When your dog has loose stool and is panting excessively, it’s a sign that something is off with their health.
While mild panting and a bit of loose stool can sometimes happen after stress or eating something unusual, the combination can also point to pain, fever, dehydration, or a more serious illness.
Recognizing what’s normal versus what needs veterinary care can make all the difference.
We outline the common reasons behind loose stool and panting in dogs, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help to ensure your dog receives proper care.
Table of Contents
Dog Loose Stool and Panting: Why It Happens
A dog with loose stool and panting at the same time often happen together when a dog is experiencing stress, pain, overheating, or an underlying illness that affects both the digestive and respiratory systems.
Stress or anxiety can upset your dog’s stomach and cause panting as a physical response. Heat exhaustion, infections, or gastrointestinal issues can also trigger both symptoms.
In some cases, internal discomfort or dehydration from diarrhea may make your dog pant more as the body tries to cope with the strain.
Dog Loose Stool and Panting: Common Causes
Gastrointestinal Upset or Dietary Indiscretion
Dogs are notorious for eating things they shouldn’t — spoiled food, garbage, or table scraps. This “dietary indiscretion” often leads to gastrointestinal irritation, resulting in loose stool. Panting may follow due to abdominal discomfort or nausea.
In mild cases, your dog may still appear otherwise normal, but if panting persists, it may indicate pain or discomfort from stomach cramping or bloating.
Always monitor for additional signs such as vomiting or lethargy, which could point to something more serious.
Read more: Dog Loose Stool But Not Diarrhea (What it means)
Dehydration from Diarrhea
When diarrhea persists, your dog can lose fluids and electrolytes rapidly, leading to dehydration. Panting may then develop as your dog’s body tries to cool down or compensate for fluid loss.
You can check for dehydration by gently lifting your dog’s skin between the shoulder blades — if it doesn’t snap back quickly, or if the gums feel dry or tacky, your dog may need urgent rehydration.
Fresh water should always be available, but in moderate to severe cases, intravenous fluids from your vet may be necessary.
Fever or Infection
Panting can be a sign that your dog has a fever — their body temperature rises, and they pant to release heat.
Loose stool may accompany infections such as bacterial gastroenteritis, viral illnesses (like parvovirus), or systemic infections.
If your dog feels hot to the touch, seems weak, or refuses food, a fever is likely present. Your vet can confirm this with a thermometer reading and run bloodwork or fecal tests to pinpoint the cause of the infection.
Pain or Discomfort
Pain — whether from abdominal cramps, inflammation, or another source — can make your dog pant excessively.
astrointestinal pain due to colitis, pancreatitis, or gas buildup can trigger both panting and loose stool.
If your dog is restless, whining, stretching into a “prayer position” (front legs down, rear end up), or seems reluctant to move, it’s a sign they’re in pain and need medical attention.
Heat Stress or Heatstroke
Dogs pant naturally to cool themselves, but excessive panting with loose stool — especially in hot weather — may signal heat stress or early heatstroke.
Overheating affects the gastrointestinal system, causing diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration.
eatstroke is life-threatening and requires immediate veterinary care. Move your dog to a cool area, offer small amounts of water, and seek emergency help right away if they appear weak, have a rapid heartbeat, or collapse.
Stress or Anxiety
Emotional stress can trigger both panting and digestive upset. Dogs may pant when nervous or scared, and stress hormones can speed up digestion, resulting in loose stool.
Common triggers include vet visits, loud noises, car rides, or changes in the home. The symptoms often subside once your dog calms down, but if stress-related diarrhea happens frequently, behavioral modification or calming supplements may help.
Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis — inflammation of the pancreas — can cause severe abdominal pain, panting, and diarrhea. Dogs may also vomit, refuse food, and appear hunched or restless.
The condition can be triggered by fatty foods, certain medications, or underlying metabolic disorders.
Because pancreatitis can be serious, dogs showing these symptoms should be evaluated immediately. Treatment typically includes fluid therapy, pain relief, and a special low-fat diet.
Parasites
Internal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, or giardia can irritate the intestines and cause loose stool. Panting may develop as a secondary symptom due to discomfort or mild fever.
Regular deworming and fecal testing help prevent parasite-related issues, especially for dogs that spend time outdoors or in multi-pet environments.
Reaction to Medication
Certain medications — especially antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, or steroids — can cause diarrhea or panting as side effects.
If your dog recently started a new medication and develops these symptoms, contact your vet.
They may recommend adjusting the dose, switching drugs, or adding probiotics to support gut health.
Read more: Dog Loose Stool with No Other Symptoms (What it means)
What to Do if Your Dog Has Loose Stool and Is Panting
Start by assessing your dog’s overall condition. If they’re alert, drinking water, and not vomiting, you can:
Offer a bland diet of boiled chicken and rice for 24–48 hours.
Ensure constant access to clean water and encourage small, frequent drinks.
Keep your dog cool and calm, especially in warm weather or after stressful events.
Avoid fatty treats, bones, or new foods that could worsen stomach upset.
If panting and diarrhea don’t improve within a day or two — or if they worsen — professional care is essential.
When to Call or Visit the Vet
Contact your veterinarian immediately if your dog shows:
Continuous or severe panting not linked to heat or exercise.
Bloody or black, tarry stool.
Vomiting along with diarrhea.
Weakness, shaking, or collapse.
Refusal to eat or drink for over 24 hours.
Signs of dehydration (dry gums, sunken eyes, skin tenting).
These symptoms could indicate heatstroke, infection, or another serious illness requiring prompt treatment.
Prevention Tips
Feed a consistent, high-quality diet to prevent digestive upset.
Avoid giving human food scraps or high-fat meals.
Keep dogs cool during hot weather with shade and fresh water.
Provide stress relief with regular routines and a calm environment.
Stay up to date on deworming and vaccinations to prevent infections.
Read more: Old Dog Loose Stool (Common Causes)
Key Takeaway
Panting paired with loose stool in dogs can be mild and short-lived — or it can signal pain, dehydration, or a more serious health issue.
The key is to observe your dog closely and act quickly if symptoms persist or worsen. With timely care and supportive treatment, most dogs recover fully and return to their playful, happy selves.