While it's normal to see your dog pant on warm days or during a vigorous play session, excessive panting at night can point to a concerning issue. Besides causing sleepless nights for you and your dog, nighttime panting can point to a health condition. Here, we list potential causes and what actions to take next, such as visiting a vet.
You might think of panting in dogs as similar to sweating in humans - a completely normal bodily function. Our pups pant as a way to effectively regulate their body temperature. That said, panting at night is a different matter, especially when there is no clear, obvious reason for a dog's distress.
Why is my dog panting so much?
Dogs often pant after they've been physically active - perhaps they've just had an energetic play session, have been excited or have gone for a long walk in humid weather. Panting and restless behavior (e.g. pacing) in mild or ideal weather conditions or at night when it's cooler could indicate a more serious health issue. Some potential reasons for excessive panting may include:
- Respiratory Disease - Your dog's ability to breathe can be impacted by respiratory issues, making it hard for them to get the oxygen their bloodstream requires to carry throughout their body. A dog with respiratory issues may pant heavily or struggle to breathe after even light exercise. If you notice your canine friend's tongue is blue, grey or purple instead of a healthy pink, get to your vet immediately for treatment; your dog may be experiencing oxygen deprivation.
- Cushing's Disease - When too much cortisol accumulates in the bloodstream, Cushing's disease can develop. In addition to panting, other symptoms of Cushing's disease in dogs include hair loss, pot-bellied appearance, frequent urination, increased hunger and an increase in thirst. Senior dogs commonly experience this health condition, which is often a cause of abnormal heavy panting.
- Heatstroke - Another serious health issue, heatstroke in dogs can have fatal consequences if left untreated. A dog's risk for heatstroke increases in temperatures over 106°F (41°C). Heatstroke causes heavy panting, which leads to dehydration. Short-nosed breeds such as pugs are especially vulnerable in high temperatures, but a dog of any breed must never be left alone in a car in warm weather or outside without access to shade or water, as they can overheat or suffer from heatstroke quickly.
- Heart Disease - Excessive coughing or panting can also point to heart disease or failure, which can heavily impact your dog's ability to breathe. If heart disease or failure is the culprit, you may notice your dog panting heavily after walking just a short distance.
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. This can be caused by upsetting events like loud thunderstorms or fireworks, or issues like separation anxiety.
- Environmental issues. Puppies and senior dogs have a harder time 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 such as 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, get in touch with your vet to find out whether your dog should be seen by them. 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.