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Dogs truly are man’s best friend and sometimes we wish our pets could speak to us, especially when they are acting strange.
While it can be easy to automatically assume the worst when your dog is panting and restless, we are here to help show you the reasons why your dog may be acting this way and what it might mean.
It might not always be as a result of something concerning or serious and knowing how to help your precious pooch will help to put you both at ease.
Why Do Dogs Pant?
Dogs are very different from humans and so understandably they do not sweat in the same way. Dogs often pant as a way to keep cool.
If you live in a warm climate your dog can become dehydrated, which makes it difficult for them to breathe and so they begin to pant to cool down.
It is important to have a cool space where your dog can go to cool down and always have a water bowl filled so that your dog can stay hydrated and cool even on the hottest days of the year.
Dogs also often pant when they are excited.
Why Do Dogs Become Restless?
An easy explanation for your dog being restless may be if they have not been outside for exercise that day or if your dog is well trained they may be alerting you that they need to go outside to use the bathroom.
It’s important that all dogs get exercise at least once a day. If you were stuck inside all day you might become a little restless too.
Now that we have looked at the harmless reasons why your dog may be panting or restless, let’s now take a look at why a dog may be exhibiting both behaviors and how you can help your dog instantly.
Why Is Your Dog Panting And Restless And How To Help
If your dog is panting heavily and restless you should first check for color changes of the tongue and the gums from their natural pinky color and also check your dog’s respiratory rate, which should be less than 60 breaths per minute.
If there is a color change and if your dog’s respiratory rate is elevated you should call your veterinarian immediately to seek further advice.
- Anxiety
If you own a rescue animal anxiety unfortunately often affects these dogs as they have been through a traumatic change in their life and may possibly have been abused.
Anxiety does not only affect rescues, any dog can begin to develop anxiety as a result of a change in their normal routine or a change in their surroundings.
Dogs are creatures of habit and they understand routine more than we would expect.
If you have suddenly changed your routine, moved home, or even changed your furniture this could be causing your dog’s anxiety.
Fear can also lead to anxiety, if your dog has been attacked this could cause your dog to develop anxiety. Take the time to help your dog adjust to the changes.
Massaging an anxious dog’s chest in slow circular motions is also a great way of helping to soothe your anxious pup.
- Separation Anxiety
Similarly to anxiety separation anxiety can affect all dogs. If your dog often follows you around or begins to pant and become restless when you leave the home it is best that you train your dog to understand that you will be back.
Try leaving your dog for short intervals and over time you can build the time up so that eventually your dog will be comfortable by themselves.
- A Bodily Injury
If a dog is in pain it will pant loudly and also be difficult to settle. This could be a sign of a broken bone, muscle damage, or more serious internal bleeds, pains, or diseases.
If there is no sign of external injury you should call your veterinarian to seek further advice.
What To Do Next
If your dog is panting and restless you should pay close attention for at least 30minutes to an hour. You can help monitor your dog and to get a better understanding of what is going on by following the below steps:
- Stop your dog from any physical activity. Rest may help your dog to stop panting and having you by his side may comfort the dog and end the restlessness the dog had been experiencing.
- If it is a warm day, bring your dog to a cooler climate and give the dog a cool bowl of water to help cool them down.
- Removing stimuli can help show you if your dog is over-excited or affected by something in their environment.
It may be a magazine with a picture of a dog that is frustrating your dog and we, as owners, would not notice something so small.
Without any stimuli, your dog will be able to calm down faster which should settle them and stop them from panting.
If your dog continues panting and is still restless you should ring your veterinarian for further advice.
While panting and restlessness can be natural they can also be an indicator that something more serious is going on and that is why these signs should not be dismissed.
If your dog is showing any of the below-listed symptoms alongside panting and restlessness you should consider getting to a veterinary clinic as quickly as possible to prevent your dog from feeling any further distress. These signs are:
- You have noticed a difference in your dog’s weight and bathroom habits
- Your dog seems to be having difficulty breathing and is panting even when resting
- If your dog ingests a toxin you should go to the veterinary clinic immediately
- You have noticed signs of pain
- Your doge seems disoriented or slow
Final Thoughts
As owners often you will know in your gut if something is wrong with your dog and so it is always better to go to seek professional help rather than waiting it out.
As mentioned at the start of this piece, check that your dog’s panting and restlessness are a result of something natural first before going to speak with a veterinarian.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Diseases Are Associated With Panting And Restlessness In Dogs?
There are a number of diseases that can be caught in a dog as a result of the dog panting and becoming restless and the owner seeking medical help.
Diseases include heart disease, Cushing’s disease, and respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia.
Most diseases can be treated but older dogs may be worse affected and may be more difficult to help as a result of their age.
How Do You Calm An Anxious Dog?
Dogs can easily feel anxiety as a result of change, fear, or separation from their owners. There are lots of ways to help your anxious pup through physical contact, massages, exercise, and music therapy.
Dog trainers can help give you the assistance you need to help your dog to feel less anxious and to give the support that they need.
What Are Other Signs Of Stress That A Dog Can Show?
As dogs can’t tell us how they feel there are lots of ways that dogs can show us how they feel, particularly when they are feeling stressed or in distress.
Signs other than panting and restlessness include shedding, whining, shaking, licking, and drooling as well as changes in their posture and cloudy eyes.
By paying close attention to your dog and their habits you can help your dog at the first signs of stress as you will notice the change in them immediately and be able to understand what your dog needs.
