Why Is the Dog Panting at Night? 10 Reasons to Know the Facts

Dogs pant routinely, but if it happens too much at night, it can raise some alarms. Usually, there is no worry if your dog is panting so much at night after runs or when they are tired from other physical activities. 

It is reported that at rest, a healthy dog should take between 15 and 35 breaths per minute. So, count the number of breath intakes your dog takes. If you find the dog takes more than 40 breaths per minute while at rest, it is not a normal condition.  

In this blog, you will learn about in detail;

• What panting is normal?
• When panting becomes abnormal?
• 10 reasons for dog panting at night
• When to call for your vet?

When is panting normal?

Most often, panting is a healthy and natural process. Since dogs do not sweat, they pant as a means to facilitate cooling down. 

How does this work, exactly? Open-mouthed panting by your dog allows cool air to flow in and brings the blood near the mouth's surface down in temperature.

Concurrently, water vapor escapes from the tongue, the inner mouth, and the back of the throat, helping to create this cooling sensation.

Although this panting is standard, your dog can continue panting abnormally. When there’s no apparent cause, it can be quite troubling, causing you to think, 'Why is my dog panting while sleeping?' or 'What are some usual reasons why my dog panting at night?'.

What is Considered Abnormal Panting?

If you start to wonder why your dog is breathing so quickly, it might be a smart idea to start counting its breaths. This will clarify whether it is respiring too speedily.

When your dog is at rest, expect it to take about 15 to 20 breaths each minute. For normal breathing at rest, your dog should take no more than 35 to 40 breaths each minute.

Upon this happening, it is important to quickly shift your dog to a more temperate place. If the heavy breathing does not improve within approximately 30 to 60 minutes, you should request veterinary care.

10 Reasons Why Dog Panting at Night?

1. Overheating or Warm Environment

It is the main cause of dog panting. Even at night, your dog may be feeling warm, causing panting.

• Dogs pant to cool down.
• Warm bedding or blankets can cause overheating.
• Thick-coated breeds are more prone to heat.
• Panting increases in a hot room.
• Ensure a cool, ventilated sleeping area.

2. Anxiety or Stress

Dogs, like humans, can experience anxiety, especially at night when it’s quiet. This may trigger dog panting at night.

• Separation anxiety can trigger panting.
• Unfamiliar nighttime noises cause stress.
• Changes in routine increase anxiety.
• Some dogs fear the dark.

*Use calming techniques or aids

3. Pain or Discomfort

Dogs hide their pain well, but it may become more apparent at night when trying to rest, leading to increased panting. Injuries or untreated wounds can also cause discomfort, making it essential to properly care for your dog's wounds to ensure they heal correctly and minimize distress.

• Pain may worsen at rest, causing panting.
• Look for limping or reluctance to move.
• Joint or injury pain may show as panting.
• Chronic illnesses cause nighttime discomfort.

*Visit a vet for pain management.

4. Heart Disease

Panting can be an early warning sign of heart problems in dogs. 

Heart disease in dogs can lead to fluid buildup in the lungs.

• Panting may indicate heart issues.
• Fluid buildup around the lungs causes dog heavy breathing at night.
• Heart murmurs often lead to panting.
• Dogs tire quickly and pant after activity.

Regular check-ups are vital for catching such issues early, as they allow your veterinarian to assess your dog's heart health and overall condition. A professional evaluation can identify potential concerns before they become serious, ensuring your pet stays happy and healthy. Read more about the importance of regular check-ups for your beloved pet.

5. Respiratory Issues - Main Culprit of Dog Panting at Night

Breathing difficulties can cause dogs to pant more than usual, especially at night when lying down.

• Breathing problems lead to labored panting.
• Conditions like bronchitis cause persistent panting.
• Small dogs may have collapsing tracheas.
• Nasal blockages hinder airflow.

*Vet care is necessary for diagnosis.

6. Cushing’s Disease

Cushing’s disease, caused by excessive cortisol production, can lead to a range of symptoms, including panting. It’s a hormonal disorder that primarily affects middle-aged and older dogs.

• Hormonal imbalance raises cortisol levels.
• Increased thirst and hunger lead to panting.
• Muscle weakening makes breathing hard.
• Pot-bellied appearance and panting are common.

*Vet treatment can manage symptoms.

7. Obesity

Overweight dogs are at a higher risk for nighttime panting due to the extra strain on their cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Read more about obesity in dogs for further information.

• Overweight dogs overheat more easily.
• Extra weight strains the respiratory system.
• Fatigue after minimal activity leads to panting.
• Obesity increases the risk of heart problems.

*Regular exercise and diet changes can help.

8. Medications

Certain medications can cause side effects, and they cause dog panting at night.

• Steroids can cause panting as a side effect.
• Some pain medications increase panting.
• Hormonal drugs may affect breathing.
• Anti-anxiety medications may cause restlessness.

*Talk to the vet about medication changes.

9. Cognitive Dysfunction

As dogs age, they may develop cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS), which shares similarities with dementia in humans. Recognizing early warning signs of dementia in dogs is crucial for early intervention. This condition can cause nighttime confusion and restlessness, leading to symptoms like panting.

• Senior dogs may pant due to confusion at night.
• Disorientation causes anxiety and panting.
• Restlessness and pacing may increase at night.
• CDS symptoms worsen without treatment.

*Supplements or medication may help.

10. Exercise or Overexertion

If your dog has had vigorous exercise before bedtime, it may continue to pant as its body cools down. 

• Late exercise delays cooling down.
• Panting continues after vigorous activity.
• High-energy dogs may pant more.

*Ensure proper hydration after exercise. Also, allow your dog to rest before bedtime.

When to Call Your Vet for Your Dog's Panting

As soon as you notice your dog pants excessively when resting or breathing heavily while sleeping, there is a greater chance that he will develop respiratory disorders. Read more information on the causes of dog breathing heavy and its treatment.

Below are the signs that will let you know you need veterinarian help;

• Dog heavy panting at night that’s louder or sounds different from normal panting. 
• Their panting starts suddenly
• Open-mouthed breathing while at rest
• Reluctance to drink, eat or move
• Pale, blue-tinged, or brick-red gums
• Out of character drooling
• Noticeably labored breathing (engaging stomach muscles to help breathe)

To Sum Up

Dog panting at night can have various causes, ranging from harmless to severe. By understanding the reasons and observing other symptoms, you can act appropriately to keep your dog healthy.

Search a Vet provides a dynamic platform for pet owners to learn about their pet health. We connect you to top veterinarians, animal hospitals, and veterinary clinics to get smooth online appointments and consultations in a single platform and from the comfort of your home or office. 

The platform will also help pet parents to address their dog panting while sleeping, and other concerns and seamlessly schedule appointments in case necessary by locating the most reliable clinic in their area. 

FAQs

Q1: Why is my dog panting at night?

There are several reasons for night-time dog panting. 

However, it could be due to 

• Overheating
• Anxiety
• Pain
• Or more serious issues like heart disease or respiratory problems

It is better to find the root cause in case it happens than the normal breathing discussed above.

Q2: Is it normal for dogs to breathe fast while sleeping?

Fast breathing can be normal during sleep, but heavy, consistent panting may suggest discomfort or illness.

Q3: How can I help my dog if it's panting excessively at night?

Provide a cool, comfortable environment, and visit the vet to find any underlying health concerns.