It’s natural for dogs to pant when they’re warm—but excessive or unusual panting when your dog feels unusually warm to the touch can indicate something more serious than just overheating. While dogs use panting to regulate their body temperature, certain health issues can interfere with this process and cause the body to become dangerously warm.
We outline the common causes of dog panting and warm symptoms, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help.
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Dog Panting and Warm — Why It Happens
Dogs may pant and feel warm due to environmental heat, fever, infections, hormonal imbalances, or metabolic conditions. While some warmth is expected after exercise or on hot days, persistent heat combined with heavy panting may signal that your dog is struggling to regulate internal temperature.
Common Causes of Dog Panting and Feeling Warm
Overheating or Environmental Heat Exposure
The most straightforward cause of a warm, panting dog is overheating from ambient temperature.
Dogs left outside too long, exercised during hot weather, or kept in poorly ventilated areas can quickly become overheated.
Panting increases rapidly, and your dog may become restless, drool, or seek cool surfaces.
Without cooling interventions, overheating can progress to heatstroke.
Provide shade, water, and bring your dog indoors to a cooler environment immediately.
Fever from Infection
Fever raises your dog’s internal temperature and makes them feel warm or even hot to the touch.
Panting accompanies fever as the body tries to cool down internally.
Infections such as urinary tract infections, respiratory illnesses, or abscesses can all trigger fever.
Other signs might include lethargy, poor appetite, nasal discharge, or limping.
A vet visit is necessary to identify the infection source and begin treatment.
Read more: Dog Panting and Shaking (Common causes)
Heatstroke
Heatstroke is a life-threatening emergency caused by prolonged exposure to high temperatures.
Dogs with heatstroke may pant uncontrollably, feel very warm, collapse, vomit, or have red gums.
Small breeds, flat-faced breeds (like Bulldogs), and older dogs are especially at risk.
Immediate cooling measures are essential: apply cool (not cold) water, use fans, and head to the emergency vet.
Even a few minutes of delay can result in organ damage or death.
Hormonal Conditions (e.g., Cushing’s Disease)
Cushing’s disease causes excess cortisol production, which can lead to constant panting and a warm body temperature.
Other symptoms include increased appetite, drinking and urination, hair thinning, and a pot-bellied appearance.
Dogs with Cushing’s may pant even when resting and in cool environments.
Diagnosis requires blood work and possibly ultrasound. Medication can help manage hormone levels.
Pain or Anxiety
Pain causes internal stress responses, including increased body temperature and panting.
Similarly, dogs with anxiety may become physically warm and pant as part of their heightened state.
Watch for other signs like pacing, whining, hiding, or changes in behavior.
If your dog seems warm without environmental cause, consider whether emotional or physical stress could be playing a role.
Vaccination or Recent Illness Recovery
Some dogs experience a low-grade fever after vaccinations or while recovering from illness.
They may feel warmer than usual and pant more, especially if they are also feeling lethargic or sore.
This is usually mild and short-lived, but if it persists or worsens, contact your veterinarian.
Read more: Dog Panting and Cold (What it means)
What to Do If Your Dog Is Panting and Warm
Move your dog to a cooler, shaded area with good air circulation.
Offer fresh, cool water, and allow your dog to lie on a cool tile floor or near a fan.
Avoid exercise or car rides if your dog is already warm and panting.
Take their temperature if you can (normal is around 101–102.5°F / 38.3–39.2°C)—anything above 103°F is considered a fever.
Never give human medications to lower temperature unless advised by a vet.
Monitor your dog’s behavior and energy level for signs of progression.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
Contact your vet immediately if your dog:
Has a temperature above 103°F (39.4°C)
Pants persistently even in a cool environment
Shows signs of collapse, vomiting, or confusion
Has red or pale gums and rapid heartbeat
Recently received vaccinations and shows prolonged fever
Prompt care can prevent complications such as heatstroke, dehydration, or organ stress.
Read more: Dog Panting and Breathing Fast (When to worry)
Key Takeaway
If your dog is panting and feels warm, it may be more than just a hot day—fever, stress, hormonal issues, or heatstroke could be at play.
Quick action, a cool environment, and veterinary support are essential to keeping your dog safe.
When your dog’s body is sending distress signals, don’t ignore them—intervene early to prevent a health crisis.