Why is my dog panting at night?

A dog that suddenly starts panting heavily at night, especially if it is not hot and they have not been exercising, deserves attention. Nighttime panting is often a sign that something is wrong physically or emotionally.

Common medical causes

- Pain or discomfort — arthritis is the leading cause in older dogs. Pain tends to be worse at rest, so your dog may seem fine during the day but pant quietly at night when they lie still.
- Cushing's disease (hyperadrenocorticism) — overproduction of cortisol causes panting, increased thirst, a pot-bellied appearance, and hair loss. Most common in middle-aged to older dogs.
- Hypothyroidism or heart disease — both can cause exercise intolerance and breathing changes that worsen at night.
- Fever — feel your dog's ears, paws, and groin. A rectal temperature over 39.5 °C (103.1 °F) is a fever.
- Side effects from medication — steroids (prednisone) frequently cause panting, increased thirst, and restlessness, especially in the first few weeks of treatment.

Behavioural and environmental causes

- Anxiety or stress (thunderstorms, fireworks, separation anxiety)
- Too warm — check the room temperature and your dog's bedding
- Cognitive dysfunction syndrome (doggy dementia) in older dogs causes disorientation and restlessness at night

When it started matters

If the panting started suddenly and is accompanied by pale gums, difficulty breathing, or collapse, this is an emergency. If it has developed gradually over weeks, it is still important but less urgent — book a vet appointment within a few days.

Track the pattern with Flovvi

Log when the panting happens, the room temperature, whether your dog has eaten or exercised recently, and any medication they take. This pattern is extremely useful for your vet.