Have you noticed your dog panting or becoming more restless at night lately? You might understandably be feeling some concern. In this post, our Scottsdale vets list dangerous and non-dangerous reasons your dog might be panting at night, as well as causes of panting at night and when to visit your veterinarian.
While humans sweat to regulate our body temperature, dogs' bodies do not perform this function. Instead, they pant. However, panting at night is a different matter, especially when there is not an obvious reason that your pup might be in distress.
Dog Panting at Night
Sometimes, dog panting may not be cause for alarm. If they're playing energetically, taking a long walk in humid weather or are excited, they may pant to cool down their body. However, if your dog is still panting and displaying restless behavior (e.g. pacing) in ideal or mold weather conditions, or once it's cooled off at night, this could point to a more serious health concern. Some potential reasons for excessive panting may include:
- Heatstroke. Heatstroke in dogs is serious and may even become fatal if left untreated. The condition is more likely to occur in temperatures over 106°F (41°C) . Dogs suffering from heatstroke may pant heavily, which can lead to dehydration. Short-nosed breeds like pugs do especially poorly in the heat, but you must never leave a dog of any breed alone in a car in warm weather, since they can overheat or quickly take a turn for the worse.
- Cushing's Disease. When too much cortisol has accumulated in the bloodstream, dogs can develop Cushing's Disease. Symptoms of the condition include increased hunger and thirst, hair loss, frequent urination and a pot-bellied appearance. This issue is commonly diagnosed in senior dogs and is often discovered as the cause of abnormal, heavy panting. If you've been asking yourself, 'Why is my dog restless and panting at night?', this may be the reason.
- Heart disease. Heart failure or disease may cause excessive panting and coughing and can have a major impact on your dog's ability to breathe. In these cases, you might see your dog panting heavily after walking just a short distance.
- Respiratory disease. Respiratory issues affect your dog's ability to breathe, making it difficult for them to take in the oxygen their bloodstream needs to carry throughout their body. If your pooch has respiratory issues, he may pant heavily or struggle to breathe after even light exercise. If you notice your furry best friend's tongue is no longer a healthy pink but appears blue, grey or purple, take him to the vet immediately for treatment; your dog might be experiencing oxygen deprivation.
Why is my dog panting and restless 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 pants or paces excessively at night, or exhibits 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.
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.