After watching your canine best friend sprint around the backyard at full speed, it’s no surprise when they eventually tire out and spend several minutes panting to cool down. This type of panting is normal and expected after physical activity.
But what if you notice your dog panting at night, when they haven’t been exercising and everything seems calm? Should this be a cause for concern, and is there anything you can do to help?
Why Is My Dog Panting So Much?
During the hottest months of summer, panting is a normal and important way for dogs to regulate their body temperature. Unlike humans, dogs don’t sweat effectively, so panting helps release excess heat and keep them cool.
However, if it isn’t warm or your dog hasn’t been active, frequent or heavy panting may signal an underlying issue. This is especially concerning when panting happens at night, appears excessive, or is new for your dog. In these cases, it’s worth paying closer attention and considering possible causes beyond temperature or exercise.
Why Does My Dog Pant at Night?
Panting at night can be more concerning than panting during the day because dogs are usually resting and temperatures are typically cooler. When your dog isn’t active and the environment isn’t warm, there are fewer normal reasons for panting, which may point to an underlying issue.
Common causes of nighttime panting generally fall into four main categories: behavioral, environmental, medical, and age-related. In many cases, unusual panting is accompanied by other signs, such as restlessness, pacing, or difficulty settling down and getting comfortable.
Medical Causes of Dog Panting at Night
Heatstroke and/or Overheating
Heatstroke and overheating are common reasons dogs pant excessively, both during the day and at night. These conditions occur when a dog’s body temperature rises too high, usually above about 104–106°F (40–41°C), and they are no longer able to cool themselves effectively.
Heatstroke is especially dangerous because it often goes hand in hand with dehydration. When a dog is dehydrated, they can’t regulate their body temperature as well, which can quickly worsen the overheating and create a harmful cycle.
Some dogs are at higher risk than others. Brachycephalic breeds—those with short, pushed-in noses, such as pugs and bulldogs—are more prone to overheating because their shorter, narrower airways make breathing and cooling less efficient.
Although heatstroke is often thought of as a daytime problem, it can still affect dogs at night. This may happen if your home stays too warm, has poor airflow, or if your dog became overheated earlier in the day and hasn’t fully cooled down yet.
Cushing’s Disease (Excess Cortisol)
Cushing’s disease most commonly affects senior dogs. It occurs when a dog’s body produces too much cortisol, a hormone involved in stress response and metabolism. Excess cortisol can disrupt many normal body functions and lead to a range of symptoms.
Common signs of Cushing’s disease include increased thirst and appetite, hair loss or thinning, a pot-bellied appearance, restlessness at night, and frequent or excessive panting. Because these symptoms often develop gradually, they can be easy to overlook at first.
Heart Disease
“Heart disease” is a broad term that includes several conditions affecting how a dog’s heart works. Two of the most common types are mitral valve disease, which mainly affects small and senior dogs, and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), which is more common in larger breeds.
Dogs with heart disease may show signs such as reduced exercise tolerance, heavy or labored breathing, especially at night, and a combination of coughing and panting. Nighttime symptoms often become more noticeable because the dog is lying down and the body is at rest, making breathing changes easier to spot.
Respiratory Disease
“Respiratory disease” is a broad term that covers a range of conditions affecting a dog’s airways and lungs, including pneumonia, tracheal collapse, and airway inflammation. When breathing is compromised, dogs may pant more in an attempt to get enough oxygen.
If your dog has a known or suspected respiratory condition, close monitoring is essential. One emergency warning sign is a tongue or gums that appear blue, purple, or gray. This change in color indicates poor oxygen levels and requires immediate veterinary care.
Pain/Physical Discomfort
Pain is a very common cause of nighttime panting. Dogs are often good at hiding discomfort, and panting may be one of the few visible signs that something is wrong.
Many issues can cause pain or physical discomfort, including gastrointestinal upset, injuries, arthritis or joint problems, and skin allergies. Because pain can worsen when a dog is resting or trying to sleep, panting and restlessness are often more noticeable at night.
Behavioral and Environmental Causes of Dog Panting at Night
Stress and Anxiety
Stress and anxiety, according to many different sources including Harlingen Veterinary Clinic, are common reasons dogs pant, even when there is no physical cause. Panting is a normal canine response to stressful situations, such as thunderstorms, fireworks, changes in their routine or environment, unfamiliar noises, or being separated from their favorite humans.
Anxiety-related panting is often accompanied by other behaviors, including pacing, restlessness, whining, or difficulty settling down. Is your dog restless at night, without any other concerning symptoms (aside from panting)? They could be suffering from anxiety.
Nighttime anxiety can be especially noticeable because the house is quiet and there are fewer distractions. In some cases, providing a calm sleeping environment, maintaining a consistent routine, or offering comfort items like a familiar blanket can help reduce stress. If anxiety appears frequent or severe, a veterinarian can help identify triggers and discuss appropriate next steps.
High Nighttime Temperatures
Even at night, dogs can struggle to cool down if temperatures remain too warm. This is especially true for senior dogs, puppies, and flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds, who have a harder time regulating body temperature. When dogs can’t cool themselves effectively, panting may continue well into the night.
Several factors influence how warm your dog’s sleeping environment feels, including bedding materials, airflow and ventilation, room humidity, and coat thickness. Thick or insulated beds, poor air circulation, or heavy coats can trap heat and make nighttime rest uncomfortable.
Certain breeds are more prone to overheating due to their anatomy or coat type:
Dog Breed | Risk of Overheating | Reason |
Bulldog | High | Flat face, reduced heat dissipation |
Pug | High | Flat face, narrow airways |
Boxer | High | Short snout |
Shih Tzu | High | Dense coat, flat face |
Boston Terrier | High | Flat face, short airway |
Siberian Husky | Moderate–High | Thick double coat |
Alaskan Malamute | High | Thick double coat |
If your dog pants at night during warmer months, improving airflow with fans, offering cooler bedding, or lowering room temperature can often make a noticeable difference.
Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (Dog Dementia)
While dogs don’t technically develop dementia in the same way humans do, they can experience Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS). This condition closely mimics many symptoms of human dementia and is linked to age-related changes in the brain.
Dogs with CDS may show disrupted sleep–wake cycles, nighttime pacing, confusion or disorientation, and increased panting, particularly at night. They may seem restless, get “stuck” in corners, or have difficulty settling down to sleep.
Senior dogs are at the highest risk of developing CDS, as the condition is associated with the natural aging process of the brain. If cognitive changes or nighttime behaviors appear suddenly or worsen over time, a veterinarian can help rule out other medical causes and discuss management options to support your dog’s comfort and quality of life.
Why Is My Dog Panting At Night When It’s Not Hot?
It’s understandable to feel concerned when your dog starts panting even though the weather is cool. This behavior can be alarming and may cause worry almost instantly—but it doesn’t always mean something serious is wrong. Panting has many possible causes, and some are relatively harmless.
During cooler weather, common reasons a dog may pant at night include:
Anxiety or stress, especially in response to noises, changes in routine, or separation
Pain or physical discomfort, which may become more noticeable during rest
Overexcitement, such as after play or stimulation close to bedtime
Medications, as some drugs list panting as a side effect
Poor air quality or limited ventilation, which can make breathing feel more difficult
If panting is frequent, worsening, or paired with other symptoms, it’s a good idea to consult a veterinarian to rule out underlying health concerns.
Dog Panting at Night and Drinking Lots of Water
If your dog is panting at night and also drinking more water than usual, it may point to an underlying issue that deserves attention. While increased thirst can sometimes be a normal response to panting, this combination can also be a warning sign of certain medical conditions.
Possible causes include:
Cushing’s disease, which often leads to increased thirst and panting
Kidney disease, where the body struggles to regulate fluids properly
Diabetes, which commonly causes excessive thirst and urination
Side effects of steroid medications, as these drugs can increase both panting and water intake
Dehydration caused by excessive panting, especially in warm or dry environments
When panting and increased drinking occur together, especially if the change is sudden, persistent, or worsening, it’s important to consult a veterinarian. Early evaluation can help identify the cause and prevent more serious complications.
How to Help a Dog Who Is Panting at Night
If your dog is panting at night but their tongue and gums are a normal color, you can often provide relief at home before contacting your veterinarian. Here are some simple steps to help your dog feel more comfortable:
Check the environment – Make sure the room isn’t too warm. Open windows, turn on fans or the AC, and ensure there’s good air circulation to keep your dog cool.
Provide fresh water – Ensure your dog has constant access to a clean water bowl to stay hydrated.
Create a comfortable space – Offer a safe, cozy place to rest that’s free of anxiety triggers, like loud noises or sudden activity.
Look for signs of pain or injury – Panting can sometimes indicate discomfort. A quick, surface-level check can help identify potential causes:
Area | Possible Issue | Signs to Look Out For |
Legs/joints | Muscle pain, strain, arthritis, joint inflammation | Swelling, limping, avoiding weight-bearing, whining when touched |
Paws | Burns, cuts, cracked pads, foreign objects | Licking or chewing, redness, limping, bleeding |
Ears | Ear infection, mites, debris, wax buildup | Scratching, head shaking, odor, redness, discharge |
Skin/coat | Hotspots, allergies, parasites, minor wounds | Redness, scratching, scabs, sores, hair loss |
Mouth/teeth | Gum disease, broken teeth, foreign objects | Drooling, bad breath, pawing at mouth, reluctance to eat |
Abdomen | Stomach upset, gas, blockage, constipation | Whining when touched, lethargy, loss of appetite, tense belly |
Back/neck | Muscle strain, injuries from jumping | Reluctance to jump, pain when picked up, stiff movements |
Nails | Split, broken, overgrown, or infected nails | Bleeding, limping, sensitivity when paw is handled |
If your dog continues panting excessively, shows other concerning signs, or you find an injury, it’s best to reach out to your veterinarian for guidance. Early attention can prevent complications and help your dog feel better faster.
When to See a Vet
While some nighttime panting can be harmless, certain signs indicate the need for immediate veterinary attention. You should contact a vet right away if your dog shows any of the following:
Collapsing or fainting
Blue, purple, or gray tongue or gums (sign of oxygen deprivation)
Nonstop panting at rest
Panting accompanied by coughing
Panting paired with excessive thirst
Symptoms of heatstroke, such as drooling, vomiting, weakness, or confusion
When you bring your dog to the veterinarian, they will likely perform a series of tests to determine the underlying cause. This may include:
Blood work to check organ function and hormone levels
X-rays to examine the heart, lungs, or other organs
A thorough physical exam
Hormone tests, if conditions like Cushing’s disease are suspected
Heart and lung evaluations to assess cardiovascular or respiratory health
Early evaluation is important to address potential health issues quickly and ensure your dog’s safety and comfort.
Summary
When a dog pants at night, it can be attributed to many causes, ranging from medical conditions like heatstroke, Cushing’s disease, heart or respiratory problems, to behavioral or environmental factors such as anxiety, poor air circulation, or high nighttime temperatures.
In many cases, panting is normal, especially if the dog is warm, restless, or recently active. However, it becomes concerning when it occurs alongside signs like excessive thirst, coughing, lethargy, or a tongue and gums that have changed color. In these situations, it’s important to seek veterinary attention promptly to identify and address any underlying health issues.
By observing your dog carefully and providing a comfortable environment, you can often manage mild panting at home—but never hesitate to reach out to your vet if you notice warning signs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it normal for an older dog to pant excessively at night, even if they are not agitated or distressed?
No. Nighttime panting in a calm, resting senior dog is not considered normal. It can indicate an underlying medical or behavioral issue and should be discussed with a veterinarian.
What could be causing my dog to wake up panting?
Dogs may wake up panting due to heat, pain, anxiety, or age-related health issues. Observing other symptoms can help identify the cause.
What are the possible causes for senior dogs panting a lot?
Older dogs may develop age-related diseases, chronic pain, or new anxieties, all of which can contribute to excessive panting.
Why is my dog panting and refusing to sleep when we put her in her kennel for the night?
This behavior may be caused by anxiety, discomfort, or being too warm. Ensuring a comfortable, calm environment can help, but persistent issues should be evaluated by a vet.
Why is my dog panting for no reason?
There’s almost always a reason. Your dog may be experiencing pain, anxiety, overheating, or an undiagnosed medical condition. If panting persists or seems unusual, it’s best to consult a veterinarian.
