As your dog ages, they may begin to pant more frequently and more heavily than before, 
including when resting. Many reasons can cause a senior dog to pant, and each one requires a veterinary visit to ensure your four-legged friend is not suffering from a serious health issue. Monitor your pet’s panting frequency and effort because they may have developed one of the following five common reasons why senior dogs pant.
1. Your senior dog is panting because they are in pain
Panting is a common sign of pain in pets, regardless of their age. However, senior dogs are prone to osteoarthritis and a variety of uncomfortable maladies, like dental disease and chronic illnesses, that can trigger excessive panting. Senior dogs in pain may pant more at night because they have fewer distractions to take their mind off their discomfort.
If your senior dog is genuinely in pain, you’ll likely notice other signs that indicate discomfort, such as lethargy, decreased appetite, restlessness, irritability, or a reduced desire to play and interact with you. Any of these signs warrant a discussion with your veterinarian to your family veterinarian.
2. Your senior dog is panting because they have a respiratory condition
Heavy panting and increased respiratory effort can be caused by respiratory conditions that can develop in older dogs. Senior dogs tend to have a weakened immune system, making them more vulnerable to respiratory infections like bronchitis and pneumonia. Cardiac issues can also cause a fluid buildup in the lungs, causing dogs to pant more heavily. Excessive panting because of respiratory issues can signal a serious problem that can rapidly go downhill. Don’t wait to contact your veterinarian if your dog has a known respiratory condition and begins breathing more heavily.
3. Your senior dog is panting because they have a cardiac condition
One of the most serious issues that causes panting in senior dogs is congestive heart failure, which has a variety of causes. Other illnesses, like heartworm disease, can also cause cardiac problems and congestive heart failure. In severe cases, a dog with congestive heart failure will also exhibit a swollen abdomen that is filled with fluid. Fluid buildup in the abdomen because of a poorly functioning heart puts extra pressure on the diaphragm. This collapses the chest cavity, causing restriction of the lungs, which leads to excessive panting.
4. Your senior dog is panting because they are overheated
Like puppies and kittens, senior pets are less capable of regulating their body temperature, so they can become overheated more easily. Keep a close eye on your elderly dog when you’re outdoors in hot or humid conditions, as they can quickly succumb to heatstroke. At the first sign of increased panting, head indoors to a cool place for your dog to relax.
5. Your senior dog is panting because they are anxious
Increased—or the appearance of—anxiety is common in older dogs. Canine cognitive dysfunction may go undiagnosed because a dog’s erratic behavior may be attributed to regular aging changes. However, senior dogs regularly experience anxiety, with or without cognitive dysfunction. As your pet’s eyesight and hearing diminish, or they develop illnesses, they can feel unsure of themselves and display anxiety through excessive panting. If you notice an increase in your senior dog’s panting, restless behavior, clinginess, inappetence, changes in sleep and wake cycles, or excessive whining and crying, seek help from your veterinarian.
Senior dogs can pant more heavily and more frequently for various reasons, and all benefit from veterinary treatment. If treatments are no longer successful, consider managing your pet’s comfort with veterinary hospice care.