Panting accompanied by a fever in dogs can be a sign of a serious underlying health issue.
While dogs naturally pant to regulate body temperature, when it occurs alongside an elevated temperature, it can indicate infection or other medical conditions that require attention.
We outline the common reasons for dog panting and fever, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help.
Dog Panting and Fever — Why It Happens
When a dog is panting and has a fever, it usually signals the body is fighting infection, inflammation, or illness. Panting helps release heat, but when paired with fever, it means your dog’s temperature regulation system is under strain. Common underlying issues include bacterial or viral infections, heat exhaustion, immune-related diseases, or internal inflammation.
The fever raises the body’s core temperature, while panting is the dog’s attempt to cool down and manage discomfort.
If your dog feels unusually warm, lethargic, or refuses food and water, it’s important to have them examined promptly—persistent fever can quickly become dangerous without veterinary care.
Dog Panting and Fever: Common Causes
Infection
Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections are a leading cause of fever and panting in dogs. When the body detects harmful microorganisms, it triggers an immune response that raises body temperature to fight the infection.
Panting occurs as the dog tries to regulate its temperature while experiencing fever.
You may notice other signs like lethargy, reduced appetite, coughing, sneezing, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Some infections, such as kennel cough or urinary tract infections, may seem mild at first but can escalate quickly without treatment.
Prompt veterinary care is essential for proper diagnosis, appropriate medication, and preventing the infection from spreading or worsening.
Read more: Dog Panting and Ears Are Hot (What it means)
Inflammatory Conditions
Certain inflammatory diseases, including pancreatitis, arthritis, or autoimmune disorders, can cause fever in dogs. In these conditions, the immune system overreacts, creating inflammation that raises body temperature.
Panting develops because the body’s metabolism increases during inflammation, which can make the dog feel uncomfortable and restless.
Other observable signs may include swelling, abdominal pain, difficulty moving, or unusual posture.
Inflammatory conditions are serious and require medical intervention. A veterinarian can prescribe anti-inflammatory medications, provide supportive care, and monitor your dog’s recovery.
Heatstroke
Heatstroke is a critical emergency that often presents with panting and fever. Dogs exposed to high temperatures, especially in direct sunlight or inside cars, can overheat rapidly.
Panting becomes excessive as the dog attempts to cool down, and the elevated body temperature can reach dangerous levels, sometimes above 106°F.
Signs of heatstroke include drooling, red or pale gums, weakness, confusion, vomiting, and collapse.
Immediate cooling measures—like moving the dog to a shaded area, applying cool (not cold) water, and offering small sips of water—are essential while seeking urgent veterinary care. Delays can lead to organ failure or even death, making prompt intervention critical.
Pain or Stress
Severe pain or anxiety can also cause panting, and occasionally a mild rise in body temperature.
Pain can come from injury, joint disease, or internal issues. Dogs in pain may display signs such as whining, pacing, hiding, or adopting unusual postures to relieve discomfort.
Even a mild fever in these situations should not be ignored, as it may indicate an inflammatory process or infection related to the underlying cause of pain.
Providing a calm environment, gentle support, and monitoring symptoms while contacting a veterinarian can help address the root cause.
Heart or Respiratory Problems
Heart disease and respiratory conditions reduce oxygen delivery to tissues, prompting panting and rapid breathing.
Fever may appear if these conditions are accompanied by infections, such as pneumonia, or inflammation within the cardiovascular or respiratory system.
Dogs may also show coughing, difficulty lying down comfortably, exercise intolerance, or bluish gums.
Heart and lung diseases can progress quickly, so early veterinary evaluation is essential to determine the severity, initiate treatment, and improve quality of life.
Endocrine Disorders
Hormonal imbalances, including Cushing’s disease or thyroid dysfunction, can affect a dog’s metabolism and temperature regulation, leading to fever and panting.
Dogs may also show signs such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, changes in weight, hair loss, or thinning coat.
Diagnosis requires blood tests and sometimes imaging, and treatment often involves medication to regulate hormone levels. Left untreated, endocrine disorders can lead to complications like infections, heart strain, or metabolic issues, making veterinary care crucial.
What to Do If Your Dog Is Panting and Has a Fever
Move your dog to a cool, comfortable environment to help reduce heat stress and keep them calm. Ensure good ventilation and provide a soft resting area away from noise and activity.
Offer small sips of water to prevent dehydration, but avoid forcing the dog, as this may worsen nausea or cause vomiting.
Take your dog’s temperature using a rectal thermometer if you are comfortable. A normal dog temperature ranges from 101°F to 102.5°F. Temperatures above 103°F indicate fever, and 104°F or higher may be an emergency.
Observe your dog carefully for other symptoms, such as lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, or decreased appetite, which may indicate a more serious underlying condition.
Avoid strenuous activity until the fever resolves or a veterinarian evaluates your dog. Gentle care and close observation are important to prevent further stress and overheating.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
Immediate veterinary attention is warranted if your dog’s fever reaches or exceeds 104°F, panting is severe, or your dog appears weak, unresponsive, or distressed.
Persistent fever lasting more than 24–48 hours or accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy should also prompt a veterinary visit.
Dogs with pre-existing conditions, including heart, respiratory, or endocrine disorders, require urgent evaluation when fever and panting occur.
Even mild fevers should not be ignored, as they may indicate infections, inflammatory conditions, or other systemic illnesses that can worsen quickly without treatment.
Read more: Dog Panting and Foaming at Mouth (Here’s why)
Key Takeaway
Panting and fever in dogs can be caused by infections, inflammation, heatstroke, pain, or underlying medical conditions. While occasional panting is normal, persistent or severe symptoms warrant careful attention.
You can help by keeping your dog cool, offering them water, monitoring temperature and additional symptoms, and reducing stress.
Prompt veterinary care ensures accurate diagnosis and treatment, which is essential to prevent complications and ensure a full recovery.
Being aware of the causes and signs of panting with fever empowers dog owners to act quickly, protect their pets, and maintain their health and well-being.