It’s the middle of the night, and you’re suddenly woken by the sound of your dog panting heavily.
While panting is normal for dogs (especially after exercise or on a hot day), excessive panting at night can be a sign that something needs attention.
pant·ing
/ˈpan(t)iNG/
adjective
definition: breathing with short, quick breaths; out of breath.
"a panting dog"
Understanding the reasons behind panting in dogs or a dog excessively panting can help you determine whether it’s normal, temporary, or worth a trip to the vet to check on your pet's condition.
Below, we break down seven common causes of nighttime panting and what you can do to help your pup rest easier.
1. Overheating or Warm Sleeping Environment
Dogs can’t sweat like humans do, so panting is their primary way to cool down. If your dog’s sleeping space is too warm, or they’ve been lying in a cozy bed with heavy blankets, they may pant to regulate their body temperature.
Signs of heat-related panting:
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Tongue hanging out, drooling
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Seeking cooler spots like tile floors
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Restless shifting in bed
What to do:
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Keep the room cool with a fan or air conditioning
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Provide fresh water nearby
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Consider a cooling mat for dogs
2. Anxiety or Stress
Nighttime can be unsettling for some dogs, especially if they suffer from separation anxiety, noise sensitivity, or fear of the dark. Panting, pacing, whining, and shaking are all indicators that your dog is feeling anxious.
Possible triggers:
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Thunderstorms or fireworks
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Loud neighborhood noises
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Being left alone in a separate room
What to do:
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Offer a comfort item, like a favorite blanket or toy
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Use a calming aid (e.g., pheromone diffusers, calming treats)
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Gradually desensitize your dog to nighttime noises
3. Pain or Discomfort
Dogs often hide pain during the day, but when the house is quiet at night, they may be more aware of it, leading to excessive panting as a stress response. If your dog is panting or heavy panting, it could be a sign of pain or an underlying health condition.
Potential causes of nighttime pain:
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Arthritis or joint stiffness
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Digestive upset
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Injury or post-surgery discomfort
What to do:
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Look for other pain signals: limping, reluctance to move, whimpering
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Provide a comfortable, orthopedic bed
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Bring your dog to the vet immediately for a pain management plan
4. Medical Conditions
Some health problems can cause excessive panting at night, even if your dog isn’t too hot or stressed.
Common medical causes of heavy panting include:
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Heart disease – reduces oxygen circulation, making dogs breathe harder
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Respiratory issues – like laryngeal paralysis or pneumonia affecting your dog's breathing
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Cushing’s disease – overproduction of cortisol, often causing heavy panting
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Obesity – excess weight puts strain on breathing
Do Short Nosed Breeds Pant More?
Yes, short-nosed (brachycephalic) dog breeds do tend to pant more than other dogs due to their anatomy. Their shortened airways and narrow nostrils make it harder for them to breathe efficiently, so they need to pant more to cool down, especially in warmer temperatures
What to do:
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Schedule a vet check-up for persistent panting
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Request diagnostic tests to rule out underlying disease
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Follow treatment and lifestyle recommendations from your vet
5. Side Effects of Medication
Some medications—particularly steroids, painkillers, and sedatives—can cause panting as a side effect. If your dog recently started a new prescription, the panting may be linked.
What to do:
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Check the side effects listed on your dog’s medication
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Contact your vet before making any changes
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Ask if dosage adjustment or an alternative drug is possible
6. Dreaming or REM Sleep
Just like humans, dogs can have vivid dreams during REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. Panting during dreaming is often accompanied by twitching paws, soft barking, or tail movement.
What to do:
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Let your dog sleep—interrupting dreams can startle them
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Ensure they have a quiet, comfortable space for uninterrupted rest
7. Old Age and Cognitive Dysfunction
Senior dogs may pant at night due to canine cognitive dysfunction (doggy dementia), which can cause restlessness, confusion, and changes in sleep patterns. Older dogs may also experience nighttime disorientation or increased anxiety.
What to do:
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Maintain a consistent bedtime routine
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Keep night lights on for visibility
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Ask your vet about supplements or medications to ease symptoms
When to See a Vet
While occasional nighttime panting can be harmless, persistent or severe panting, especially if paired with coughing, lethargy, or pale gums, should be checked by a veterinarian immediately. A dog's excessive panting or other anxious behaviors could require urgent veterinary care.
Seek urgent vet care if your dog’s panting is:
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Sudden and intense
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Accompanied by collapse or weakness
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Paired with signs of heatstroke (bright red gums, vomiting, drooling)
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Has noticeably labored breathing or affects your dog's ability to function
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Not only occurring in warm weather or after light exercise
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Your dog has a pot bellied appearance
Final Thoughts
Nighttime panting and excessive panting in dogs can be caused by heat, anxiety, pain, health conditions, medication side effects, dreaming, or aging. A dog shows signs of panting, labored breathing, and even respiratory distress for many different reasons.
By observing your dog’s body, behavior and environment, you can often narrow down the cause and take steps to help them sleep comfortably and avoid excessive nighttime panting.
If ever in doubt about why your dog is panting, your veterinarian is the best resource to rule out serious issues and guide treatment. A restful night’s sleep for both you and your pup might be just a few small changes away.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Why is my senior dog panting at night?
Older dogs may pant at night due to pain from arthritis, heart or respiratory issues, or canine cognitive dysfunction. A vet check can rule out serious causes.
2. My dog pants at night but isn’t hot—should I worry?
Yes, because heat isn’t the only cause. Pain, anxiety, medical issues, or medication side effects can all cause panting and abnormal heavy panting, even in cooler conditions. Your dog's body temperature may have nothing to do with why they are panting excessively.
3. How do I know if my dog’s panting is abnormal?
Normal panting is steady and stops once the dog cools down or calms. Abnormal panting is excessive, happens at rest, or is paired with other symptoms like coughing or lethargy. If you are concerned about why your dog is panting, please contact your vet immediately.
4. Can stress cause my dog to be panting excessively only at night?
Yes. Nighttime noises, separation anxiety, or changes in routine can trigger stress that causes panting after dark.
5. Should I wake my dog if they’re panting in their sleep?
If the panting seems mild and is accompanied by twitching or soft noises, your dog may just be dreaming. Only wake them if the panting is severe, prolonged, or paired with distress signs.
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