When your dog is panting and crying at the same time, it’s a clear signal that something is wrong. These symptoms often mean your dog is experiencing pain, distress, or emotional upset—and should never be dismissed as mere attention-seeking.
We outline the common causes of dog panting and crying, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help.
Dog Panting and Crying — Why It Happens
Dogs pant and cry when they are overwhelmed by pain, anxiety, or serious internal discomfort. Panting helps regulate body temperature and stress, while crying or whining is their vocal way of saying, “I need help.” Together, these signs often point to a physical or emotional issue that needs attention.
Common Causes of Dog Panting and Crying
Pain (Acute or Chronic)
Pain is one of the most common reasons a dog will pant and cry simultaneously.
This can result from injuries, arthritis, abdominal pain, or internal issues like pancreatitis.
Dogs in pain may also pace, avoid lying down, or become unusually withdrawn.
They might whimper when touched, especially around the painful area.
A veterinary exam is essential to determine the cause and begin pain management quickly.
Read more: Dog Panting and Shaking for No Reason (Should you worry?)
Anxiety or Emotional Distress
Dogs may pant and cry when left alone, during storms, or in unfamiliar settings.
Whining, pacing, panting, and seeking constant reassurance are common in dogs with separation anxiety or general nervousness.
You may also notice trembling, hiding, or excessive licking.
Creating a calm routine, using anxiety wraps, or incorporating calming supplements may help.
In more serious cases, anti-anxiety medications and behavior modification are beneficial.
Gastrointestinal Discomfort (e.g., Bloat, Gas, Nausea)
Digestive distress—especially bloat or gas—can cause sudden panting, crying, and visible agitation.
Bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus) is a life-threatening emergency where the stomach twists, trapping air.
Other signs include a distended abdomen, pacing, drooling, and unproductive retching.
Even mild GI upset, like nausea or gas, may cause vocalizing and panting due to discomfort.
Bloat requires immediate emergency vet care.
Neurological Issues
Seizures, vestibular disease, or other neurological conditions may cause confusion, vocalizations, and panting.
Crying may happen before or after a seizure, or as a result of disorientation.
Dogs might stumble, tilt their head, or appear panicked.
If neurological signs appear alongside crying and panting, urgent diagnostic testing is needed.
Prompt vet care helps rule out or treat conditions affecting the brain or spinal cord.
Cognitive Dysfunction (Especially in Senior Dogs)
Older dogs may develop canine cognitive dysfunction (doggy dementia), which can result in nighttime crying, restlessness, and panting.
This confusion often worsens at night—a condition known as sundowning.
Your dog may pace aimlessly, vocalize more than usual, or seem lost in familiar places.
Supplements, calming environments, and medications like selegiline can help reduce anxiety and confusion in aging dogs.
What to Do If Your Dog Is Panting and Crying
Stay calm and assess your dog for visible signs of pain, injury, or swelling.
Provide a quiet, low-stress environment and avoid unnecessary stimulation.
Offer a small amount of water and observe their posture—are they curled up protectively or stretching oddly?
Do not give human pain relievers or try to diagnose on your own.
Make note of when the crying began, any changes in behavior, and what happened beforehand.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
Seek immediate veterinary care if your dog:
Is crying and panting persistently for over an hour
Whimpers when touched or refuses to move
Shows signs of bloating, vomiting, or abdominal swelling
Displays trembling, disorientation, or collapse
Develops these symptoms suddenly without a clear trigger
These may point to serious issues requiring urgent medical attention.
Read more: Dog Panting and Anxious (What’s behind this and how to help)
Key Takeaway
Panting and crying in dogs isn’t normal—it’s a cry for help.
Whether from pain, anxiety, or internal distress, these signs deserve your attention and action.
Trust your instincts and call your vet when in doubt. Your dog is counting on you to notice—and to help them feel better, fast.