Have you recently noticed your adorable pup panting? Perhaps, the pooch just appears anxious and uncomfortable? While occasional panting shouldn’t concern you, painting without apparent reasons might leave you wondering, “why is my dog panting and restless?”
In this article, we have discussed 10 possible reasons why your dog may pant. Read on to identify when dog panting is just normal behavior, when it might be caused by anxiety, and when is the perfect time to contact a qualified vet.
Why is my dog panting and restless?
In most cases, dog panting is just a result of some recent routine change. Canines pant when they are unsure of their environment. This uncertainty can also make them appear restless, and they may shed a lot. However, in some cases, panting can also indicate something a bit more serious that requires a trip to the vet.
Here are some of the most common reasons why your canine might be panting.
Exercise
One of the most possible reasons why your dog might be panting is vigorous exercise. Heavy workout routines can cause a pooch to pant excessively. Though ongoing practice can decrease the painting time in active pups, they may still pant after a strenuous workout.
If your sweet fur balls are panting after a fun-filled session of frisbee, it’s pretty normal. They may continue panting for a while, especially if it is summertime. However, if your pup doesn’t stop panting even after his playtime has ended, it’s wise to contact a veterinarian.
Anxiety
Just like us, our four-legged snuggle buddies also suffer from anxiety. Since canines cannot voice their feelings, you will notice their anxiety in the form of restlessness, panting, pawing, pacing, winning, and shaking.
Anxiety is a significant reason why a dog may pant and look unsure about his environment. Canines can experience stress from even the slightest change in their routine and can get highly restless.
If your pooch is dealing with any sudden change in your home or his routine, his panting may be a result of anxiety. Anxious pups also start to follow their owners, which, sometimes, can be a bit irritating.
Nerves
Some canines pant to express their nervousness about an event or an unfamiliar environment. That might be the reason why many dogs pant on their way to the veterinarian. A nervous pooch may pant, whimper, shiver and show behaviors indicating his stress.
If nerves are the real cause behind your canine’s panting, the issue will resolve as soon as things get back to normal.
It is worth noting that some dog breeds have more nervous personalities. Their panting is just a result of hypersensitivity and has no link to any medical concern.
Heat exhaustion
Panting is your pup’s way of cooling himself off. Canines cannot sweat, so they pant to regulate their body temperatures.
If your pooch is experiencing heat exhaustion, he is likely to pant excessively. Heat strokes can also make a dog pant uncomfortably. That’s why it’s imperative to keep your fido cool in hot weather.
If your dog is drooling and panting for quite a while and appears weak, the best thing you can do is to consult a qualified vet immediately. Also, remove the pet from the hot environment and bring him inside as soon as possible.
Obesity
Why is my dog panting and restless? Obesity is a severe health threat that isn’t just affecting the human population, but our furry companions are also at risk. According to the latest statistics, around 56% of the canine population in the US is overweight.
Obese dogs are prone to panting, joint pain, hip dysplasia, and more. Plus, it makes simple everyday tasks much more challenging for our fidos. Thereby if you think your pooch has packed on some extra pounds, it’s time to look for ways to help your pup lose weight. Consult your veterinarian and discuss a healthy diet plan for your canine.
Injury
Sudden physical injuries can make our canines awfully restless. A dog suffering from some sort of pain may pant or breathe heavily. The pup may also whine and pace impatiently.
If your dog is panting, limping, appearing guarded, pacing, or bleeding, look out, he may have injured himself. It can either be a thorn or something less visible. Though these injuries are not life-threatening, it’s worth keeping an eye on your pooch to notice any signs of distress.
Respiratory illness
If your canine is only panting, there isn’t much to worry about. However, if panting is accompanied by restlessness and labored breathing, it might indicate respiratory illness.
Respiratory disorders such as pneumonia and kennel cough increase respiration, making owners confuse heavy breathing with panting. We recommend visiting your puppy doctor if your dog’s panting is accompanied by coughing, difficulty breathing, or other respiratory symptoms.
Joint and back pain
Panting is relatively common in dogs suffering from joint and back pain. As canines grow old, they begin to develop painful joint conditions, arthritis, and back pain. All these excruciating conditions make a dog pant heavily.
If your dog doesn’t have any other joint-related troubles or acute injuries, only back pain is severe enough to make him pant. Symptoms of back pain include excessive panting, reluctance to participate in everyday activities, whining, and appearing tense.
Abdominal pain
Gastrointestinal pain and other abdominal complications can lead your furry friends to severe stomach discomfort. Generally, these conditions come from food allergies and can cause panting, vomiting, and diarrhea. Thereby if your pup exhibits any of these symptoms, it’s time to have them tested for food allergy.
If your large breed dog shows any symptoms of bloating, rush to your vet right away. It’s a severe medical concern that causes a canine’s stomach to flip. This condition can be fatal and need immediate surgery.
Anemia
Pups who are anemic lack red blood cells in their bloodstream. These dogs often pant because their internal organs don’t get enough oxygen, causing brain damage.
Anemia can occur for many reasons, including external or internal blood loss, hemolytic anemia, disease of bone marrow, genetic illness, and cancer. Canines suffering from anemia lose their appetite, become lethargic, and appear nauseous.
Your vet may recommend urine and blood tests, ultrasound, and X-rays to know if your pooch is anemic. However, treatment may vary depending on the underlying cause.
Some other reasons why you may notice your dog panting include tooth pain, pain from serious illness, laryngeal paralysis, seizure, toxicities, neurological issues, and cardiac disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my dog panting at night?
If your pooch pants at night, the most possible reason could be separation anxiety. Other common causes for dog panting at night are as follows
Environmental temperature
Typically, temperatures around 75-78F are fine for most canines. But some short-nosed dog breeds, obese dogs, and puppies are more heat sensitive and cannot tolerate warm conditions.
So, check out the breed-specific environmental temperature requirements before setting the thermostat.
Excitement
Some dogs pant when they are super excited about someone or something. Excited canines experience zoomies at the sight of their playmate, which can make them pant.
Anxiety
Suppose neither temperature nor excitement seems to be the problem. In that case, look out for the symptoms of anxiety.
Is there a lot of noise? Is your pooch being bullied by other canines? Is there any risk of separation anxiety? Have there been any changes in the fido’s environment, causing stress?
Look for the reasons and talk to your vet.
The side effect of medication
Panting can be a side effect of your dog’s medication. If you feel it’s the problem, visit your vet and talk about possible alternatives.
Why is my puppy panting at night?
Just like humans, puppies may breathe heavily when under stress. When the heart rate increases and body temperature rises, respiration rate also elevates, leading to panting. If you have a puppy who pants at night, he might be having a nightmare or nighttime anxiety.
When is the right time to visit your vet about dog panting?
Panting is normal canine behavior. Therefore, it can be a bit challenging to know when to reach a professional. So to help you have a better understanding of our lovely pooch going forward, here we have listed a few tips on when it may be the perfect time to seek advice from a vet.
- Your dog is still panting 30 to 60 minutes after playtime.
- You notice any sort of respiratory distress.
- The pup experiences excessive panting and discomfort after spending time in the heat.
- Your dog is painting without participating in any strenuous workout.
- There are symptoms of anxiety, weakness, or pain.
- Gastrointestinal symptoms are evident.
- Your dog is disoriented, slow, or displays any signs of respiratory distress.
Why is my dog panting and restless?
Final thoughts
Several factors could cause a dog to pant and become restless. In most cases, dog panting isn’t something serious to be concerned about. However, if the behavior is consistent, it might indicate a health concern requiring immediate medical attention.
Why is my dog panting and restless? We hope this guide has shed light into this disturbing question. Not knowing exactly what causes such condition can be mind boggling to dog owners.