When your dog is panting heavily and has diarrhea, it’s a clear sign that their body is under stress. These two symptoms together may point to digestive upset, pain, or a more serious medical issue that shouldn’t be ignored.
We outline the common causes of dog panting and diarrhea, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help.
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Dog Panting and Diarrhea — Why It Happens
Dogs may pant and have diarrhea due to gastrointestinal infections, dietary indiscretion, stress, poisoning, or internal disease. Panting typically signals discomfort or pain, while diarrhea reflects digestive system irritation or dysfunction.
Common Causes of Dog Panting and Diarrhea
Gastrointestinal Infection or Parasites
Bacterial infections (like Salmonella), viral infections (like parvo), and intestinal parasites can all cause diarrhea and systemic discomfort.
Panting may occur due to fever, cramping, or dehydration.
Other symptoms can include vomiting, lethargy, and loss of appetite.
Prompt veterinary treatment—including fluids and medications—is often necessary.
Dietary Indiscretion (Eating Something Bad)
Garbage gut, table scraps, spoiled food, or sudden diet changes can all cause diarrhea.
Panting may result from gas, abdominal pain, or mild nausea.
Mild cases can improve with fasting and bland meals, but watch for signs of worsening.
If symptoms last more than 24 hours, a vet visit is advised.
Related: Dog panting and drooling (Here’s why)
Toxin or Poison Ingestion
Toxic substances—including chocolate, grapes, medications, or household chemicals—can trigger panting, drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Time is critical. If ingestion is suspected, seek emergency veterinary help immediately.
Panting may indicate organ stress or even early shock.
Anxiety or Stress-Induced GI Upset
Stress or excitement can lead to both panting and sudden diarrhea in some dogs.
This might happen during thunderstorms, travel, or vet visits.
Some dogs have sensitive digestive systems that react quickly to emotional triggers.
Probiotics and anxiety support tools may help in chronic cases.
Pancreatitis or Internal Inflammation
Pancreatitis is a painful condition that causes inflammation of the pancreas.
It commonly leads to diarrhea, panting, vomiting, and lethargy.
Often triggered by fatty foods, it requires veterinary care, including fluids, pain control, and dietary changes.
Left untreated, it can lead to dehydration or systemic illness.
What to Do If Your Dog Is Panting and Has Diarrhea
Withhold food for 12–24 hours and then offer a bland diet (boiled chicken and rice).
Ensure constant access to fresh water and encourage small, frequent sips.
Provide a calm, cool space where your dog can rest and recover.
Avoid giving human medications—many are toxic to dogs.
Monitor your dog’s condition closely, including energy level, appetite, and frequency of bowel movements.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
Contact your vet if your dog:
Has diarrhea lasting longer than 24 hours
Is panting heavily even at rest
Shows signs of weakness or dehydration
Has bloody, black, or unusually foul-smelling stool
Has a fever, vomiting, or stops eating
Early intervention can prevent worsening dehydration or uncover more serious underlying causes.
Read more: Dog Panting and Throwing Up (What this means)
Key Takeaway
When your dog is panting and has diarrhea, don’t brush it off as just an upset stomach.
Pain, infection, toxins, or inflammation could be at play.
Gentle care at home may help mild cases, but ongoing or severe symptoms need professional evaluation.