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Panting is a completely normal behavior in dogs, most often associated with helping a dog regulate their body temperature. But what if your dog is panting and pacing relentlessly around the house or yard, unable to settle down? Is this also normal behavior, or could something be seriously wrong?
When your dog starts pacing or panting excessively, it’s often a clue that something’s not quite right. But what could it be? The truth is, panting and pacing are vague symptoms that could signal a wide range of physical, emotional, or behavioral issues. And since your dog can’t tell you exactly what’s happening, connecting the dots is up to you and will likely involve a trip to the vet.
Observing your dog closely for any additional symptoms and noting when and how often the panting and pacing occur will help your veterinarian more accurately diagnose what’s wrong. Your vet may recommend lab work or X-rays to first rule out physical health problems. Your veterinarian may then discuss possible behavioral causes and how to treat them. To help you stay ahead of the game, we’ve outlined 15 possible reasons why your dog may be panting and pacing—and why you should never ignore these signs.
1. Pain
When a dog is in pain, they may exhibit a variety of signs and symptoms that are important for pet owners to recognize. Pay attention to changes in any of the following:
- Appetite: Pain can cause a loss of appetite or make it uncomfortable for your dog to chew or swallow.
- Behavior: Pain can make dogs feel more vulnerable or overwhelmed, leading to aggression, irritability, or withdrawal
- Grooming: Dogs often lick or bite at areas that hurt in an attempt to soothe themselves. You may notice them licking their paws, joints, or another painful area.
- Movement: A dog with pain in a limb, joint, or paw may limp or have difficulty walking. They might put less weight on one leg or avoid moving it altogether.
- Posture: Pain in muscles, joints, or bones can make movement uncomfortable, causing your dog to adjust its posture to reduce pain.
- Vocalization: Dogs vocalize (e.g., yelping, whimpering, and whining) when they’re in discomfort or distress, especially if the pain is acute or sudden.
Panting, especially at odd times, such as the middle of the night, can be a sign of pain or discomfort. Your dog may also pace restlessly—circling, walking back and forth, or being unable to settle into a comfortable position. Your dog may also be reluctant to lie down and rest, and if they do lie down, they might seem uncomfortable and unable to find a position that provides relief, shifting frequently or groaning.
If your dog is displaying any of these signs, it’s important to monitor them closely and consult with a veterinarian. Pain can stem from a wide range of conditions, including injury, dental issues, infections, injury, or internal problems. Older dogs—much like older humans—are particularly prone to developing arthritis, which can lead to chronic joint pain. A vet will help determine the underlying cause and recommend an appropriate course of action, which may include pain management or further diagnostic tests.
Diagnosing the cause of your dog’s pain and treating it can be an expensive expenditure. Pet insurance can help provide some relief. Read our pet insurance reviews to find a company to assist you in unexpected situations.
2. Exercise
Dogs pant as a natural mechanism to regulate their body temperature. Unlike humans, who sweat to cool off, dogs primarily rely on panting to dissipate heat. Panting helps dogs regulate their body temperature by increasing airflow over the moist mucous membranes in their mouth and nose. As air passes over these areas, the evaporation of moisture helps to cool the dog’s core body temperature.
Panting can be more noticeable in warmer weather or in environments with poor ventilation, where the dog’s ability to cool off might be compromised. In these situations, panting can become more intense or frequent as the dog tries to bring its temperature down to a comfortable level.
Panting often occurs during and after physical activity. Alongside panting, dogs may also exhibit other behaviors like letting their tongues hang out or stretching out to relax. These physical signs indicate that they are content and satisfied after expending energy. They may even lie down and rest on a cool surface until they’ve sufficiently recovered.
However, not all panting after exercise indicates that a dog is simply cooling off. In some cases, panting can also be a sign of overstimulation or an indication that the dog is still restless. For example, if your dog is pacing or unable to settle down after a play session, they may want more playtime or attention. Some dogs may become overly excited during exercise and continue to exhibit restlessness even after the physical exertion has ended. This is especially common in high-energy breeds that enjoy activity and may be difficult to tire out. If your dog is pacing around, looking for more interaction, or seems particularly anxious, it may be a sign they are still mentally or emotionally active, not just physically tired.
It’s also important to consider that excessive panting after exercise could signal an underlying health issue, especially if the panting is prolonged or accompanied by other signs of distress, like drooling, lethargy, or difficulty breathing. If your dog is panting abnormally after a routine activity or seems overly exhausted, it might be worth consulting with a vet to rule out conditions like heart disease or respiratory problems. While some panting is completely normal, it’s always good to stay aware of how your dog is acting and adjust their exercise routines as needed.
In general, understanding your dog’s panting behavior can help you better cater to their exercise needs and ensure they remain comfortable. Providing a cool, shaded area for them to rest after physical exertion can help them recover faster. Additionally, always monitor the environment in which they’re playing, as extreme heat or humidity can intensify their need to pant. With proper care and observation, you can make sure that your dog enjoys exercise while staying safe and healthy.
3. Separation Anxiety
Dogs exhibit a range of behaviors when they are anxious, including excessive panting and pacing. When dogs experience anxiety, their bodies can enter a heightened state of alertness, triggering panting as part of the “fight or flight” response. Pacing, similarly, is a sign of restlessness or an attempt to self-soothe in situations that cause unease. In the case of separation anxiety, these behaviors can become especially pronounced when the dog is left alone or anticipates being left alone.
Separation anxiety is one of the most common forms of anxiety in dogs and is triggered by the fear of being apart from their owner or another key member of their household. Dogs suffering from separation anxiety can become intensely attached to their human companions, often following them around the house and becoming distressed when they cannot be in close proximity. This attachment can make it challenging for pet owners to leave their dogs alone, as the dog’s anxiety is triggered when the owner departs, leading to behaviors like panting, pacing, whining, barking, and destructive actions. For example, a dog with separation anxiety might chew furniture, dig at doors or windows, or even urinate or defecate in the house, despite being house-trained.
While panting and pacing are common signs of separation anxiety, it’s important to note that these behaviors can also indicate other physical or emotional issues. Therefore, if your dog’s panting and pacing seem excessive or unusual, a visit to the veterinarian is essential. The vet will first rule out any underlying medical conditions that could be contributing to the behavior. Once physical causes are eliminated, your vet may consider a diagnosis of separation anxiety based on the dog’s specific symptoms and behavioral history.
Managing separation anxiety can be challenging, especially because it’s not always possible to take your dog everywhere with you. Treatment options vary depending on the severity of the condition but typically include a combination of behavioral modification, environmental changes, and in some cases, medications. Behavioral techniques may involve gradually desensitizing the dog to being left alone, starting with short absences and gradually increasing the duration. Environmental changes might include leaving on calming background noise, providing puzzle toys, or creating a safe, comfortable space for the dog to retreat to when you’re gone. For more severe cases, veterinarians may prescribe anti-anxiety medications to help reduce the dog’s stress levels.
In the most difficult cases, your veterinarian may refer you and your dog to a veterinary behavior specialist who can develop a personalized treatment plan. These specialists have experience in addressing complex behavioral issues and can provide more targeted therapies, such as counter-conditioning and desensitization, which can help the dog build confidence and reduce their anxiety over time. With the right approach and patience, many dogs can learn to cope with separation anxiety, allowing them to remain calm and relaxed when left alone.
4. Storm Phobia
Does your dog’s panting and pacing seem to always coincide with the approach of a seasonal storm? If so, your dog may be experiencing a condition known as storm phobia, which is a fear of thunderstorms. This form of anxiety is quite common in dogs, and it can be triggered by various elements associated with storms, including the sound of thunder, changes in air pressure, lightning flashes, and even the smell of rain or ozone. Storm phobia can manifest in different ways, but it often involves behaviors like excessive panting, pacing, hiding, trembling, and vocalization such as barking or whining. In severe cases, some dogs may even try to escape the house by scratching at doors or windows, or they may become destructive out of fear.
The good news is that with the right management strategies, storm phobia can often be mitigated, allowing your dog to cope better during stormy weather. If you suspect your dog has storm phobia, it’s essential to consult with your veterinarian for advice on how to manage the condition. Your vet can help determine the severity of your dog’s anxiety and create a personalized treatment plan. In many cases, a combination of behavioral techniques and environmental adjustments can make a significant difference. For example, distracting your dog with their favorite toys, treats, or engaging in interactive play can help take their mind off the storm. Closing curtains or blinds to block out lightning flashes and keeping windows closed to dampen the sound of the storm can also reduce their anxiety.
Another helpful tool for calming storm-phobic dogs is the use of a white noise machine, which can mask the sounds of thunder and help create a more soothing environment. Some dogs may also benefit from the gentle pressure provided by a ThunderShirt, a vest designed to apply light, constant pressure to the dog’s body, which can have a calming effect similar to swaddling an infant. If these techniques aren’t enough, your veterinarian may recommend anti-anxiety medications, either to be used on an as-needed basis during storms or as part of a longer-term treatment plan to help your dog manage their fears.
In some cases, more advanced treatment options, such as behavior modification therapy or desensitization, may be necessary. This involves gradually exposing your dog to storm-related stimuli in a controlled environment, such as playing recordings of thunder at low volumes and gradually increasing the volume over time. This technique can help desensitize your dog to the sound of thunder, making it less alarming when they experience it in real life. Working with a veterinary behaviorist or a certified dog trainer who specializes in fear-based behaviors can be especially helpful in addressing severe storm phobia. With time, patience, and the right treatment approach, many dogs can learn to manage their fear of storms and experience a higher quality of life, even when the weather takes a turn for the worse.
5. Cushing’s Disease
Cushing’s disease, or hyperadrenocorticism, is caused by excess production of cortisol in your dogʻs adrenal glands. Sometimes, the adrenal glands overproduce because they are stimulated by a pituitary gland tumor.
In addition to panting, other signs of Cushingʻs disease include excess drinking and urinating, weight gain, hair loss, and behavioral changes. Your dog may pant and pace due to discomfort caused by these clinical signs. Increased water consumption may also contribute to these signs, as your dog will need to go outside to urinate more often than usual and may become anxious as a result.
Your veterinarian will diagnose Cushingʻs disease by performing specialized lab tests and possibly diagnostic imaging such as an ultrasound or CT scan. Cushingʻs disease is usually controlled with medication or sometimes radiation and surgery if a pituitary tumor is involved.
6. Cognitive Dysfunction
Is your dog pacing at night? If your dog is older, the panting and pacing could signify canine cognitive dysfunction, mainly if the pacing tends to occur most commonly at night. Cognitive dysfunction is a result of aging changes in the brain. Senior dogs may display other signs, including confusion, loss of housetraining, abnormal vocalizing, less interest in day-to-day activities, and decreased interaction with you and other household members.
Your veterinarian may recommend diagnostics such as an MRI to rule out other neurologic conditions before confirming your dog’s signs are due to cognitive dysfunction. While cognitive dysfunction cannot be cured, your veterinarian can help you manage the condition by suggesting dietary changes, supplements, medications, or environmental enrichment, which may help give senior dogs a better quality of life.
7. Vision Loss
Unlike humans, dogs do not rely very heavily on their sense of sight to navigate through life. Smell and hearing are much more important to them, so it’s sometimes difficult to recognize that your dog is suffering from vision loss. In many cases, a dog’s night vision tends to diminish first.
If your dog is displaying signs of anxiety by panting and pacing when the lights go out, consider decreased vision as a possible cause. Dogs are very good at memorizing where familiar objects are located, but if your dog’s night vision is failing, you may notice him bumping into newly displaced furniture or tripping over toys left on the floor. You may also observe your dog avoiding going up or down stairs in the dark.
Your veterinarian will examine your dog’s eyes to see if a treatable ophthalmic condition is causing the issue. If not, your veterinarian can suggest ways to help your dog adapt to vision loss.
Our Personal Experience With Canine Vision Loss
Our 14 year-old-dog Lily’s hearing and sight functions have really declined in the past two years, causing her to pant in the night. To calm her nerves, we have started plugging a pheromone diffuser into our bedroom wall near her bed to help her sleep. On nights when it is really bad, we also give her a Composure treat, and she calms down in about 15 minutes.
– Michelle Schenker, rescue dog parent
8. Medication Side Effects
Is your dog taking any prescribed medications? Several medications may cause panting, pacing, and restlessness as a side effect.
Glucocorticoids such as prednisone are one such medication. Just like humans, different dogs react differently to certain medications. If your dog was given sedatives or opioid pain medication for a surgical or medical procedure, they might pant and pace as the body metabolizes those drugs. It’s also possible for your dog to have an adverse reaction to medication even if it’s prescribed and administered correctly.
Contact your veterinarian if you notice your dog behaving abnormally, including panting and pacing, after giving them any medication, including flea and tick or heartworm preventatives.
9. Heat Stroke
Heat stroke, or hyperthermia, can be a life-threatening emergency. An early indicator of heat stroke is panting and pacing restlessly. Without treatment, these early warning signs can progress, and you may start to notice your dog appearing unsteady or having trouble breathing.
Dangerous heat stroke occurs when the dogʻs body temperature exceeds 105°F. This can happen when a dog is left in a vehicle, exercised in hot weather, or left out in hot weather without adequate shade. Extra caution should be taken with short-nosed or brachycephalic breeds such as Bulldogs and Pugs, which are predisposed to overheating because they cannot pant and cool themselves effectively. Additionally, dogs with certain health conditions, such as heart disease or obesity, can be more sensitive to the heat.
If you suspect your dog is suffering from heat stroke, begin cooling measures such as directing a fan at them and placing cool, wet compresses in key locations such as the groin and axial regions (rib cage and spine). Get your dog to a veterinarian as soon as possible for treatment.
10. Obesity
If you’ve noticed that your dog seems to be packing on the pounds recently, that extra weight could be responsible for the panting and pacing behavior. Obesity in dogs, just like in people, can cause a whole host of health problems.
Extra layers of fat can make it harder for your dog to breathe, contributing to excessive panting. Obesity also increases the strain on your dogʻs joints, which could cause discomfort and explain why your dog is pacing and has a hard time getting comfortable. If your dog is regularly panting and restless, it’s a good idea to schedule a vet exam.
Your veterinarian can perform lab work to rule out any underlying medical conditions and help you develop a weight loss plan for your dog.
11. Gastrointestinal Distress
A variety of different gastrointestinal (GI) issues could be causing your dog distress, leading to panting and pacing behavior. Diarrhea can be uncomfortable and cause your dog to constantly feel the need to go outside, leading to anxiety. Conditions such as pancreatitis can be excruciating, again leading your dog to display panting and pacing behaviors.
If your dog is showing signs of GI illness such as vomiting, diarrhea, or not eating, in addition to the panting and pacing, see a veterinarian as soon as possible. GI issues are not only uncomfortable and often messy but can quickly lead to more severe concerns, such as dehydration and lab work abnormalities, if left untreated.
12. Heart Disease
Dogs who develop heart disease exhibit several symptoms, including trouble breathing, coughing, abdominal swelling, and loss of appetite. If your dog is suffering from heart disease, you may notice panting and pacing as a side effect of trouble breathing as well as resulting anxiety from dealing with decreased oxygen and weakness.
To diagnose heart disease, your veterinarian will likely recommend tests that may include an EKG, blood pressure check, x-rays, or an echocardiogram. If one is available, your veterinarian may also refer your dog to a veterinary cardiologist. Treatment of heart disease will depend on your dog’s specific heart condition.
13. Neurological Disease
One of the reasons your veterinarian may recommend an MRI or CT scan if your dog is panting and pacing, especially at night, is to rule out any medical or neurological conditions such as encephalitis, an infection, or inflammation of the brain. Additional signs that neurologic disease may be causing your dogʻs panting and pacing include seizures, neck pain, “drunk walking,” and a head tilt. Another possible neurological cause of your dog’s behavior is a brain tumor.
Treatment of your dog’s neurological disease depends on what’s causing it. Medications are typically used to treat encephalitis, while surgery or radiation therapy may be recommended for a brain tumor.
14. Respiratory Disease
Panting and rapid breathing, as well as restlessness and pacing, may indicate that your dog is suffering from a respiratory condition. Other symptoms, such as coughing and the age and breed of your dog, may help your veterinarian determine if panting and pacing are due to respiratory disease.
All dogs can suffer from infectious respiratory diseases such as kennel cough. Flat-nosed breeds such as French Bulldogs and Pugs are prone to a condition called brachycephalic airway disease.
Your veterinarian may recommend diagnostics such as radiographs or even refer you to a specialist to diagnose and treat your dog’s respiratory disease.
15. Toxicity
If your dog tends to behave like a canine garbage disposal, eating anything and everything they can access, it’s possible that your dogʻs panting and pacing are due to the ingestion of a toxic substance. Some human foods and medications will cause symptoms such as panting and pacing or hyperactivity when ingested.
For example, chocolate and caffeine contain a toxic substance to dogs that causes these and more dangerous symptoms such as increased heart rate and seizures. Ingesting Adderall or other drugs containing amphetamines can also cause your dog to become agitated, panting, and pacing.
If you’re concerned your dog may have ingested something toxic, see a veterinarian as soon as possible. Treatment will depend on what your dog ingested.
What The Vet Says
According to Dr. Hannah Godfrey BVetMed MRCVS, “Dogs can pant for lots of reasons – it could mean that they’re hot, breathless, anxious, excited, or in pain. On the other hand, pacing is less associated with heat, exhaustion, or being out of breath and is more likely a sign of anxiety, excitement, or pain. Working out whether your dog is panting and pacing because they’re excited or whether it’s something you should be concerned about isn’t always easy.”
She adds, “If it’s warm or your dog has been racing around, try calmly sitting with them somewhere cool to see if they return to normal. If you can’t settle your dog with a calm cuddle or distract them with a walk or toy, then something isn’t right. First, check their surroundings – many dogs will be fearful or distressed hearing fireworks, storms, or other loud noises nearby. If your dog regularly struggles in these situations, your vet can prescribe calming medications or sedation, depending on the circumstances.”
“If there’s no clear reason for your dog to be anxious, they might be disorientated, unwell, or in pain. Older dogs can also suffer from cognitive decline, vestibular syndrome, and other conditions affecting their balance, awareness, or brain function, and the disorientation caused by these conditions can sometimes cause panting and restlessness. So, if you’re unsure why your dog is panting or pacing and can’t calm them down, it’s best to get them checked by a vet.“
When Is My Dog Panting And Pacing An Emergency?
There are some instances when panting and pacing can be a symptom or sign of a more significant, possibly emergency condition. It’s essential to pay close attention to what is happening around your pup and seek emergency treatment if you feel they are in trouble. Should you notice any of the following issues, it’s best to seek immediate treatment:
Respiratory Distress & Trouble Breathing
If your pup is having visible trouble breathing, you must seek emergency treatment as soon as possible. Several medical conditions can cause this, including disease, internal organ damage, poisoning, anaphylactic shock, cardiac disease, respiratory failure, and more.
Ingestion Of Poison Or Foreign Object
A dog panting and pacing, who seems uncomfortable, may be trying to tell you something. If you are suspicious or know that your pup ate something dangerous and is panting, pacing, and acting in a way that isn’t normal, it’s best to have them checked out. Sometimes, even just sharing a bit of your snack can cause your pup some trouble, as not all human foods are safe for dogs. Some foods like grapes, raisins, and onions are very toxic and must always be avoided. (Call the vet immediately if your dog ate grapes, raisins, or a big chunk of onion.)
Abdominal Swelling
If your pup is pacing or panting and has a swollen or distended abdomen, go to the nearest emergency vet as soon as possible. It can be a sign of an internal organ issue and could mean they have an issue with the heart, liver, kidneys, lungs, or pancreas. Take extra caution with a pup that has an underlying medical problem.
Poisonous Bite Or Sting
Insects, snakes, and other animals can bite and sting our dogs. Some of these animals, like snakes, spiders, and insects, can be poisonous, and if your pup has been bitten or stung, they may pant and pace. If you suspect this, it’s best to take them to get checked out right away. You may notice swelling or signs of shock, such as a rapid heart rate, respiratory distress, and a fever.
Excessive Drooling & Whining
If your pup is pacing, panting, drooling a lot, and whining or crying, something else may be happening. It’s best to have them looked at or call the vet for advice to be sure something serious isn’t going on. Ingesting poison, internal injury, stress, or even severe separation anxiety can cause your pup great distress. Excessive drooling is always something to note, and while it may not be an emergency every time, it’s not something to brush off.
Find A Vet You Like And Trust
Determining the cause of your dog’s symptoms, especially ones as ambiguous as panting and pacing can be a long and involved process. Finding a veterinarian you trust is a key step. At the end of the day, you know your dog best, and your veterinarian will take your observations and reports into consideration when determining a diagnosis. Panting and pacing are your dog’s way of telling you something is wrong, and it’s up to you to help find a solution for your canine best friend.
Why Trust Canine Journal?
Kimberly has written about many dog health issues and has first-hand experience with her dog panting and pacing. Fortunately, her dog’s panting is always due to exercise or getting too hot, which are both easily treatable by giving her a rest and a cool down. Her pacing is typically due to separation anxiety, which Kimberly has found sticking to a routine helps her dog. However, there are many other reasons for panting and pacing, which is why Kimberly consulted with multiple vets to provide many reasons why your dog may be panting and pacing.
