What does excessive panting without heat or exercise usually suggest?

The story behind the answer

Excessive panting in the absence of heat or exercise often points to stress or anxiety. When a dog is worried or overstimulated, the sympathetic “fight-or-flight” system kicks in, releasing adrenaline and speeding breathing even at rest. You may see other stress signals alongside panting—pacing, yawning, lip licking, pinned ears, or dilated pupils—especially