Why is my dog panting so much at night?
Like sweating in humans, panting is a normal bodily process for dogs, effectively regulating their body temperature. Panting at night, however, is a different matter—especially when there is no obvious reason for the dog's distress.
Why is my dog panting so much?
There are several circumstances wherein your dog panting is no cause for alarm, such as after a long walk in humid weather, an energetic play session, or excitement. Panting and restless behavior (e.g., pacing) in mild or ideal weather conditions or at night when it is cooler could indicate something more serious. Some of the potential reasons for excessive panting could include:
- Cushing’s disease occurs when too much cortisol builds up in the bloodstream. Along with panting, other symptoms of Cushing's Disease in dogs include increased thirst, hunger, frequent urination, hair loss, and a pot-bellied appearance. This issue is commonly seen in senior dogs and is often one of the reasons for abnormal heavy panting.
- Respiratory disease. Respiratory issues impact your dog's ability to breathe, making it hard for them to receive the oxygen their bloodstream needs to carry throughout their body. A dog with respiratory issues might pant heavily or struggle to breathe after even light exercise. If you notice your canine companion's tongue is no longer a healthy pink but instead blue, purple, or grey, head to the vet immediately for treatment; your dog may be experiencing oxygen deprivation.
- Heart disease. Excessive panting and coughing can be heart disease or failure symptoms, impacting your dog's breathing ability. In these cases, you may notice your dog panting heavily after walking for a short distance.
- Heatstroke. Heatstroke in dogs is a serious issue and can have fatal consequences if left untreated. It is more likely in temperatures over 106°F (41°C) and causes heavy panting, which leads to dehydration. High temperatures are tough on short-nosed breeds like pugs, but you must never leave a dog of any breed alone in a car in warm weather, as they can overheat or suffer from heatstroke quickly.
Why is my dog panting at night?
Below are some other common causes of panting and restlessness in dogs during the night:
- Stress or anxiety. Upsetting events like loud thunderstorms or fireworks or issues like separation anxiety can cause this.
- Environmental issues. Puppies and senior dogs have more difficulty coping with high nighttime temperatures, and dogs with untreated allergies often have disrupted sleep.
- Pain or Discomfort. Dogs experiencing pain from an injury or a condition like arthritis may exhibit nighttime panting and/or pacing behaviors. (e.g., injury, arthritis, allergies)
- Canine Cognitive Disorder (dog dementia). Dogs affected by this disorder often have disturbed sleep-wake cycles and may exhibit excessive panting and restlessness.
When should my dog see a vet?
If your dog exhibits symptoms of excessive nighttime panting, pacing, or other anxious behaviors, contact your vet to find out whether they should see your dog.
If you spot any signs of heatstroke in your dog, immediately take them for urgent veterinary care during clinic hours or treatment after hours at a nearby emergency veterinary hospital.
Your veterinarian will examine your canine companion, perform any necessary diagnostic and treatment procedures, and work with you to help your dog feel better today and tomorrow.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.