Dog panting at night is a common concern of pet parents. Although panting is a normal phenomenon in dogs and they use panting to regulate their body temperature. Dog panting at night can be due to various reasons. We will talk about different reasons why your dog may be panting and different solutions in this article.
Dog Panting
As mentioned already, dog panting is a normal process. As dogs can’t sweat through their skin so they inhale and exhale really fast and that can result in the evaporation of water from the nose and lungs. So, panting is dogs’ mechanism to keep their bodies cool at times of excitement and physical activity.
If you have a dog as a pet, it is important to know what is normal and what’s abnormal about your dog. Dog owners can come across a common problem and may ask why dogs pant at night. Before we talk about that, let’s talk about normal and abnormal panting.
Normal Panting in Dogs
The normal breathing rate of a dog is 10-35 inhalations and exhalations per minute at rest. But, panting can get up to 100 to 350 inhalations and exhalations per minute. Still, this is not something to worry about. Panting is an important factor in regulating a dog’s body temperature. Since dogs cannot sweat, panting is their way to maintain water and heat in their body. So, it is okay to see your dog breathing 10 times faster than the normal breathing rate at rest during panting.
Abnormal Panting
Dog panting should last for a short while. If your dog has been panting for long enough, then it can be a sign of a potential health problem.
Signs of Abnormal Dog Panting
Following are some signs that can help you know your dog’s panting is not normal and that you need to do something about it.
- your dog seems to be putting more effort into it
- your dog’s breathing seems loud or shallow
- your dog is panting for too long, even when there is no need for temperature regulation
Causes of Dog Panting at Night
There can be many possible causes why your dog has abnormal panting. In some cases panting at night can be random, but in other cases, panting can be due to a potential health problem. Along with the causes, remedies for dog panting at night have also been added.
Anxiety/Stress
Dogs, like humans, can get stressed and anxious but they can’t say that they are nervous. Panting is their way of telling that they are anxious or stressed. Following are some factors that can make your dog stressed and anxious.
- Dark and quiet homes can cause disturbance for dogs
- If you have shifted to your new house, it may induce anxiety in your dog
- A dog suffering from separation anxiety is very likely to pace and pant at night as well.
If your dog is panting due to fear or anxiety, you can rectify the problem by comforting them.
Heat Exhaustion
- Make sure your dog is sleeping in an area with proper air circulation. If your dog is sleeping on a warm cloth, that means your dog’s body is getting too much warmth. It can cause excessive panting. Provide your dog with a comfortable sleeping environment and place.
- Your dog is likely dehydrated if you took your dog on a walk on a sunny day. Always make sure your dog is hydrated enough to avoid heatstroke and excessive panting.
- Too much exercise can also lead to heat exhaustion; your dog may show signs of low energy or weakness. Avoid excessive exercise, especially in hot weather.
Dreaming
- Studies have shown that dogs also dream when they’re sleeping. An average dream of a dog lasts about 15-20 minutes. So, your dog can have a dream at night, which can be amazing or scary.
- If it is scary, your dog is likely to stress out because of it. This can result in your dog panting at night. Keep an eye on your dog if you notice it is panting in sleep. If it gets back to normal after some time, there’s nothing to worry about. If it stays like that longer than 20 minutes, that can be due to some serious problem. So, it’s best to take your dog to the vet.
Weight/Age
- Excessive panting can also be due to obesity. It is a sign that the dog may be suffering from cardiovascular issues. Studies have shown that overweight dogs are more likely to suffer from diabetes, heart problems, and other health problems. A normal healthy dog has a 25% longer life expectancy than an obese dog.
Include regular physical activity in your dog’s schedule to prevent obesity. This will not only help you make your bond with your dog stronger but also add years to your dog’s life. Moreover, this will help you prevent the issue of the dog panting at the night!
- Age can also be a factor in abnormal panting. Older dogs pant more than younger ones. Since your dog is growing older, he might be facing some new challenges like anxiety or chronic pain. Also, excessive exercise can be tiring for your dog. You should take your dog to the vet to make some changes in its routine to make its old days easier.
Pain
- If you see your dog panting in a dense manner, it can be due to pain or discomfort. If panting lasts for a longer time or grows heavier, it is suggested to visit your vet.
- Joint pain is often seen in dogs (usually older dogs) which causes panting. But there can be other reasons too. You cannot tell at home where your dog is hurting, if the pain is in the stomach, back, or bladder. It is important to detect the cause of pain to make a diagnosis to treat your dog.
Anemia
- It is the deficiency of red blood cells in the body. Due to decreased number of cells in the body, the ability to carry oxygen to organs gets reduced. When your dog’s brain and organs aren’t getting enough blood, it causes some complications. The issue will manifest through panting and restlessness. See your vet if you see similar signs.
Cardiac Diseases
- The heart’s inability to pump oxygen efficiently causes shallow breathing. It is accompanied by loss of appetite, lack of energy, and stamina. Older dogs are at a higher risk of heart disease.
- Unfortunately, there can be many diseases involved—for example, heart valve disorders and arrhythmias, which only your vet can tell about.
Cushing’s Disease
- The abnormal production of cortisol hormone by adrenal glands can cause cushing’s disease. If your dog is panting with an increased appetite or thirst, it can be a sign of Cushing’s disease.
- In most cases, this disease affects old age dogs, and it is possible to diagnose it with a simple blood test. Check with your vet if you suspect your dog is a victim of Cushing’s disease.
If your dog won’t stop panting, and you’re looking for what to do in this situation then check this YouTube video.
FAQs
Why is my dog panting for no reason at night?
The most common reasons for dog painting are; anxiety, heat exhaustion, and pain in the body. The panting in dogs without justifiable cause usually means they need help.
How do you calm a dog from panting?
To calm a dog from panting, you need to first find the cause of the problem. If it is due to anxiety or stress, you should remove the trigger. If it is due to heat exhaustion, provide a colder environment and if the dog is panting due to pain, follow your vet’s advice to alleviate pain.
What can I give my dog for panting?
First of all, you can offer them water to drink, and then it’s better to call your veterinarian for guidance.
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Final Words
There can be many factors contributing to a dog panting at night, including stress, anxiety, exercise, heat exhaustion, obesity, back pain, joint pain, abdominal pain, bladder pain, toxicity, cardiac disease, etc. You do not need to worry unless panting is consistent or is in abnormal patterns. You can help your dog first at home. You can stop the exercise, and provide them with a cooler environment. You can comfort them by removing stress and anxiety triggers. If you still see your dog panting at night for a long time, then it is best you see your vet.