Dog restless and panting at night? Don’t ignore 9 warning signs

Panting is completely normal in dogs. They pant for various reasons, especially when hot, excited, or exercising to regulate their body temperature.

However, nighttime panting is different; if your dog is panting at night and is restless for no apparent reason, then owners should worry.

Why do dogs pant?

You don’t need to worry about dog panting, mainly if it occurs on hot days or during high nighttime temperatures. Dogs cool themselves by panting.

Dogs can’t sweat, so they cool down by releasing heat through their paw pads, but it’s not very effective. So, they use their mouth to eliminate the body heat they’ve produced through various activities.

This means expelling hot air from the mouth and exchanging it with fresh, cool air to cool down.

This typically happens after a long walk in humid weather or an exercise session.

Heavy breathing also happens in extreme heat conditions without any activities; this is also fine.

Abnormal heavy panting and being restless during rest in optimal weather conditions or at night when it’s not hot are signs of something serious.

Reasons your dog is heavily panting and restless

Heavy and abnormal painting causes pacing and restlessness.

The cause of restless behavior or heavy breathing can vary, so watch for these panting warning signs of an underlying health condition:

Cushing’s Disease 

Cushing’s syndrome occurs when your dog has too much cortisol in the bloodstream.

That’s also why your dog might be panting a lot. In addition, other symptoms include increased thirst, hunger, urination, hair loss, and a pot-bellied appearance.

This syndrome is common in older dogs, and adrenal gland issues are one of the main reasons for heavy panting.

Respiratory disease

Respiratory disease can affect the dog’s breathing capabilities and make it hard for oxygen to enter the bloodstream. The dog might struggle to pant normally, even after a small exercise session.

This can lead to heavy and abnormal panting.

Also, check the dog’s tongue and see if it’s pink. If your dog’s tongue is blue, purple, or grey, this means the dog isn’t getting enough oxygen; this condition is dangerous, and you need to take your dog to the vet immediately.

Heart disease

This might lead to significant difficulty breathing, and excessive panting and coughing also can be a symptom of heart disease or heart failure.

If this is the case, you will notice heavy breathing after walking for a short distance.

Heatstroke

Dog heatstroke or overheating causes heavy panting in dogs, leading to dehydration. If untreated, heatstroke can become dangerous and even deadly.

Temperatures over 106°F (41°C) can put your dog in danger. High temperatures combined with high humidity can be hazardous.

Short-nosed breeds like pugs often struggle, primarily due to heat exhaustion or heatstroke, so be aware. You should avoid leaving them alone in cars; this applies to every dog, so if you’re leaving them inside, turn the air conditioner on, or better still, leave the dog at home.

Keep an eye on your dog’s panting sounds. Knowing this can help you identify abnormal panting.

Panting at night differs from the daytime, which can lead to sleepless nights and indicate something is wrong with the dog.

There are a few causes for this that you can look into to understand why your dog pants excessively.

Causes of a dog panting

Stress or anxiety

Like every other living creature, dogs experience stress and anxiety. A distressed dog can calm down by panting, but a stressed dog might struggle to sleep well at night.

Loud sounds, such as fireworks and thunderstorms, are stressful for dogs. They make them sleepless and cause panting throughout the night.

A dog with separation anxiety might find it hard to sleep without the owner, wander around the house, and pant at night; dogs suffering from separation anxiety are prone to panting at night.

Panting helps dogs experiencing distress to relax during a traumatic event.

Environmental issues

High temperatures can take a toll on your dog.

Temperatures above 95°F (35°C) can be too much for some dogs.

Older dogs and puppies can be affected by higher temperatures, making managing their body temperature harder to regulate.

Pain or injury

See whether the dog has any pain conditions or injuries.

Dogs with pain conditions like arthritis are very vulnerable to panting and restlessness.

Allergies, too, can be a problem and cause dogs to pant at night.

If you can’t find any injuries, check whether any diseases mentioned could be causing excessive panting.

Canine Cognitive Disorder (dog dementia)

Dementia is most common for older dogs and causes panting and restlessness.

Senior dogs with Canine Cognitive Disorder, also known as Canine Cognitive Dysfunction, often are sleepless and roam the house at night due to sleep-wake cycle disturbance.

Canine Cognitive Disorder also can make the dog forget their surroundings, leading to anxiety and causing panting and restlessness.

If your dog is panting, these are the most common reasons. So, before you treat your dog, check whether the dog is affected by any of these symptoms. Determining the cause can make treating panting easier.

What can you do to stop your dog from panting and being restless?

There are some ways you can stop your dog from panting, but be sure to identify the cause:

If the dog’s overheating:

• Recognize signs of heatstroke. Including excessive panting, rapid breathing, excessive drooling, bright red gums and tongue, rapid heart rate, hot skin, weakness, or collapse.
• Give them water.
• If you’re inside your house, take the dog to a place with better ventilation or any cooling spots, or take them to the hospital; make sure to turn on the air conditioner.
• Try cooling the dog by splashing them with water or using a hose to make them wet.
• If you think it’s serious, seek medical attention.

If it’s a stress or anxiety issue:

• First, identify what’s causing the dog stress and act from there; if it’s due to environmental sounds, spend some time and provide a calm environment.
• If it’s separation anxiety, try considering a professional trainer or behaviorist to help the dog with this issue.
• Spend some time with the dog.
• Supplements like CBD oil can also help.

How does CBD oil help with stress and anxiety issues?

You can try CBD hemp oil for pets, which can help relieve stress and anxiety that might cause panting. CBD is a natural hemp plant substance with calming and relaxing properties.

It changes the response of the brain’s receptors to serotonin (a hormone responsible for stabilizing emotions, mood, and feelings of wellness and managing anxiety).

Is it time to see the vet?

If you suspect anything serious, make sure to visit your vet immediately.

If any of these symptoms occur, immediately call your vet:

• Heatstroke.
• If panting gets seriously intense.
• If you see any injury leading to panting.
• If the dog’s tongue turns into the colors mentioned above.
• Panting without reason.

If the situation is more serious, the dog may need to be hospitalized for further treatment.

Please do not leave your dog untreated when you witness abnormal panting, as the situation can only worsen.

Regular checkups are crucial for dogs 

Regular checkups and preventive care for your furry friend are vital as a dog owner.

Like humans, dogs can suffer from health issues that may not be noticeable initially. Routine checkups ensure your dog’s well-being and catch any potential health problems early.

Regular checkups help detect any underlying health conditions.

Dogs may not always show obvious signs of illness or discomfort, making it difficult for owners to identify when something is wrong.

By bringing your dog for regular checkups, a veterinarian can perform a thorough physical examination and run necessary tests to monitor their overall health. This can help catch potential issues before they become serious problems.

Preventive care is crucial in maintaining your dog’s health and preventing diseases.

Aside from detecting potential health issues early on, regular checkups allow you to build a strong relationship with your veterinarian.

This means that in case of an emergency or any sudden changes in your dog’s behavior or physical appearance, you have someone you trust who knows your pet’s medical history and can provide quick and effective treatment.

Ensuring your dog receives regular checkups and preventive care is crucial for overall well-being. It helps detect and prevent health issues, allows for early intervention, and builds a strong relationship with your veterinarian.

By prioritizing your dog’s health through routine checkups, you can ensure they live a happy and healthy life with you.

Help your dog

If your dog is experiencing abnormal panting at night, remaining calm is essential.

Dogs can sense our stress, and getting anxious will only add to their distress.

Check for physical discomfort

Examine your dog for any physical discomfort or signs of pain. Look for any injuries, swelling, or unusual lumps. If you notice anything unusual, consult your veterinarian immediately.

Keep them cool

Make sure your dog is in a cool and well-ventilated environment. Provide access to fresh water and consider using fans or air conditioning to help lower the temperature.

Reduce anxiety

If your dog’s abnormal panting seems to be related to anxiety, try to create a soothing environment. Consider using calming aids such as pheromone diffusers or calming music designed for pets.

Monitor their breathing

Keep an eye on your dog’s breathing patterns and note any changes. If the abnormal panting persists or worsens, seek veterinary attention promptly.

Consult a veterinarian

If your dog continues to experience abnormal nighttime panting, seeking professional help is essential. Your veterinarian can thoroughly examine your dog and provide specific advice tailored to its needs.

Remember, abnormal panting in dogs can be a sign of an underlying health issue, so it’s crucial to address the problem promptly and seek professional guidance.

Don’t wait if your dog pants excessively

Panting is completely normal until it turns into abnormal panting; however, panting at night has various causes, and it’s up to the owner to identify the potential reasons why your dog is panting excessively.

If you notice your dog is exhibiting any warning signs, especially for dog heatstroke, seek medical treatment immediately.

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