Panting is one of the ways your dog regulates his body temperature —and the good news is that most of the time, it’s completely normal canine behavior. However, excessive panting, or panting without an obvious reason, may indicate something more is going on. Integrative veterinarian Dr. Julie Buzby shares seven reasons why your dog might be panting and restless—reasons too important for you to ignore.
If you share your heart and home with a senior dog, this scenario—or some version of it—may be familiar to you:
You and your dog have just spent a lovely day outside—while you gardened, he nosed around the yard and napped in the sunshine. Later, as you’re getting ready for bed, you notice that he’s panting.
Is he excited? Hot? Thirsty?
The house (and weather forecast) are quiet and peaceful. The thermostat reads seventy degrees. And his water bowl is full of fresh water.
You help him settle down and tuck him in for the night. But once the lights are off, you hear him pacing the floors. He’s restless. Plus, he’s panting again. “What’s going on with him?” you ask—worry filling your mind.
If you’re like most senior dog owners, you tend to find any change in your dog’s behavior worrisome. And chances are, your instincts are right. Because you know your dog so well, it’s important to trust your gut and dig deeper to find out what’s behind any changes you notice. Often this starts with a call to your veterinarian to determine if an office visit and exam are warranted.
And if your beloved senior dog seems out-of-sorts—panting, pacing, and restless—read on to see if any of his behaviors line up with one of these common and concerning causes.
7 reasons why your dog may be panting and restless
Remember that dogs aren’t able to sweat to dissipate excess heat. Instead, they pant. Panting is the primary way that dogs regulate their body temperature—the steamy air from their lungs is replaced with colder air, and in that process, evaporative cooling occurs.
However, a dog who is panting, pacing, and restless may have something else going on. Let’s explore the seven most common reasons:
1. Heart disease
Excessive panting can be a symptom of problems with your dog’s primary organ system. You may also notice him coughing occasionally or breathing heavily after a casual walk or exercise.
The heart plays an extremely important role in delivering oxygen to the rest of the body. When that process is hindered, your dog’s heart can’t pump effectively which means his body doesn’t get the oxygen it needs to perform routine processes. Valve disorders, arrhythmias, cardiomyopathies, and heartworm disease in dogs are all examples of illnesses that can affect the heart’s ability to do its job properly.
Your veterinarian can often detect heart murmurs or arrhythmias just by listening to your dog’s chest. Just another reason regular check-ups are so important.
2. Respiratory disease
Respiratory disease makes it difficult for the body to get enough oxygen into the bloodstream as well as to remove waste products, such as carbon dioxide, from circulation.
Diseases like tracheal collapse and laryngeal paralysis often affect the respiratory tracts of senior dogs.
- Tracheal collapse causes the windpipe (a.k.a. the trachea) to narrow; you might notice that your dog has a cough that worsens when he’s excited. This condition is most common in small-breed dogs.
- With laryngeal paralysis, there is a problem with the nerves that open and close the larynx, the entry to the windpipe. Occurring mostly in large-breed dogs, “lar par” can cause a “roaring” sound when they breathe. After light exercise, it is difficult for dogs with laryngeal paralysis to cool off because they cannot pant efficiently. This can results in dangerously high body temperatures.
3. Anxiety and fear
Like you and me, dogs experience anxiety and fear. Unpleasant sights and sounds act as triggers, and a dog’s response to these triggers can be pretty dramatic.
For example, sudden loud sounds such as fireworks cause many dogs to tuck tail, run, and look for a safe place to hide. Others may stay around but shake and tremble. Some dogs exhibit more subtle signs, including:
- Panting
- Pacing or restlessness
- Frequent yawning
- Averting their eyes
- Lip licking
Anxiety and phobias can be difficult to treat without identifying the cause. Once the cause is identified, the next step is to reduce or eliminate it. In some cases, your veterinarian may recommend the use of prescription anti-anxiety medications or calming products such as pheromone diffusers or calming treats and diets.
If you’ve ever lived through a thunderstorm with a dog who has T-storm (noise) phobia, you’ve witnessed firsthand that heavy panting can be a sign of stress and anxiety.
4. Canine cognitive dysfunction
Canine cognitive dysfunction, or CCD, refers to the gradual onset of dementia-like signs in senior dogs due to changes within the brain. These changes affect a dog’s behavior, motor function, and memory, and can be associated with panting. CCD is most likely to occur in dogs who are more than ten years old. Sadly, dogs with CCD are often confused, have a disrupted sleep-wake cycle, and may seem to get “lost” in their own homes.
One of the most common signs of CCD is frequent pacing, especially during the night. Dubbed “sundowner syndrome,” the condition by the same name also occurs in senior humans.
Other clinical signs include:
- Not responding when called (after deafness has been ruled out)
- Accidents in the house
- Restlessness and difficulty settling into sleep
- Disorientation and getting “stuck” in places in the home
- Personality and other behavioral changes
Although there is no cure for CCD, there are treatment options including medications, supplements, and strategies for behavior modification.
For more information about CCD in senior dogs, please see Managing Canine Cognitive Dysfunction: Signs, Symptoms, Solutions.
5. Anemia
Dogs who are anemic don’t have enough red blood cells in their bloodstream. These dogs often pant and are restless because their internal organs aren’t getting enough oxygen and the brain is demanding more.
Anemia has many causes, including blood loss due to external or internal bleeding; illnesses such as hemolytic anemia, which occurs when red blood cells rupture after being attacked by the immune system; and diseases of the bone marrow, such as genetic illnesses or cancer, which cause fewer red blood cells to be produced.
Dogs with anemia tend to be lethargic and may lose their appetite and appear nauseous. If there’s internal bleeding, particularly in the abdomen, the dog will also be in pain—another cause of excessive panting.
To confirm that your dog is anemic, your veterinarian will perform routine blood work and may also recommend special blood and urine tests, X-rays, and an ultrasound. Treatment will depend on the underlying cause.
Antibiotics treat anemia caused by an infection, whereas a variety of medications treat immune-mediated anemias, including immunosuppressive drugs. If injury or hemorrhage is the cause of the anemia, your dog needs treatment right away—sometimes with emergency surgery. If the anemia is severe, your dog may also need a blood transfusion.
A dog who has an elevated respiratory rate as a result of anemia will also have pale gums. Learn your dog’s normal baseline gum color by looking at his or her mucous membranes. I’ll show you how in my article: Keeping a Pulse on Your Dog’s Vital Signs.
6. Cushing’s disease
Like humans, dogs have numerous glands that release hormones to send messages to other parts of the body. To help with the “fight or flight” response, the pituitary gland in the brain releases a hormone called adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) that makes its way down to the adrenal glands. In response, the adrenals produce numerous substances, including cortisol, designed to help your dog deal with the perceived threat. Cortisol also has other important functions including the regulation of blood sugar levels and metabolism.
Too much cortisol in the bloodstream causes Cushing’s disease, a condition known as hyperadrenocorticism. It is most common in middle-aged and older dogs and another concerning reason why your dog may be panting and restless.
There are a few reasons a dog may develop Cushing’s disease. A tumor on the pituitary gland will cause an increase in the release of ACTH; thus, adrenals are constantly being signaled to release more cortisol. Tumors can also develop on the adrenal glands themselves, also resulting in excess cortisol release. Additionally, long-term use of an oral steroid such as prednisone can provoke Cushing’s, as this type of steroid mimics cortisol.
The most common clinical signs of Cushing’s disease are excessive panting, increased thirst and urination, increased appetite, and a pot-bellied appearance. Abnormalities on routine blood and urine testing can also be suggestive of Cushing’s, especially when clinical signs are present. Special blood tests, such as a low-dose dexamethasone suppression test (LDDST) or an ACTH stimulation test, may be recommended to help reach a more definitive diagnosis.
The treatment plan depends on the root cause of Cushing’s. Adrenal tumors may require surgery, while pituitary-dependent cases can show improvement with an oral medication like trilostane (brand name: Vetoryl).
Cushing’s disease is very common among senior dogs, and excessive panting is one of the hallmarks of the disease.
7. Acute or chronic pain
Arthritis, surgery, and injury are just a few of the causes of pain in dogs. Some signs are obvious (limping, for example), while others—panting, restlessness, and hiding—are more subtle. A dog who jumps down from a deck or porch, and then starts to limp is exhibiting a sign of acute (sudden onset) pain, while dogs with arthritis or old injuries can have chronic pain that affects them intermittently.
It’s important to know the signs of pain in dogs, and to seek help for your dog. Elevated heart rate and elevated respiratory rate (panting) are classic and objective measures of pain in dogs.
An important note: Don’t give your dog your own pain medications. Most are human non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs—NSAIDS—which are not safe for use with dogs.
If your dog is panting and restless, talk with your vet
Here’s the big takeaway on panting and restlessness in senior dogs: unless it’s transient and occasional, it’s not normal. The causes are numerous and varied, but all of them need to be addressed.
If you have questions, please ask your veterinarian. He or she is an integral part of your dog’s healthcare team and the perfect resource to help you unravel the mystery of why your dog is panting and restless.
A crucial note: If your dog is having trouble breathing, if his gum/tongue color is greyish or bluish instead of pink, or if his resting respiratory rate is greater than 60 breaths per minute, seek veterinary care immediately.
One acute condition which often presents with panting and restlessness and is a true, life-threatening emergency is gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV) known more commonly as bloat. To learn more, see Bloat in Dogs: When Every Second Counts.
Have you ever noticed a slight change in your senior dog’s behavior that exposed a more serious underlying condition?
Share in the comments below so your story can help and warn others.
I have a beautiful Maltese terrier mix 15 and 1/2 years old. the last week she’s been panting. she’s been keeping her head low but pointing her nose towards the sky. kind of her mouth’s slightly cracked and she doesn’t look comfortable. she doesn’t sleep all that well right now and she just looks like she’s panicking and uncomfortable. panting and I’m not sure how to help her
Hi Nick,
I understand your concern for your girl and think it is good you are searching for advice. Without examining her myself, it is hard to make specific conclusions. But from what you describe I am worried something serious may be taking place. I urge you to get her evaluated by your vet as soon as possible. Hoping for answers and praying for a positive outcome for your sweet girl.
My dog, Isabel, is 12 yrs old and has had intermittent bouts of restlessness, excessive panting, excessive salivation, nudging me, high pitched whining, and excessive grooming… but only at night. All blood work and urinalysis are normal. Ultrasound revealed a small bladder stone. second ultrasound reveals no increase in the size of the stone and i’m told that in and of itself should not be causing pain. I am currently trying to get an MRI appt to rule out tumors. This problem started with the use of a “safe and natural” flea spray used according to pkg directions to treat bedding. After trying to find the cause of the issue, i read the ingredients of the flea spray and the first ingredient was peppermint oil. We stopped use immediately, washed all bedding, and within 2 days, Isabel was doing ten times better and was back to normal in a total of 4 days. My other dog had zero symptoms. My other dog was later diagnosed with pancreatitis and we switched to a balanced home cooked diet for both dogs and we work with a canine nutritionist to make sure we are doing everything correctly. Symptoms have pretty much disappeared since. Fast forward to Hurricane Milton and a 1 week power outage during which we lost all groceries and could not properly cook for the dogs so I bought 2 cases of lowfat prescription dog food from our vet to get us through. It is now 3 weeks post storm and the dogs are eating well again but work and life have gotten in the way of food prep for several days so i pulled what was left of the gastrointestinal dog food and fed that for 2 days and then I was able to cook again. I’m also out of bedtime cookie treats so i gave just a little bit of ground turkey, brown rice, broccoli, butternut squash, and chick peas mixture before bed last night and the pain and discomfort returned last night and isabel was only able to sleep about an hour after a dose of gabapentin. Another development to note is that she has also wet the bed in her sleep twice in the last 3 weeks and had a dose of Proin last night before bed also. The urination during sleep is not an issue for us at the moment. if it’s just age and unrelated, that’s not an issue for us. we have absorbant pads and will buy diapers if needed but just thought i’d point it out in case you see some correlation between that, the medication, and other symptoms. Also, every single trip to the vet involves a physical assessment during which Isabel is happily poked and prodded and shows no signs of pain or discomfort. She loves people and is super happy when anyone touches, pets, or talks to her. I am beside myself after spending so much money and still having no diagnosis and my dog has these random flareups of pain at night only. Luckily, she has gabapentin on hand for these occasions and it still works but i’d love to figure out the issue and fix it for her. i’ve been researching a lot and cannot find an exact fit for symptoms but rather a lot of different things it could be. If you have any thoughts on where I should turn next or what else I can ask the vet to test for, will you please reach out? Thank you.
Kat
Hi Kat,
I am sorry your senior girl is living with these ongoing issues. I understand your concern and think it is good you are searching for answers. Without examining her myself, it is hard to make specific conclusions. But I am highly suspicious that this is all due to dementia or canine cognitive dysfunction. I will attach links to several articles with more information and great advice from other readers. There are some supplements and other therapies that may offer the relief your girl needs to get more rest and restore her quality of life. Hoping you can find the answers you need and praying for a positive outcome for everyone involved. Bless you!
1. Signs of Dementia in Dogs: Stages, Symptoms & Treatment
2. Canine Cognitive Dysfunction in Dogs: Signs, Symptoms, Solutions
3. Senior Dog Anxiety at Night? 9 Solutions for Better Sleep
4. Sundowners in Dogs: A Veterinarian’s Guide
I have a 13.5 year old wheaten terrier who has suddenly woken up at night and begins licking his lips, pacing, and drinking lots of water. I cannot console him by massage and petting. He is hard to settle and won’t lie down. I am concerned about his wellbeing. Should I see a veterinarian to rule out Cushing or dementia?
Hi Sue,
I understand your concern for your senior guy as he has started exhibiting these worrisome symptoms. Without examining him myself, it is hard to make specific conclusions and recommendations. What you describe does make me suspicious about GI issues. I do think contacting your vet is the best course of action. Hoping they can get some answers and find the appropriate treatment. Best of luck to you and your sweet boy.
Hi Dr. Buzby,
I just read this article about why dogs might be panting because our 12 year old Boston Terrier is panting a lot, following us around, is getting picky with her food (I make her food myself), she will go out the doggie door and stay outside all day unless we open the door and call her in (which we do because we live in Florida). At times, she acts like she is afraid of the doggie door and won’t use it. She acts like she wants to play and bring me a toy but when I throw it for her to fetch she looks around like she can’t see it. She was diagnosed as having CCD, but she sleeps well all night, doesn’t seem to have any sundowners, so I’m wondering if CCD could be a misdiagnosis. She is on 10mg of Selegiline daily but we don’t see that it really helps. Any thoughts?
Hi Kathryn,
I am sorry your senior girl is exhibiting these worrisome symptoms. I understand your concern and think it is great you are searching for answers and advice. CCD is more of a diagnosis by exclusion, meaning you have to rule out other medical causes first and if everything looks normal then you are left with dementia as a cause. Has your girl had any lab work performed recently? Dementia symptoms and their severity can vary greatly from dog to dog. Just because your girl is sleeping well doesn’t rule out dementia as the diagnosis. Some dogs respond well to Selegiline while for others it doesn’t seem to make much difference. Here are several articles with more information:
1. Canine Cognitive Dysfunction in Dogs: Signs, Symptoms, Solutions
2. Signs of Dementia in Dogs: Stages, Symptoms & Treatment
3. MCT Oil for Dogs Can Help Dogs with Dementia or Epilepsy
4. 13 Mental Stimulation Toys for Dogs (& Activities Too)
5. Selegiline for Dogs: A Helpful Medication for Canine Cognitive Dysfunction
Hoping you can find the best combination of therapies to help maintain her quality of life. Praying for clarity and wishing you both many happy days ahead.
All the sudden my dog started freaking out so I thought he had to go outside and he wanted to go back inside. He always wants to stay with me. Also he is jerking his head left to right, whining, and restless.
Hi Nico,
I am sorry your dog is displaying these worrisome behaviors. It definitely sounds like something you should talk to your vet about. Hoping all is well and wishing you the best of luck!
Hi.
I have a 7.5 year old cane corso. He sleeps in bed with my husband and I and always has since he’s a puppy. This past week he’s started waking up at 5am getting out of bed pacing and panting. I tried to see if it’s hunger or he needs to go out and it’s none of the above. ( he is still eating and drinking and going to the bathroom normally) not only is his behavior odd but the only thing that seems to calm him down is he goes into my daughters room and that seems to be the only thing that calms him down. This is odd to me because he’s never really been that close with her and she goes away to college he’s very attached to me and has the tendency to follow my every move. He has been on gabapentin and meloxicam for a year and a half now.
Any insight would be much appreciated.
Thanks,
Kat
Hi Katalina,
I understand your concern for your big guy and think it is good you are searching for answers. Without examining him myself it is hard to make specific conclusions, but I am suspicious this could be symptoms of dementia (cognitive dysfunction). I will attach links to other articles with more information and great advice from other readers. Also, if your boy has not had any routine lab work done recently, that would be a good place to start. I would hate to assume this is a cognitive or behavioral issue and completely miss something medical that needs treatment. Wishing you all the best and praying for comfort and peace.
1. Signs of Dementia in Dogs: Stages, Symptoms & Treatment
2. Canine Cognitive Dysfunction in Dogs: Signs, Symptoms, Solutions
3. Senior Dog Anxiety at Night? 9 Solutions for Better Sleep
4. Sundowners in Dogs: A Veterinarian’s Guide
I have a 3 year old Boerboel and tonight she is pacing and whimpering while opening and closing her mouth as if she’s yawning. Any advice please
Hi Tas,
I understand why you are concerned about your pup as she is exhibiting this strange behavior. Unfortunately, without examining her myself, I can’t make specific conclusions or recommendations. This sounds like something that needs to be addressed sooner rather than later. I think it would be best to contact your vet in the morning and see if they can get your girl in to be evaluated. Hoping for clear answers and praying all is well.
I have a 3 year old healthy min pin and he has been hunting chipmunks in the back yard. very focused and relentless. today, he is pacing, panting, unconsolable…I don’t know what is going on with him..
Hi Pamela,
I understand your concern for your young dog with this extreme behavior he is exhibiting. Without examining him myself I can’t make specific conclusions or recommendations. It would be best to contact your vet and see if they think you need to bring him in to be evaluated. Hoping all is well and wishing you both nothing but the best.
Hello , My small shitzu just started breathing real hard and panting . She also is coughing every now and then. She is not eating or drinking water.
Hi Arthur,
I am sorry your girl is having these strange symptoms. Without examining her myself, I can’t make specific conclusions. What you describe does have me concerned and I think it would be best to contact your vet right away. Hoping for some clear answers and praying all is well.
My all white female boxer is 12. Overall good health for her age, although she does have arthritis in one hip (no dysplasia). A year ago she went totally blind in one eye after my cat scratched her, then she developed glaucoma in the other which has now made her blind in both eyes. She copes well and gets around in the house. Sleep cycle has been ok until recently when I ran out of her Gabapentin 300mg at bedtime and she began waking at night with urinary accidents and daytime pacing. I have an appt with her vet for an annual and will get a refill. My question is, can melatonin be added to her regiment of Rimadyl BID, Incurin hs, Gabapentin hs, and Dorzolamide drops BID. Thank you!
Hi Susan,
I am sorry your Boxer is starting to have some sleep/wake cycle issues since running out of her Gabapentin. I am not aware of any drug interactions with the medications you listed and melatonin. With that being said, it would be best to discuss adding this supplement with your vet. They can look up each of these medications in the veterinary drug handbook and double check for interactions or contraindications. Hoping you can get things back on track soon. Wishing you and your sweet girl all the best!
Hi I have a 5 year old mixed breed lab that was a rescue. The last few days he has started pacing and panting all night long I let him out multiple times a night but he still won’t settle down. This is very unlike him as usually he is a calm dog. I was wondering if you had any sort of advice on what to do.
Hi Venus,
I understand why you are concerned about this change in your dog’s behavior. From what you describe, I too am worried and think this needs to be investigated. I encourage you to schedule an appointment with your vet. They can perform a thorough physical exam and recommend any testing that would be needed to get some answers. Hoping this is nothing serious and wishing you all the best.
My dog starts panting every time there is food cooking or we are eating she never did this before ! Any suggestions? We have had her almost 6 years and she has never done this
Hi Dot,
It is good you are paying attention to changes in your dog’s behavior. I am not sure I have any good advice for this specific situation and can’t say for sure if this is cause for concern. I would mention it to your vet and let them decide if any investigation is needed. Thanks for sharing your experience with us!
Venus were you able to find out what caused this?
hey we have a 10 month old German shepherd and she is panting really bad and whining and she keeps jumping on my little sister until she sits down and she keeps following my sister and I’m starting to get worried idk what’s wrong with her. Please tell me what’s going on!
Hi Brooklyn,
I am sorry your young pup is exhibiting these worrisome behaviors. Without examining your dog or performing some testing there is no way for me to make specific conclusions. I encourage you to schedule an appointment with your vet to have your Shepherd evaluated. Hoping you can get some answers quickly and wishing you all the best.
It could possibly be your sister. Maybe she has something wrong with her that the dog is can sense and that’s why all these actions are done to your sister only. Maybe talk to her see if she feels like something is wrong with her or have her get a checkup to rule out health issues. But this is just a thought. I’ve heard that dog owners have had their dogs detect something was wrong with them before they knew it. But either way hope you, your sister and dog are all ok.
Our dog is a 12 year old golden Aussie mix. He will have a random day+ night where he’s very restless, pants, and trembles (on and off as if he’s cold) as well as hide behind my desk chair at times during the night. This happens probably 2-3 times a year and lasts only about 24 hours but when it does, it’s heart breaking. He’s whining as if he wants attention but can walk fine. He does his usual potty things and doesn’t really like to drink as much water during this period. His appetite stays the same. What could this be?
Hi Jackie,
I understand your concern for your boy and agree these symptoms are very puzzling. Without examining your dog myself it is hard to make specific conclusions. What you describe has me suspicious about some source of pain. Has he had any blood work done recently? While this strange behavior may be nothing to worry about, I like to err on the side of caution and would recommend a thorough investigation. Please make sure your vet is aware of these odd behavioral episodes. Hoping you can get some answers and ensure your sweet boy remains happy and healthy for years to come.
Unfortunately he doesn’t let us get him close to a vet. He’s horrible with them & would even go as far as biting (he is NOT the type to even show his teeth but around a vet he will). What would you advise? Is there anything we can do to get him inside and checked?
Hi Jackie,
I understand how this could complicate things and luckily there are options for dogs with anxiety related aggression. There are several medications that can be given at home either the night before or the morning of the vet appointment that help to reduce these worrisome behaviors. Your vet can go through the options with you and recommend one that is the best fit for your boy. Also, it may be a good idea to see if there is a house call vet in your area. Your pup might feel less stressed if he can stay home where he is most comfortable. Some of my clients have also seen good results with supplements and calming treats. It really depends on the level of your dog’s anxiety to determine which combination of treatments will work best. I encourage you to reach out to your vet and discuss these concerns. I am confident that with their help you can start to navigate this tricky path. Feel free to leave an update as things progress. Best wishes and good luck!
I have a pitbull coming up for 11 years. She lacks energy (significant drop in a short period), She also periodically has “panting attack” for no apparent reason although it seems to get triggered at times when she eats. although it can also happen at night when she is lying on my bed. She has developed an abnormally insatiable appetite (follows me around continually for food) over the last 2 years. She has had tests for diabetes, blood tests for autoimmune disorders, iron levels , sonars and scans for cancer and heart conditions, Nothing came up. She has been put on underactive thyroid medication which has vaguely helped with her tiredness. They picked up a minor underactive thyroid. She has black marks (big) on one side of her torso. She has been tested for parasites. The vet does not seem to have any other ideas as to what her symptoms are from. She has minor arthritis and NCL in her legs. She is spayed. I have been feeding her as much liver, kidneys, ox heart, meat as I can afford – with rice, carrots, sweet potato and spinach and kale and I started giving some of the tallow which i skim off the bone broth I make (which I also give her). She is a good weight. Not over or under. I have removed kibbles from her diet (from 3 weeks ago)- only her coat seems to be improving at this stage. She doesn’t scratch at all. She is still very sweet and placid.
Hi Joanne,
I understand your concern for your senior girl and agree her condition is very puzzling. It sounds like you are doing everything you can to keep her happy and healthy. She is lucky to have you advocating for her health and well-being. I wish I had the answer or could guide you in the right direction. It could be a good time to schedule a consultation with an internal medicine specialist. Hoping you can find the advice you need to maintain your pup’s quality of life. Wishing you both many happy days ahead.
My 11 year old Norfolk Terrier went on a hydrolysed protein diet last November for 3 months and can now eat a small amount of some other foods, healthy formulated treats, carrots, zucchini, green beans, soft fruit, apple.. Today at around noon I gave him half of a new Lilys Kitchen chewy. It was the first time he’s had one since a year ago when he had no problem with them.. Unfortunately shortly afterwards exhibited pain, lowering his head, looking at me anxiously and making the odd low groan, staying close to the floor, shivering. I took him out for a couple of walks- nothing, then again at 6pm when he had an explosive watery, foul- smelling diarrhoea.
I thought that would be the end of the matter but it is now almost midnight and he’s still panting, occasionally shivering. He had two more short walks that produced nothing, he’s refusing offers of a bit of his tinned food although he drank water when he came home from his walks. I’m worried sick about all the panting, he refused the last walk after he retched loudly a couple of times- nothing came up.
His nose is cool, gums pink but eyes are also a bit red. Is there anything I could give him (safe for dogs) and how normal is it that after diarrhoea the panting and anxiety he is showing lasts?
No blood noted in the stools nor is he whining. Goes calm every hour or so then starts up again. So distressing!
Dear Mara,
I am so sorry your boy has had this extreme reaction to the Lilys Kitchen treat. I agree that what you describe is worrisome and cause for concern. I am sorry for the delay in responding to your comment. I hope you were able to get in touch with your vet and get some answers quickly. GI symptoms like these always make me suspicious about pancreatitis. How are things today? Were you able to get a definitive diagnosis? Feel free to leave an update and let us know how your boy is doing. Hoping all is well and wishing you both nothing but the best.
Hi my dog just started limping on the left front leg with no physical injury or bite on the leg , he is panting none stop and restless
He is a 17 months old BoerBoel
Hi Manyathi,
I am sorry your big guy has developed this lameness in his left front leg. Panting and restlessness can be a sign of pain and discomfort. I think it would be best to have your vet examine your pup and maybe even pursue some x-rays. Giant breed dogs are more prone to issues with their bones during the growth and development phase. That would be the first thing I would want to rule out! Hoping you can get some answers quickly and find the best way to give your sweet boy some relief.
My 14 year old, 40lb, mixed breed, spayed female dog is constantly panting all day and night. She has had typical Cushing’s ruled out. She had abdominal and chest rads this month which came back insignificant for her age, no obvious tumors or concerns. Her t4 on her yearly senior blood panel has always come back normal. No diabetes. No other abnormal values except for elevated ALP and elevated PSL. This month her elevated ALP was at 441 but last month was in the 650’s, the highest it’s ever been was in the 900’s in 2019. Every year her PSL/lipase is elevated since 2017 but she doesn’t show signs of chronic or acute pancreatitis. She eats Pro Plan sensitive skin and stomach Salmon. She had severe gum disease/tartar and a fractured tooth that had to be extracted during her dental this month. She had an ultrasound in 2019 which found mildly enlarged, hyperechoic liver, mild bilateral adrenomegaly, and gallbladder sludge. She was determined to have atypical sex hormone Cushing’s after the ultrasound and has been treated with 3mg melatonin once daily. She has also been on Incurin since she was 6 years old for spayed urinary incontinence. I have not noticed a difference in panting with melatonin treatment. She also seems to be more aversive to physical touch and interaction in the last year or so, she always goes off by herself and just pants, frequently waking up in the middle of the night heavily panting and overheating. Could this just be cognitive decline related/anxiety? She was also born deaf and a DNA test revealed she has an inherited two copies of a GPT variant that gives her a low baseline ALT. Her ALT has always been within normal limits but at times has increased. ALT was consistently in the 40’s from 2016-2020, then increased to the 50’s-60’s range in 2020, then increased to 74 in 2021. By 2022, it decreased back into the 50’s where it has remained. Wondering if it’s not atypical cushings but instead chronic liver disease or mild chronic pancreatitis? She is overall an exceptionally healthy 14 year old dog who has amazing flexibility and agility for a senior dog, she still takes off running and jumps from couch to couch when she gets excited and her xrays showed no signs of arthritis. I just want to help her with the relentless panting and I miss her showing mild affection. She’s always been an independent, aloof dog but she used to have her moments of wanting to play or be social and now she acts like being petted is stressful. Any suggestions?
Hi R B,
I understand your concern for your senior girl and agree her symptoms are puzzling. It sounds like you have been very thorough with all the testing that has been done. Without examining your girl, myself, it is hard to make specific recommendations. I do think dementia/cognitive dysfunction may be playing a role here especially with the way she is avoiding contact. The only other thing that comes to mind is could she be dealing with laryngeal paralysis? I will attach links to other articles with more information. Hoping you can find the answers you need to continue advocating for your pup’s health and well-being. Wishing you both the best and keep up the good work!
1. Laryngeal Paralysis in Dogs: The Ultimate Guide
2. Canine Cognitive Dysfunction in Dogs: Signs, Symptoms, Solutions
3. Senior Dog Anxiety at Night? 9 Solutions for Better Sleep
Hello,
I have a 13yr old cockapoo. She has been on a steroid for about 1 yr now due to itching. Not sure if that is the cause of this behavior all of a sudden. 3 days ago in the evening I found that she had poop in our hallway which she never has accidents. I cleaned it up and about 2 hrs later i found that she did it again. They were good sized BM. She sleeps with me at night. That night she woke up 3x panting hard, finally jumping off the bed and to the hall. I got up and when she saw me she walked to the outside door. I let her out and all 3 times she displayed having a bm. I thought maybe she ate something but then it happened the next night and the next.. (just the waking up part and panting. I let her out before she had an accident) .She is almost full blind. She cant see at night but must see shadows cause if a light is on (I sleep with a night light on) she will follow me. Last night she woke up panting. I heard her and waited to see what she’d do. Again pooped on the floor. ALOT. Not diarrhea but soft. The next time she woke up panting, jumped off the bed. This time I got up. When she saw me she went to the door to be let out. When she is done she happily goes back to bed with me. She did this 2 more times. She’s not lethargic. She doesn’t act sick. She eats fine. She is over weight cause of the steroid. But she’s a happy dog. I don’t understand why this is happening. Could you offer some advice please?
Hi Cindy,
I understand your concern about this new odd behavior in your senior girl. Honestly, it has me puzzled as well. Without examining your girl, myself, I am not sure I would be able to make specific conclusions or recommendations. Have you talked to your vet about this issue? If your dog has not had any lab work done recently, that is probably the best place to start. Also, while not what I normally expect, these could be signs of cognitive dysfunction/dementia. Here is an article with more information: Canine Cognitive Dysfunction in Dogs: Signs, Symptoms, Solutions
Hoping you can find some answers and ensure your sweet girl is living her best life. Best wishes and good luck!
Hi Dr. Buzby,
My 12 year old lab has a history of anxiety involving his attachment to me specifically or whenever we leave the house. He also gets chronic ear infections. The past few months I noticed excessive panting and a decreased endurance while on walks/hikes although he still wants to do these activities, he does not have the energy. At home he will randomly pant and have excessive thirst although urination frequency and quantity appears normal. He also has a tendency to gag heavily after drinking or sometimes while sleeping. His respiration rate while sleeping is usually between 12-20. His vet has listened to his heart and he has had chest x-rays done last month all normal. His weight is consistently healthy. I’m having a senior chemistry/CBC panel and UA done next week during his annual vet visit but I’m concerned about Cushings Disease, Hypothyroidism or Canine Cognitive Dysfunction. Am I right to be concerned about these? Would routine chem/CBC/UA show any indicators toward these diseases before moving forward with additional specific bloodwork?
Thanks in advance!
Hi Jordan,
I understand why you are worried about your senior guy and think it is great you are searching for answers. All the things you mentioned are valid concerns and I am glad you are having your vet run some tests. From what you describe, I also highly encourage you to talk to your vet about Laryngeal Paralysis. It is very common in Labs and causes all of the symptoms your dog is displaying. Here is a link to articles with more information:
1. Laryngeal Paralysis in Dogs: The Ultimate Guide
2. Doxepin & Non-Surgical Management of Canine Laryngeal Paralysis
3. Tie Back Surgery for Dogs with Laryngeal Paralysis
Hoping you are able to get some answers and find the best way to improve your sweet boy’s quality of life. Feel free to leave an update if you have a chance!
hi there!
my 14 year old lab mix seems to have these random episodes at night where she can’t get comfortable. she pants and goes from a sitting position to laying back down over and over again. during those episodes, she doesn’t really respond to us or seems aware of our presence near her, we try offering her treats, water or even her favorite: to go on a walk, but there is zero acknowledgement. she pants and her back legs and very stiff , she can’t walk. we apply a heating pad and she eventually settles down to resting, and eventually sleeps. the next day , it’s as if nothing happened! is this more of a dementia episode or more of an arthritis episode in your opinion??
I don’t know if this is pertinent info, but she is prone to eat infections.
Hi Nadine,
The episodes you are describing are definitely a bit puzzling and could potentially fit with dementia, pain, neurological issues, or other problems. Are you able to get an episode on video to show to your vet? That might help him or her narrow down what is going on and come up with some solutions to try. I hope you are able to find something that works so that you and your pup can both get more sleep at night. ❤️
Hi, I don’t know if you’ll see this but did you ever find out a solution to this?
Our shih tzu is displaying very similar symptoms. He also pants continuously for hourssss & just wants to climb as high as possible, literally trying to get on our heads.
Then in the morning everything is fine!
Hi
I have a 2 year old German Shepherd. He is very happy dog loves to play and very obedient. Since we got him he is very ichy all the time, he pants alot but once he is outside it seems to release a bit. I was told he has an allergy to chicken but we do not feed him chicken. Could it be he has sweat glands problem. He loves the cold but as soon as he comes in the house he starts panting, sweating and scratching. But once he does settle in the house he does it does decrease. I have given him the allergy needle but it doesn’t seem to last long. I started giving him benadryl and it is the same last only a few hours. After watching him closely it seems to me to be a sweat gland problem. He isn’t restless and I have noticed when I scratch him I feel moisture. His body goes in all shapes when I brush or scratch him. please advise
Hi Judy,
I am sorry your young dog is having such severe skin issues. Without examining him myself, I can’t make specific conclusions. I am suspicious that the moisture you are noticing on his skin may be exudate or discharge from a skin infection and not sweat. Skin infections can make the skin feel sticky or tacky. Dogs don’t have active sweat glands all over their bodies like humans do. Most of a dog’s sweat glands are located on their feet. This is why dogs pant to release heat and cool themselves. While all this could be related to an allergy, it could be many other things as well. I feel like it would be best to talk to your vet and see about investigating this situation further. There are many different medications and treatments that should be able to give your boy some relief. Hoping you can find what works best for your pup. Wishing you all the luck!
My 7 year old F GSD has just recently had excessive panting and has lost weight. We changed her food and she is eating but the panting is still going on even when she is just laying down. She has been drinking a lot more water, has regular urinating and her stool is fine but the panting still remains. Just recently she has had a dry hacking cough, only after drinking fast and recently we have heard her make a sound (almost like when a human has phlegm in their chest from a cold) but not often. She does go back to breathing somewhat normal when she is asleep but the panting has us worried. Her tongue is pink, her coat is soft and shiny so we are at a loss as to what is going on with our girl.
Hi Rosalene,
I understand your concern for your Shepherd and these worrisome symptoms she is displaying. I highly recommend you have her evaluated by your vet as soon as possible. Without examining her myself, I can’t make specific conclusions. But these can be signs of serious issues such as heart failure. You would rather do some investigation now and catch things early than wait and it progress until it is too late for treatment. I am hopeful you can find the answers you need to ensure your sweet girl is happy and healthy. Wishing you both the best.
So, my dog has recently started the long bouts of panting and pacing. He is a 17-year-old beagle that I am sure has CCD and Arthritis. He goes through periods of confusion, and in a sudden panic jumps up and walks around when he was laying down peacefully, He can no longer run but walks with what we call the Frankenstein walk, stiff back legs, dragging his feet, etc…
While there isn’t much I can do about the CCD, is there any over-the-counter treatment I can do myself for the pain/arthritis? I was thinking maybe a buffered aspirin or something, but maybe you know of something else.
Hi JB,
I understand your concern for your Beagle and think it is great you are looking for ways to help relieve his arthritis pain. There are SO many good options. I will attach links to other articles with more information. Have you thought about trying Encore Mobility? Also, I would advise you to stay away from aspirin. While it can offer some relief from pain, it can also cause many nasty side effects in dogs such as bleeding issues and anemia. I am hopeful you will find the best way to ensure your senior boy is feeling his best. Wishing you both many happy days ahead.
1. How to Relieve Arthritis Pain in Dogs: The Ultimate Guide
2. Osteoarthritis in Dogs: Everything You Need to Know
3. Dog Arthritis Treatment: 8 Ways to Help a Senior Dog at Home
4. Natural Pain Relief for Dogs: 13 Methods
5. Canine Cognitive Dysfunction in Dogs: Signs, Symptoms, Solutions
I have anxiety! Im scared! My 2 yr F GSD is all I have pls help. She started her period a week ago and today she is pushed up against me, trying to sit on me sometimes (ALL unusual for her), ears down when I tell her to go to crate, whines a little and panting. Nothing has changed except I haven’t taken her out training or walks as much last few days. She is eating fine. Nothing is sensitive when I checked her over. Shes seem down and sad as well, no excitement at all….when I wake up she doesn’t even move until I tell her lets go toilet? I do not think this is physical at all.
Hi Zaneta,
I understand your concern for your Shepherd and these strange behaviors she is experiencing. without examining her myself, I can’t make specific conclusions. My best advice is to call your vet and have your pup evaluated. There may in fact be something physically wrong. Please try to get her an appointment as soon as possible!
My 4 year old pomeranian has always been a bit strange. Recently she has been panting and been clingy toward me which is very unusual for her. She licks me a lot. She has always been a finicky eater but seems to be even more so now. I have taken her to the vet and seems there is no obvious reason for her behavior. I will be taking her back for blood work. Any suggestions?
Hi Kathy,
I know how concerning it can be when your dog is acting abnormally. GI discomfort or acid reflux come to mind, but without being able to examine her, that is just a guess as there are so many reasons for those symptoms. Hopefully you and your vet have been able to work together to find the cause of her panting, licking, and poor appetite. Please feel free to leave us an update about how she is doing now!
Dr. Buzby,
We have an 11 year old intact Staffy who has been going through cycles (usually Spring/Fall) of odd behavior. He will pant, whine, bark, scratch, bite and jump over the “baby gate ” we have for him to keep him in the entryway while we sleep (typically we put the gate up before my husband and I go to bed and take it down after breakfast the next morning). If he is let out when he is in these states, he is drooling excessively, panting and will come right beside me and jump on me or the couch – which he knows he is not allowed on after he dug a hole in the last 2. We have tried giving him extra attention or taking him outside more which he does enjoy but doesn’t want to come back in the house. Anything that we try doesn’t seem to relieve his anxiety/stress/attention. He is also a bit more pushy when he is in these “moods” that last about a week at a time when they happen so we try to keep him in his own space with his blankets and toys because we are not successful correcting the behaviors he is showing. He seems like he is more in tune with me than our daughters or husband and if I’m not around, he is normal chill self but as soon as I’m back at home, he gets almost stressed out again. I feel so helpless and awful for my poor pal if I am somehow giving off vibes that are stressing him out, all I want is for him to be happy and healthy. I do try and check in with myself to keep myself calm and even but I do suffer from Anxiety which he probably picks up on. He is going through another season of this behavior the last 4 days and he wants to just sit outside. Any advice would be very much appreciated. Thank you
Hi Megan,
I understand your concerns about this strange behavior in your senior guy. Since I haven’t examined him myself, I can’t make specific conclusions or recommendations. I am a bit suspicious that this behavior could be hormone related. Is there an intact female dog around/close by that goes into heat during these times? It may be a good idea to have your vet do some routine senior lab work just to make sure nothing is off (thyroid?). This is very puzzling, and I agree it needs some investigation. Your poor boy sounds like these episodes make him miserable and it is negatively impacting the family as well. I hope you can find some answers and find the best way to restore your sweet guy’s quality of life. Wishing you both the best of luck. Feel free to leave an update if you have a chance.
Hi Dr Buzby
My 14 year old German Shepherd cross has recently started panting, pacing, jumping up, whining and desperate to get out for walks, he calms down when walked. Ive seen 4 vets in 3 weeks. And they have given possible causes as mini stroke, sciatica, possible slipped disc. He’s become out of control in his behaviour for constantly wanting to go outside for a walk. He’s recently been put on pain killers for his arthritis. Do you have any suggestions? The last time he was like this was when lived next to a female in heat, but we have moved away now.
Thanks for any advice
Hi Lisa,
I understand your concern for your Shepherd and these new behavioral issues. This is quite a puzzling case and since I haven’t personally examined your dog, it is hard to make specific conclusions. Did these new issues begin soon after starting the pain killers? Just wondering is this could be a weird side effect of the medications. Also, some of what you describe sounds like early stages of canine cognitive dysfunction/dementia. It might be a good idea to talk to your vet about trying an anti-anxiety medication. I am mildly suspicious about a neurological problem that could possibly be affecting his brain which would explain the behavioral changes. If you can’t find answers you need you can always request a consult with a veterinary neurologist or other specialist. I hope your senior boy can get some relief soon and return to living his best life. Praying for a positive outcome.
My 9 year old boxer, Maggie starts panting an pacing the house every evening after dinner. She walks with her head down and does not respond to me when I call her name. She is starting to get really picky with what she will eat and often turns down what used to be her favorite treats. I am very worried, but vet seems to think she is doing well based on her bloodwork. She was recently diagnosed with idiopathic head tremors. She has heart disease and a tumor on her heart. I want to make her as comfortable as I can but do not know what to do to help the panting and pacing. Do you have any suggestions?
Hi Amy,
I understand your concern with these new anxiety behaviors in your senior girl. I am glad to hear her bloodwork looks good as that helps to rule out many things. What you are describing sounds like symptoms of canine cognitive dysfunction/dementia. If this is the case, there may not be a definitive cure. Some dogs improve with anti-anxiety medications or calming supplements. These would be good things to discuss with your vet since they are up to date with your dog’s current medications and other issues. I would want to make sure the addition of any new supplements or treatments would not compromise her heart or interact with any other medications she is currently taking. I will attach links to other articles that may offer additional information and great comments from other readers. I hope you can find the right combination of things to help Maggie feel her best and restore her quality of life. Bless you both and give your sweet girl a hug for me. ♥
1. Canine Cognitive Dysfunction in Dogs: Signs, Symptoms, Solutions
2. Selegiline for Dogs: A Helpful Medication for Canine Cognitive Dysfunction
3. Senior Dog Anxiety at Night? 6 Solutions for Better Sleep
My 4 year old great dane has been acting super strange since the summer started. Every night she will pant and drool excessively, i thought it was heat so i did everything i could to cool her down. She mainly pants and whines during the night or when everyone is upstairs but sometimex i will be downstairs and she will stand really close to me and pant and drool. Last night i let her go outside to pee even though i had walked her abou 2 hours before because i thought this could be the problem. The vet told me not to do this because she could just be doing 5his for attetion and i give her that by letting her outise. I do not think this is the issue because she will pant and whine amd scratch the door for HOURS. I thought it was a pyschical problem so i got everything checked, blood work, x rays, urine test, everything came out fine. Shes a big black dog and it has been 28c lately so maybe thats the issue. She gets enough exercise and seems happy to play with other dogs, she eats good and regularly pees. I just went downstares becauss she was scratching the door and whining so hard that i couldnt sleep and there was a whols puddle of drool by the door and she was panting amd breathing very fast so its getting worse and i am very confused and worried, please help
Hi Rosa,
I am sorry you are dealing with these worrisome behavioral issues in your Dane. I am glad you have had things evaluated by your vet and all the results were normal. Since I haven’t examined your dog myself, I can’t make specific conclusions. From what you describe, it sounds like separation or nighttime anxiety. Normally we see nighttime anxiety in older dogs that are starting to show signs of dementia. But that doesn’t mean it can’t happen in younger pups. Here is a link to an article with more information: Senior Dog Anxiety at Night? 6 Solutions for Better Sleep
It might be a good idea to talk to your vet about trying an anxiety medication or maybe even a melatonin supplement at night. You can also request a consult with a canine behavior specialist or internal medicine specialist to help narrow down the possible causes. I hope you can find the answers you need to restore peace and quiet to your home. Best wishes and bless you both.
My 6 year old Aussie mix, Freya, has had fireworks induced anxiety for years. She has a thunder shirt and as needed anxiety meds. In the past year, this fear has branched out to any and everything that rumbles or pops. Earlier in the month I had to step out during a huge thunderstorm and when I came back, she was the worst I’d ever seen her. Since then she follows me everywhere and will randomly break out in anxiety. She pants excessively, shakes uncontrollably, has a runny nose, little appetite, and constantly paces. It’s gotten to the point I can’t even go and check the mail without setting her off. My vet can’t get me in until august. I am stressed and exhausted. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
Hi Kelsey,
I am sorry Freya is suffering from such debilitating anxiety. I can only imagine how stressful this must be for you both. It sounds like she may need a daily anxiety medication or a combination of meds to keep her feeling less worried. I hope you can get in to see your vet soon and find a treatment plan that works. In the meantime, it might be a good idea to reach out to an integrative vet or one that practices more holistic medicine. Acupuncture may be able to help, and I am sure there are other supplements to try. My hands are sort of tied when it comes to recommending CBD oil due to certain regulations, but I have had many people say it has worked wonders for their anxious pet. Here is a link to another article with more information: CBD Oil for Dogs: Facts, Benefits, Concerns [2022]
Also, here is a link to an article about noise phobia that may have some tricks you haven’t tried yet: Dogs and Fireworks: How to Keep Your Dog Calm and Safe
I hope you can find the right answers to help restore the peace in your home. Praying for positive results for Freya and happy days ahead. Best wishes.
Took my 9year old lab mix to the vet yesterday due to a leg injury(possible ACL tear). Her leg was too swollen so vet couldn’t confirm. She also had a pretty high fever of 104 that the vet couldn’t determine what the cause of it was. Since coming home yesterday my dog has not had the desire to eat any food table or dog food but only get up to drink water. She is also not getting comfortable enough to sleep. Last night I would get up occasionally and noticed labored breathing so much that she was drooling and my dog normally doesn’t drool also no sleep all night. She is on medication clavacillin, Carprofen and gabapentin. Not sure what else to do. I’m really stressed out and a few days away from giving birth. Any advice would be great.
Hi Natalie,
You are right to be concerned about your senior girl and these worrisome symptoms. While an ACL tear is possible, I would not suspect a fever associated with it. This makes me suspicious something else is wrong and isn’t obvious on physical exam. Complicated cases like this can be a challenge to diagnose and find an appropriate treatment. Since I haven’t examined your girl myself, I can’t make specific conclusions or recommendations. I do think it would be a good idea to talk to your vet again and let them know how badly your pup is still struggling. It may even be more of an emergency situation than it initially appeared to be. It might not be a bad idea to take your girl to an ER or specialty hospital in your area. I hope you can find the answers you need to get your sweet girl stable and comfortable. I hope she is better today and back to living her best life. Good luck to you both and best wishes on the arrival of your new baby!!!
Hi Dr Buzby, so glad I found this article. Our Great Pyrenees, Gabbie, is around 12 years old, she is a rescue and been with usfir 10 years. About 2 weeks ago she started pacing and panting through the night, prior to this she was quiet all night. She has the run of the house at night. We’ve tried leaving lights on and trying a calming supplement but nothing helped. Now I read this and CCD seems to fit. Hopefully we can try your suggestions and get her back to her naturally calm nature.
Thanks so much
Hi Ewan,
I am glad you found the article to be helpful. I will attach links to a couple other articles that may offer additional information. I hope you can find the right treatment for sweet Gabbie that will restore her peace and comfort at night. Wishing you both the best!
1. Senior Dog Anxiety at Night? 6 Solutions for Better Sleep
2. Canine Cognitive Dysfunction in Dogs: Signs, Symptoms, Solutions
My 11 year old girl pants all the time. For hours on end. They did blood work everything looks good. Anxiety meds don’t change it either. Not sure where to go to now
Hi Niecey,
It must be frustrating to not have a good answer for your senior girl’s troubles. I am glad her blood work is normal and no immediate cause for concern was found. Since I haven’t examined your pup myself, it is hard to make conclusions and recommendations. It might be a good idea to have her evaluated by a specialist. Also, an integrative vet may have suggestions of things to try that are not normally done in general practice such as a chiropractic adjustment, acupuncture, or other supplements and treatments. I hope you can find something that works for you and your girl. Best wishes!
My girl is a 15-year-old Brittany. She has Addison’s Disease, a partially collapsed trachea, is mostly deaf, has arthritis in her legs, high blood pressure, and hypothyroidism. Yet she is still a happy girl, in good spirits, and has a fabulous appetite! She gets a monthly injection of percortin, takes once-a-day prednisone, twice-a-day amlodopine, and twice-a-day thyroid med. I recently switched her to a mobile vet, because going in to the vet’s office for her monthly injection was more stress than either of us could handle! In any event, she pants heavily and follows me around, starting around 6 PM every night, and until bedtime. Once she goes to bed, she is fine. And all day she is fine. I don’t feel like she is in pain, or anxious, just very restless. This has been going on for maybe a month. I have talked to my new mobile vet, and she said she doesn’t know what is causing the panting. So I just thought I would ask you your thoughts. Thank you!
Hi Sandie,
I am glad to hear your girl is doing so well with the management of her medical issues. I agree with your mobile vet, I am not sure what would be causing this evening time anxiety. I wonder if she is ready to go to bed, but knows you are not ready yet. So maybe she paces around until she finally gets to rest in her nighttime spot? Also, are you giving the prednisone in the evening? If so, maybe it is causing restlessness just like it can with people who try to take it at bedtime. You could see if there is an integrative or holistic vet in your area. They may have ideas about a supplement to try or additional therapies that might offer new benefits (such as PEMF- I’ll attach a link to another article with additional information). I hope you can find the answers you need to help get your sweet girl more comfortable. Best wishes to you both!
PEMF Therapy for Dogs: 7 FAQs Answered by a PEMF Expert
I have a 7 yr old Border Collie/Aussie Shepherd that has been periodically experiencing excessive panting accompanied by a faint sigh/wheeze/whimper sound. His episodes have lasted up to 45 min on a few occasions. I’m so worried and uncertain about what is causing his symptoms. Please help me and my boy Chevy! ?
Hi,
You are right to be concerned with these new symptoms in your dog. There could be a serious issue causing his respiratory distress. I highly recommend you contact your vet to have Chevy examined as soon as possible. They may need to run some tests or take x-rays to check his heart and lungs. I hope you can find out how to help your sweet boy and make sure he stays on the path to health and wellness. Best wishes!
I have a 14 year old Maltese. He is very restless and pants a lot at night keeps me up at night. He also tends to whimp and scratches my bed a lot. He seems to want to drink water a lot. Help
Hi Olga,
I understand how worrisome it can be to see your senior guy struggle. What you are describing could be due to many different disease processes or even just senior dog cognitive dysfunction. I highly recommend you have your dog examined by your vet. They may need to run lab work or perform other tests to rule out some potentially very concerning issues. The good news is once you have a diagnosis, there may be a treatment that would restore your guy’s quality of life and give you some peace of mind as well. I hope you can find the answers you are looking for. Best wishes!
Hello! My dog is a 11 year old small mixed breed and she’s randomly started panting and walking back and forth and it seems like she doesn’t know what she wants. I feel like this is odd behavior, she doesn’t feel hot or want water or need to use the bathroom. She will lay down and calm down and then start panting randomly again and then stop. Not sure what to make of it
Hi Fatima,
I am glad you reached out for advice for your senior girl. Unfortunately, since I have not examined her myself, I can’t really give you any specific recommendations. I am concerned about these new symptoms you are describing and think you should contact your vet right away. I hope you can find the answers you are looking for. Best of luck to you and your girl.
I adopted my 9 year old senior lab mix a little over a year ago and have sadly watched his health decline. I thought a lot of his actions were due to his anxiety and thought it was also maybe because he was in pain due to arthritis in his hips. But he has been on anxiety meds for a year now and as well as arthritis meds for a few months and he still shows the same symptoms. The vet also ran his bloodwork and everything looked normal, so the only diagnosis could be dementia. He’s still a happy guy, but he confuses himself often and will just stand and stare unsure of what to do. I have started to give him melatonin at night so that he will stay asleep and won’t wander as much. He has also slowly begun to have accidents in the house. Sometimes I question his quality of life because at the end of the day I want him to be comfortable. It’s a tricky time, especially since I feel like he is still “so young.”
Hi G,
It sounds like you are doing all the right things to keep your guy as comfortable as possible. He is lucky to have found you to share his senior years with. I understand how difficult it is to evaluate quality of life and make decisions on when to let go and when to keep pushing forward. You may want to look for a veterinarian in your area that specializes in palliative care or hospice. They can make house calls and let you know when it’s time to say goodbye or if there are other medications to try and prolong things a bit. I will attach some links to other articles that may offer additional information. In the meantime, I hope you can keep enjoying every day you have together and make happy memories. Best wishes to you and your boy.
1. Canine Cognitive Dysfunction in Dogs: Signs, Symptoms, Solutions
2. Dog Hospice Care Can Bring Peace and Dignity to Your Dog’s Final Days
3. Signs Your Dog is Dying: A Caring Message to Bring You Peace
4. Preparing for Your Dog’s Euthanasia: 10 Thoughts for Peace
I have a 11yr old lab mix has alot of big lumps all over and I had senior blood panel done all normal. But at night hes wandering all over tge house panting and breathing heavy seems distressed cant get comfortable its very frustrating for me. Is it time for me to say goodbye to him I think he’s in pain and confused.
Hi Cheryl,
I understand your concerns about your senior guy and his nighttime anxiety. Since I haven’t examined him myself, I can’t make specific conclusions about his pain level or comfort. It does sound like his symptoms may be related to canine cognitive dysfunction. I am glad your boy had good lab results and seems otherwise healthy. It might be a good idea to talk to your vet about medication options to help with the anxiety. I will also attach links to other articles that might offer additional information. With all that being said, even if your boy is not painful and is just suffering from dementia, euthanasia may still be the most loving option. Your vet should be able to help guide you through the decision-making process, or you can contact a vet that practices hospice and palliative care in your area. I hope you can find the answers you need to make the best choice for you and your sweet boy. Best wishes.
1. Senior Dog Anxiety at Night? 6 Solutions for Better Sleep
2. Canine Cognitive Dysfunction in Dogs: Signs, Symptoms, Solutions
3. Dementia in Dogs: When to Euthanize Your Beloved Senior Dog
Hi Dr Busby, my 12 y/o make Pekenese mix dog tested neg for Cushing’s, has rear leg weakness, heavy panting, restlessness, excessive thirst. . Some days his appetite is better than others . I’m grasping for answers how to help him feel better. Any insight you have is greatly appreciated. Thank you,, Deborah W
Hi Deborah,
Sorry to hear that your pup his experiencing these worrisome symptoms without a clear answer. It sure sounds like Cushing’s could have been a possibility, so I’m glad to hear that your vet has already ruled that out. Unfortunately, without being able to examine him, I can’t guide you towards any other specific conditions or solutions. It may be a good idea to talk to your vet about a referral to a veterinary internal medicine specialist since this sounds like a bit of a puzzling case. That isn’t to say that your vet isn’t doing a great job. Sometimes it just takes the perspective of a specialist to get to the bottom of the more difficult cases. I hope that you are able to find some answers for your sweet boy soon!
Coco spent one night at a familiar kennel. All seemed normal when I brought her home. However it is 2 am and she still hasn’t settled for sleep. Panting, yawning and clingy with me. Looking me straight in the eyes. Could it be she just isn’t handling being apart as well as she use to?
Hi Bobbi,
It definitely sounds like something unusual is bothering Coco. While stress from being separated is definitely a possibility, I always want to rule out a medical cause first before deciding a new symptom is a behavioral issue. Restlessness, panting, and yawning can by symptoms of several potentially life-threatening conditions. I highly recommend you have Coco examined by your veterinarian as soon as possible. I hope you can find the cause of her distress and make her comfortable again. Best wishes to you both and please keep us updated!
My 14 yr old Shih Tzu this last while is panting a lot and pacing up and down. Scratching and whimpering at the door looking out and once out scratching and whimpering looking back in straight away. This goes in continuously. Only recently it has gotten to be really bad and at times the whimpering is so loud. I’m at my whits end and don’t know what to do. He is still eating and drinking so I know he’s not hungry, thirsty and needing the loo.
Dear Ian,
Sorry to hear that your pup is panting, pacing, and scratching at the door. It can be discouraging when our dogs are distressed and we can’t figure out what is bothering them. While it is great that he is still eating and drinking, the panting and pacing could be the sign of something serious. I highly recommend making an appointment with your local veterinarian for a examination and any necessary lab work. That would be the best way to hopefully get to the bottom of what is bothering him and figure out how best to help him. I hope you are able to find some answers!.
We have an 8-yr-old Norwegian elkhound who would much prefer to stay outside at night, but unfortunately she barks ALL NIGHT LONG if we leave her out. When we keep her in, she pants loudly, paces, is restless, and shakes her head to make her tags jingle loudly. Is there any solution?
Hi Suszane,
Listening to a dog panting, pacing, and shaking her head at night can definitely be distressing (and so can listening to barking all night long). I feel for you! Since there are many reasons why a dog may be panting and restless, I think that the best place to start would be a visit with your vet to rule out some of the medical causes (anemia, heart disease, Cushing’s disease, pain, liver disease, etc). It would also be good to discuss your dog’s behavior in depth with your vet to see if he or she thinks that anxiety about being inside or canine cognitive dysfunction could be contributing to the signs. I do also have an article called Senior Dog Anxiety at Night? 6 Solutions for Better Sleep that may also give you some helpful suggestions to try, especially once your vet has ruled out some of the more concrete medical problems. I hope that better sleep for everyone will be coming soon!
My 6 month old blue heeler was chewing on a good n fun triple flavor twist and has went to. Acting. Crazy. Like he is panting hard and seems to be spaced out it’s like there is a drug in the chew.
Hi Ronnie,
Sorry to hear that you had such a strange and concerning episode with your puppy after he chewed on that toy. Hopefully it was either short lived and he is back to normal or you were able to get him to the vet for evaluation. Either way, I would probably avoid giving those to him in the future just to be safe and consider a vet visit if you still have any concerns about how he is doing.
I have an 11 year old Beagle mix who was panting a lot, especially during walks. Was greatly concerned. Took him to vet and all seems fine. Shorter walks and keep an eye on. Like my dad used to say…sucks getting old. But please make vet appointment to get your dog checked out because it could be a serious thing.
Hi Tracey,
I’m so glad to hear that everything checked out well with your Beagle when you took him to the vet! Like you said, it is always a good idea to schedule a vet appointment if you notice something out of the ordinary.?
My 5 year old golden retriever has epilepsy. She’s started breathing and panting very fast when she’s been resting. Her respiration’s are over 100. What could be going on?
Hi Dana,
Sorry to hear that your golden is breathing fast and panting more than normal. That is definitely concerning and I would recommend making an appointment with your vet as soon as you can for an evaluation. There are many potential problems that could be causing those symptoms, so the best way to get to the bottom of it would be a physical exam and diagnostics at your vet’s office. I hope you are able to find some answers for your sweet girl soon! ❤
My dog is waking me up at night by panting beside my bed. He seems very restless. This is new behavior for the last month. He is a peek a poo and about 10 years old. He doesn’t seem to know what he wants when I get up. Once I get up he gets a drink, he settles after a few minutes. Just wondering if it’s the heat or something medical. Any suggestions? He’s my whole world and it scares me. ?
Hi Anita,
Sorry to hear that your pup is doing a lot of panting at night and waking you up. That is difficult for everyone! There are a variety of reasons he could be doing this, so I think that taking him to your vet to look for any medical conditions would be the best place to start. You may also find some additional help from my article Senior Dog Anxiety at Night? 6 Solutions for Better Sleep. I hope that you are able to get to the root of the problem soon so both of you can get back to peacefully sleeping through the night!
Our dog is 13 years old. She excessively pants, is always thirsty, has been having accidents in the house , her back legs seen to drag a bit and her stomache is very rounded. What do you think could be happening?
Hi Cathie,
Sorry to hear that your pup is having these concerning signs. I would definitely recommend making an appointment for her with your veterinarian so he or she can do a physical exam as well as potentially some diagnostics such as senior bloodwork, x-rays, or ultrasound to get to the bottom of the problem. These symptoms could fit with Cushing’s Disease (learn more from my article Cushing’s Disease in Dogs: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Medications) but could also fit with a variety of other conditions, which is why the exam with the vet and diagnostic testing are so important. Best of luck to both of you!
My 15 year old lurcher bitch is pooing in the house, pacing and panting a lot and is disoriented and biting us occasionally too. She’s already in pain from her lower spine and is on anti inflammatories twice a day. Despite all of this she’s eating well. So difficult to know what’s best for her.
Hi Liz,
It can be so hard to watch our beloved dogs age and struggle with incontinence, pacing, panting, pain, and disorientation. I would definitely recommend a visit to the vet if she hasn’t been seen recently. Your vet would be able to do a full exam (and diagnostics, if needed), discuss your dog’s quality of life, and help you figure out the best plan for her. ❤
My 10 yr old shepherd is restless &runny nose is cortisol cause? How to know if has too much cortisol
Hi Rox,
I would definitely recommend talking to your vet about the symptoms you are seeing in your shepherd. If he/she thinks that Cushing’s disease (excess cortisol) could be the problem, there are some specific tests that can be run to diagnose Cushing’s disease. My article, Cushing’s Disease in Dogs: The Ultimate Guide to Understanding Symptoms, Diagnosis, & Treatment (For the Best Care for Your Dog), may also be helpful to read because it addresses Cushing’s disease in detail. Best of luck to you and your dog!