Animals - Animal types and traits - Canine thermoregulation - Dogs
Why do dogs pant?
Correct!
Dogs mainly pant to release excess body heat. Unlike humans, they can cool themselves only to a limited extent by sweating, so panting is one of their most important temperature-regulation systems.
During panting, air moves quickly over moist areas in the mouth, tongue, and airways; evaporation carries heat away. Dogs do sweat somewhat through their paw pads, but this cannot cool the whole body. Panting can also result from excitement or stress, while very heavy or unusual panting can indicate overheating or a health problem.
