Your Australian Shepherd likely pants a lot due to their high energy, thick double coat needing to cool down, excitement, or stress/anxiety, as Aussies are naturally active and mentally busy; however, excessive, unprompted panting, especially with lethargy or other signs, could signal pain, illness (like Cushing's, heart/respiratory issues), or medication side effects, so a vet visit is wise if concerned, especially for unexplained panting in cool conditions or rest.
A typical healthy dog will take between 15 to 35 breaths per minute while at rest. (Naturally, while exercising, your puppy will breathe much more quickly). So, anything above 40 breaths per minute while your dog is at rest is considered abnormal and certainly worth investigating.
You should worry about dog panting if it's sudden, excessive, happens at rest in a cool environment, or is accompanied by blue/pale gums, restlessness, whining, drooling, vomiting, lethargy, or labored breathing, as these can signal pain, heatstroke, heart/lung issues, or other emergencies, requiring immediate vet attention.
Panting is the primary way dogs dissipate heat. Dogs in warm environments, after exercise, or with a high baseline metabolic rate will pant more and therefore appear to have their mouths open frequently. Dogs with thicker coats or reduced ability to cool by the nose will pant more.
The 3-3-3 rule for dogs is a guideline for the adjustment period after adoption, representing 3 days (overwhelmed/hiding), 3 weeks (settling in/testing boundaries), and 3 months (feeling at home/bonding) to help owners manage expectations and provide patience, routine, and a calm environment, understanding that anxiety is normal as they decompress from a stressful past. It's a framework for recognizing stress and fostering trust, not a rigid timeline, but it helps owners understand why a new dog might seem timid or act out initially.
What to Do For Dogs Who Are Panting
The first signs of Cushing's disease in dogs often involve increased thirst (polydipsia), frequent urination (polyuria), increased appetite (polyphagia), and excessive panting, along with lethargy and a pot-bellied appearance, often accompanied by skin issues like thinning, hair loss (especially on the flanks/tail), and slow-healing wounds.
The dog breeds that are more likely to have this problem are the German Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, Border Collie, Jack Russell Terrier, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Bichon Frise, Toy Poodle, Labrador Retriever, Cocker Spaniel, and German Shorthaired Pointer.
A red flag dog behavior signals deep fear, stress, or potential aggression, going beyond normal misbehavior, and includes intense growling/snapping without cause, sudden aggression in a calm dog, persistent hiding, resource guarding (food aggression), freezing, destructive behavior linked to separation anxiety, or signs of extreme anxiety like trembling, lip-licking, and tail-tucking, indicating underlying problems needing professional intervention.
If your dog is panting when they aren't hot - or haven't just been running or playing - it could be a sign of anxiety, parasites or an underlying medical condition.
Dogs
Specific medical issues can cause excessive panting. For example, heart disease, Cushing's disease, respiratory disorders, obesity, and metabolic disorders can all lead to increased panting.
Australian Shepherds, like any other breed, can pant heavily due to factors such as exercise, stress, or warm weather. However, excessive panting could also be a symptom of a health issue like respiratory distress, heart problems, or heatstroke.
Breathing heavily while resting—Heavy breathing at rest or during sleep can be the first sign of a problem with the lungs or airways. The sleeping respiratory rate (or SRR) is monitored in dogs with heart disease or congestive heart failure because it can be an early sign that their lungs are filling with fluid.
Dermatological and respiratory problems also ranked high. The Australian Shepherd is one of the more commonly affected breeds for an autosomal recessive mutation of the MDR1 gene. This mutation causes greater sensitivity to certain drugs at normally safe doses, including ivermectin.
The 3-3-3 rule for dogs is a guideline for the adjustment period after adoption, representing 3 days (overwhelmed/hiding), 3 weeks (settling in/testing boundaries), and 3 months (feeling at home/bonding) to help owners manage expectations and provide patience, routine, and a calm environment, understanding that anxiety is normal as they decompress from a stressful past. It's a framework for recognizing stress and fostering trust, not a rigid timeline, but it helps owners understand why a new dog might seem timid or act out initially.
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What Are the Warning Signs of Cushing's? Vets refer to the five P's: polyuria and polydipsia (increased urination and drinking), polyphagia (excessive hunger), panting, and a pot belly appearance. Owners may notice changes in the skin and coat, such as symmetrical hair loss on the body or a thinner skin.
What are the symptoms of adrenal gland tumour in dogs? They can be found incidentally with no clinical signs or they can cause symptoms such as weight loss, anorexia, weakness, collapse, diarrhoea and vomiting to name a few.
Every year, roughly 100,000 dogs are diagnosed with Cushing's disease in the United States. Most dogs are 6 years of age or older when diagnosed, but it can occur in younger dogs. The disease is rare in cats.
Your vet might prescribe pain relief, intravenous fluids, or other medications to help restore your dog to good health. If your pup's heavy breathing is the result of anxiety or stress, your vet may recommend special training with a certified dog behaviorist.
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Sudden panting in comfortable temperatures often signals pain or stress. This could relate to heart problems, breathing difficulties, or internal pain. Watch for additional signs like reluctance to move, unusual posture, or swollen belly. Contact an emergency veterinarian if the panting persists or worsens.