Panting and pacing, panting and pacing. It’s usually a normal behavior for dogs. They may be excited, playing, hunting a toy, or feeling a little under the weather. But if it goes on for a long time, it may fall into abnormal behavior territory, and something may be seriously wrong.
You have to play detective. The panting and pacing are like sneezing or coughing; they are signs or symptoms of something else. By themselves, they cannot tell you what is going on, so you have to consider the context in which it’s happening.
There are hundreds of possible reasons for dogs panting and pacing. Here, we’ll explore a few to give you an idea of how to sort out the possibilities, get to the heart of your dog pacing, and decide whether you need to do something about it.
What Causes Normal Dog Pacing?
Dogs communicate a lot of information through their body language, and dog pacing is one way of having a conversation with you. As mentioned earlier, the specific meaning of the pacing depends on the context—other simultaneous behaviors, the setting, etc. Think, “My dog is panting and pacing, and…” fill in the blank. The pacing and panting are often related to restlessness or something exciting.
#1: Your Dog Might Be Dealing with Hunger or an Upset Stomach
Is it close to dinner time? Is your dog pacing in the kitchen while staring between the food bowl and you? It looks like it’s time to mix up some Volhard Natural Diet Foundation with some water and raw meat and give your dog a delicious, nutritious meal!
Dogs sometimes eat things they shouldn’t, and they may be pacing to help alleviate the discomfort. We had one dog, for example, that got into some mushrooms outside, then didn’t feel so great. Pacing helps dogs feel better, as do some attention and comfort from you.
#2: The Potty Break
Is the dog pacing near the door or where you keep the leash? Are things looking a little urgent? It’s time for a walk or a trip to the designated potty spot in the backyard.
#3: Overexcitement!
Hearing you arrive home, your dog paces by the front door waiting for you to walk in. They’re pacing by the back door because their canine companions next door are usually outside around this time every day. Maybe you said the word “walk” or the phrase “dog park” where they could hear you. They are anticipating something extraordinary!
#4: The Detection of Something New and Exciting
Something smells interesting in the kitchen. Something small and furry is hidden in an unreachable spot in the backyard while your dog paces nearby. You brought home another dog! That “something” really has your dog pacing! You may need to get the dog away from the new thing if it’s not safe, or if it is, let them play!
#5: Mating Season
Your adolescent dog is reaching sexual maturity. An intact male dog will wander far and wide to find a mate if given a chance. A female dog paces while uninvited prospective suitors gather on your lawn. If the dog isn’t spayed or neutered, they will get restless while pacing and panting in frustration. It’s time to talk to the vet about neutering or spaying if you don’t want future litters of puppies.
#6: Boredom
Your dog may not be getting enough exercise and mental stimulation, and that unused energy goes into panting and pacing. Before the dog starts chewing up the furniture, arrange more exercise time for them and find new ways to keep their mind engaged through toys, games, and time with you. Reduce alone time by hiring a dog walker or taking them to daycare.
What Causes Should You Be Concerned About?
When panting and pacing are accompanied by other symptoms of physical illness or emotional problems, you need to pay closer attention. For example, when your dog paces and pants for a long time, they can’t settle down, or they’re uncomfortable, there may be something more serious, especially for a senior dog.
#1: Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (Bloat)
One serious illness is gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV). The stomach fills with gas and causes bloat. In extreme cases, the bloat becomes a “volvulus,” where the enlarged stomach twists and blocks both the entrance and exit. This life-threatening condition requires immediate surgery. GDV can occur in any dog but is most common in deep-chested large dogs such as Doberman Pinschers, Great Danes, and Weimaraners.
#2: Canine Dementia in Older Dogs
Canine dementia, or canine cognitive dysfunction, can cause panting and pacing, among other disturbing symptoms in senior dogs. The dog becomes confused, may forget their housetraining, and interact less with you and their environment. They may pace after everyone goes to bed because they don’t understand where everyone is. If you notice a significant behavior change in your senior dog’s behavior, take the dog to the vet’s office as soon as possible.
#3: Anxiety and Stress
Many things can make a dog feel anxious or stressed—thunderstorms or other loud noises, separation from you, a trip to the vet’s office, or moving into a new home with new people. However, it’s usually not a severe medical issue and can be dealt with by separating the dog and the stressor, desensitization training, or calming methods.
Should I Take My Dog to the Vet’s Office?
Any time you suspect other alarming symptoms accompany your dog’s panting and pacing, go to the vet, even if you’re not entirely sure. In addition to the illnesses described above, panting and pacing can also be indications of:
- Gastrointestinal distress;
- Heart disease;
- Heatstroke;
- Medication side effects;
- Neurological disease;
- Obesity;
- Pain;
- Respiratory disease;
- Toxicity;
- Vision loss.
Fortunately, most panting and pacing doesn’t last long and is a response to what’s happening in their environment. Pay close attention to the context. Your dog is telling you they want or need something, so look at the environment and other symptoms, if any, to decide what to do. Take the dog to the vet’s office if the dog is ill, or even if you’re not sure. By practicing caution, you will keep your dog safe and happy. If you have more questions regarding your dog’s pacing and panting, contact us for an appointment and check out our blog for more information!