gums, lethargy, and unsteady movement.
Heatstroke is a medical emergency and requires immediate cooling and veterinary attention.
Fever Due to Infection
Infections, such as kennel cough, urinary tract infections, or systemic illnesses, can raise a dog’s body temperature and lead to panting.
Dogs may feel warm to the touch and appear more lethargic than usual. Other signs may include reduced appetite, shivering, or vomiting. Veterinary evaluation is essential to identify the infection and provide treatment.
Read more: Dog Panting and Fever (Here’s why)
Pain or Discomfort
Pain from arthritis, injury, or internal issues can cause panting and warmth. Dogs often pant as a physiological response to discomfort, and they may also show restlessness, whining, or changes in posture.
Addressing the underlying pain with veterinary guidance can help reduce symptoms.
Anxiety or Stress
Emotional stress can trigger panting and warmth in dogs even without external heat. Situations like thunderstorms, separation anxiety, or traveling can increase heart rate and body temperature.
Providing a safe, calm environment, along with stress-reduction techniques, can help manage these symptoms.
Heart or Respiratory Problems
Heart disease, congestive heart failure, or respiratory disorders can reduce oxygen flow and increase breathing effort, causing a dog to pant and feel warm.
Signs may include coughing, rapid breathing, fatigue, or exercise intolerance. Prompt veterinary assessment is necessary to manage these potentially serious conditions.
Endocrine Disorders
Endocrine issues such as Cushing’s disease or hyperthyroidism can elevate body temperature and lead to panting.
Dogs may also exhibit excessive thirst, urination, or weight changes. These conditions require proper diagnosis and long-term veterinary management.
What to Do If Your Dog Is Panting and Feels Warm
Move your dog to a cool, shaded area or air-conditioned room immediately.
Offer small amounts of water, but avoid forcing them to drink, as rapid intake may cause vomiting.
Use cool (not ice-cold) compresses on the neck, chest, and paws to gradually lower body temperature.
Encourage rest and limit physical activity until your dog’s breathing and warmth normalize.
Monitor for additional symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or unsteady movement, which may indicate a more serious issue requiring veterinary attention.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
Seek immediate veterinary care if your dog shows signs of heatstroke, including heavy panting, drooling, bright red gums, lethargy, or collapse.
If panting and warmth occur without obvious heat exposure, or persist longer than a few minutes, professional evaluation is warranted.
Dogs with known heart, respiratory, or endocrine conditions should be assessed promptly if they become warm and pant excessively.
Even mild symptoms that persist should be discussed with a veterinarian to ensure your dog’s health and prevent complications.
Read more: Dog Panting and Ears Are Hot (What it means)
Key Takeaway
Panting and feeling warm in dogs can result from environmental heat, medical conditions, pain, or stress. While occasional panting is normal, persistent or severe symptoms require attention.
Owners can help by moving their dog to a cooler area, providing water, reducing stress, and observing for other concerning signs.
Timely veterinary evaluation is critical when panting and warmth are accompanied by additional symptoms.