Last Updated on March 14, 2024 by Aftab Tariq
Dog panting at night can happen for various reasons, such as anxiety, heatstroke, medical conditions, and genetics. It’s a sign that your dog’s body is reacting to something, which could mean they need help. Dogs pant to cool down, similar to how humans sweat. A dog panting at night and drinking lots of water for comfort in the darkness. Restless paws hunger for release under the moon’s watchful gaze. Dr. Karen Becker says,
“Dog panting at night could signal underlying health issues or discomfort and should be evaluated by a veterinarian.”
In the stillness of the night, a dog panting at night and restless, its fervent breaths echoing the unseen worries of the darkness. As the moon casts its glow, the restless pacing persists, a silent plea for solace beneath the starlit sky.
However, if your dog pants heavily in a cool room at night, it might indicate something else. As a pet owner, you are typically aware of when your four-legged companion is not feeling well. To learn more about why dogs pant at night and how to determine whether or not it is a more significant issue, continue reading.
What Causes Dogs To Pant?
Dogs pant primarily to regulate their body temperature, serving as their main cooling mechanism. This action involves rapid inhalation of air, which helps dissipate heat, similar to how humans sweat.
Panting can also be attributed to various other factors, including specific health issues or obesity. The predominant reasons for panting in dogs are either to cool down or to experience stress.
Causes Of Your Dog’s Nighttime Panting
Your dog may pant at night for various reasons, even if your environment is cool. Pet parents must know when their dog’s breathing is dangerous since dogs pant for several causes. Your dog may pant at night for these reasons.
1: Age
Old dogs sometimes pant a lot at night. This could happen because they have health problems like anaemia or Cushing’s disease. Also, their brains might not work, so they might feel restless and wander around, feeling lost and scared.
Old dogs might also find moving hard because their muscles aren’t as strong. This can make them pant more. Plus, they might feel anxious because they can’t move like they used to or feel pain when they walk or stand. As dogs get older, changes in their daily life might make them feel stressed, which can also make them pant.
2: Metabolic Disorders
Sometimes, dogs pant at night because of metabolic disorders like diabetes and Cushing’s Disease. One common sign of Cushing’s Disease in dogs is often panting, even at night. This disease happens because of a tumour on certain glands in the body, making too much of a stress hormone called cortisol. Other signs of Cushing’s Disease include:
- Source : Pinterest
- Eating and drinking more
- Peeing more often
- Feeling tired all the time
- Losing hair
- Getting skin infections
- Having a bigger belly
Cushing’s Disease makes dogs pant at night because they feel stressed from not feeling well. If you notice your dog panting often at night, it’s important to take them to the vet for a check-up.
3: Genetics
Some dogs may pant at night because of genetics. This means that certain breeds are more likely to have breathing problems. If your dog is panting often at night, it might be normal for their breed. For instance, dogs with short noses, like French bulldogs or pugs, often have brachycephalic syndrome. This means their breathing can be blocked because of how their head, nose, and throat are shaped.
Breeds prone to breathing problems include:
- French bulldogs
- English bulldogs
- Pugs
- Pekingese
- Boston terriers
Because of their short noses, these breeds might have smaller or squashed airways, which can lead to breathing problems and excessive panting at night. Even though these breathing issues are common for these breeds, it’s very important to watch out for signs that your pet isn’t getting enough oxygen. Look for signs like turning blue or purple (called cyanosis) because your pet needs urgent help from a vet.
4: Anemia
Anaemia is another common reason why your dog might be panting at night. Anaemia occurs when the number of red blood cells decreases due to destruction, loss, or lack of production. This drop in red blood cells increases heart rate, causing your dog to pant.
Just like when you exercise and your heart rate increases, making you breathe heavily, the same happens to your dog when their heart rate rises. Dogs with anaemia typically experience energy loss, weakness, reduced appetite, panting, and an elevated heart rate.
5: Anxiety
Sometimes, dogs pant at night because they’re anxious. This kind of panting isn’t because they’re too hot; it’s their way of showing stress. Here are some reasons why dogs might feel anxious:
Loud noises: Dogs can hear things much better than humans. So, loud noises that might not bother you could scare your dog. For instance, if a loud noise like a smoke alarm goes off, your dog might get scared and anxious.
Dogs often feel anxious during storms or fireworks because they’re loud and unpredictable. But some products can help calm your pet during stressful times. You can also talk to your vet about medication to help with anxiety.
Separation anxiety: Some dogs get anxious when left alone after being used to having you around often. This is called separation anxiety.
But you can train your dog to feel calmer when you’re not there. You can use behavioural training to help them relax when you’re away. Also, having a camera at home can help you check on your pet and see if they’re feeling anxious, like if they’re panting at night.
Changes at home: Dogs like routines, so changing their environment can make them anxious. It might take some time for them to get used to a new home. Adopted dogs might feel more anxious because they’ve been through different homes and shelters.
It’s important to show them love and patience to help them feel secure in their new environment. New dogs might also feel anxious because everything is new, like the environment and the people.
6: Heart Disease
Dogs with heart disease and heart failure pant more because their heart has to work extra hard to pump oxygen all around their body. Rapid breathing is a sign of heart failure because fluid builds up in the lungs. Heart disease can happen because of heartworms, but you can keep your dog safe by giving them heartworm prevention medicine from the vet. If your dog gets heartworm, it can be treated if it’s found early. So, it’s important to protect your furry friend.
7: Pain
When dogs are in pain, their heart beats faster, making them breathe heavily and pant more at night. Pain can be from inside their body, like a sickness, or outside, like hurting their paw. If you see your dog hurting, get them to a vet immediately.
For instance, if they’re limping and panting, they might have a sprain or broken bone and need emergency help. Sometimes, you can’t see the injury, but your dog could still be in pain.
8: Obesity
Dog obesity can induce heavy panting and other issues, like in people. Overweight dogs often have arthritis, heart trouble, and joint pain. When dogs are too heavy, they pant more because they work harder to do normal things, using more energy and making their heart beat faster.
To keep your dog healthy, make sure they eat a balanced diet and get regular exercise. You can usually tell if your pet is putting on weight, but sometimes pet owners don’t know the right weight for their dog. If you need more clarification, ask a vet. They can help you figure out the best diet for your pet and help them stay healthy.
Dog Panting At Night Cushing’s
Excessive panting in dogs at night may indicate Cushing’s Disease, characterized by elevated cortisol levels in the bloodstream. Other symptoms to watch for include heightened thirst, increased appetite, frequent urination, hair loss, and a distended abdomen.
How To Stop Dog Panting At Night?
To help your dog stop panting at night, it’s important to figure out why they’re panting. Your vet might give them allergy medicine if it’s because of allergies. If your dog is anxious, training or medication could help them relax. You can cool them down with a wet cloth or cold water or turn up the air conditioning if they’re hot.
For more serious issues like heart disease or pain, it’s best to talk to your vet. They can give your pet the right medicine and treatment they need.
Conclusion
Dog panting at night can happen for different reasons. Don’t worry too much unless your dog has a health issue. Usually, they’re just too warm or feeling anxious. You know your dog best, so trust your instincts.
If your dog pants often at night and your home isn’t hot, it might be time to see the vet. Luckily, you can now get help from a vet without leaving home. Dutch offers telemedicine for pets. They can help determine why your dog is panting and make them feel better.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Causes My Dog To Pant While He Is At Rest?
An underlying medical condition, including obesity, cardiac problems, or respiratory troubles, may be indicated if your dog pants while at rest.
How Come Elderly Dogs Pant At Night?
One of the more common changes we observe in our elderly dogs is an increase in the severity of their nighttime panting. Depending on the context, this may refer to various symptoms, including discomfort, nausea, anxiety, overheating, or dementia.
Why Is My Dog Panting While Resting?
It might be due to anxiety, pain, discomfort, overheating, or underlying health issues. It’s essential to observe any accompanying symptoms and consult a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment if the panting persists or if you’re concerned about your dog’s health
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Dog panting and restless at night
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