You’ve planned a great road trip for your little buddy.
Suddenly, though, you realize that your dog is panting rapidly.
And this ought to make you nervous.
Why does my dog pant in the car?
The most prevalent cause of your dog’s panting is hot weather. Most dogs don’t drink lots of water on a trip to get dehydrated. Dehydration can be a significant cause. Moreover, dogs can also get motion sickness. Lastly, anxiety and discomfort can also cause your dog to pant.
Still confused?
Don’t worry; we’ve got a whole article ready to give you all you need.
The Dog is Panting in the Car: Know 5 Reasons And Solutions!
Even the slightest changes in your dog’s behavior might be fatal. Dog owners worry about everything.
Even the most straightforward thing, like your dog snoring loudly, can cause concern among dog owners. This applies to you more if you’re new to owning a dog.
Dogs are not like humans. They can’t tell you if they’re feeling good or not. You should be able to determine this from their actions.
So, is that a good or bad sign if your dog is panting in a car? Let’s find out!
Reason 1: Hot Weather
Your dog might pant simply because he’s feeling too hot in your car. Dogs and humans don’t sweat in the same manner.
They may sweat a little on their paws or other sensitive regions. But, their thick covering of fur prevents them from cooling down through sweat mechanisms.
Temperatures may swiftly soar to life-threatening levels in a matter of minutes.
Solution
The greatest thing you can do is pause for a moment to assist your dog in cooling down. Turn up the AC and have them sit motionless for a while.
You don’t want them to become too enthusiastic and move about in the car.
Take some time to lower the temperature in the car before getting in. During the summertime, this is highly crucial. The panting should stop after your dog has cooled down.
You should also ensure your dog gets enough clean air throughout the trip. Don’t ever keep your dog alone in the car, particularly in the spring or summer.
Reason 2: Dehydration
Puppies that don’t drink much water are more prone to dehydration. So when you plan a 6-8 hour drive, your dog isn’t likely to drink in those 6-8 hours. This will cause them to start panting in your car.
As a result of your dog’s panting and sweating, he will expel fluids from his body.
Dehydration brings with it a slew of potentially deadly symptoms. Your dog may get weak and tired. They may even pass out in extreme circumstances.
You may see your dog’s tongue wag in the breeze if thirsty. Use this as a signal, and act as quickly as possible!
Solution
If you feel your dog’s panting is caused by dehydration, you must act quickly.
Make sure they have clean water to drink. It’s better to carry a water bottle suitable for your dog.
Don’t worry if you’re having trouble locating these water bottles. You can choose from several excellent alternatives that we suggested:
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Feel free to use any one of them you like.
Bring your dog to the veterinarian straight away if he declines to drink. A multitude of diseases can induce dehydration.
There are even certain illnesses that cause your dog to be less likely to drink water. Your veterinarian will assist you in determining the source of the problem. This way, you can remedy it.
If necessary, your veterinarian can rehydrate your dog medically.
Reason 3: Motion Sickness
There are hundreds of things you don’t know about your pup. Like if your dog can eat papaya. You might also not know that your dog can have motion sickness. It happens a lot to puppies!
The majority of mature dogs outgrow it. But, if your dog isn’t used to traveling by automobile, it may become motion ill.
Motion sickness is not a pleasant experience. In the case of dogs, it can produce anxiety, which can lead to vomiting.
The car is constantly swaying. And along with the fast-moving visuals, this can cause motion sickness.
Solution
You can attempt to keep your dog from seeing the outer world. You can also try to keep him busy with his favorite toy so that he doesn’t look outside.
Reason 4: Discomfort
It’s possible that the problem isn’t motion sickness. Instead, likely, your dog is just miserable in the rear seat!
Let’s face it. Backseats aren’t exactly the most comfortable place for dogs to ride. To keep them secure, you should keep them in a different kennel.
On the other hand, most owners will put their pets in the rear seat. Dogs find it tough to sit generally due to the uncomfortable bench-style seats.
In the case of larger dogs, this is doubly true.
Most of them can’t curl up without dangling from the seat! Your dog may be panting due to the irritation and pain caused by the journey!
Solution
Using a crate would be the best solution! Your dog will be able to become comfy in a suitably sized kennel right away.
Stopping them from moving too much not only keeps them safer but also keeps them comfortable.
Reason 5: Anxiety
Dogs may be a little theatrical when it comes to expressing their feelings. Dogs might hump the air if he’s excited. However, they might also pant as a sign of nervousness.
This is common with dogs who have never been in a car before. It’s a brand-new adventure that’s both frightening and thrilling!
They’re suddenly flying by all of these new sights and scents! It’s a terrifying event that will drive even the most well-behaved canine into a tizzy!
Solution
Take some time. Slow down a little and refrain from making any sudden moves. Convince your dog that there’s nothing to be scared of when traveling in your automobile.
Take your dog on quick trips now and then. They’ll be habituated to the experience over time and begin to appreciate it!
We’ve covered all the causes your dog could be panting in the car. However, if you’re new to owning a dog, you should cover all the basics.
FAQs
Is it possible for a dog to pant excessively?
Dogs pant naturally, especially warm, agitated, or restless. Heavy panting might indicate that your dog is unbearably hot. It can also suggest that he’s suffering from a persistent health condition.
What is the cause of my dog’s hyperactivity and panting?
If your dog is both hyper and panting heavily, it might be because of anxiety. Dogs, like people, may suffer from stress and anxiety.
Is it possible for dogs to experience panic attacks?
Similar to humans, dogs may suffer from panic episodes. They could have a physiological reaction, such as an increased heart rate.