Noticing your dog panting heavily while also seeming unusually hungry can be worrying.
While panting is often a cooling mechanism and a big appetite can sometimes be normal, when these two happen together, it may indicate stress or a medical issue.
We outline the common causes of panting and increased appetite in dogs, what you can do, and when to seek veterinary help.
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Dog Panting and Eating a Lot — Why It Happens
A dog that is panting and eating excessively may be dealing with hormonal disorders, medication side effects, stress, or underlying disease. Conditions like Cushing’s disease, thyroid imbalances, and diabetes can all trigger increased hunger alongside panting. Some dogs also react this way to corticosteroid medications.
In other cases, the combination may come from stress, obesity-related strain, or even pain that makes them restless and pant while still wanting food.
Because the causes range from mild to serious, it’s important to pay attention to when these signs started and how often they occur.
Dog Panting and Eating a Lot: Common Causes
Cushing’s Disease
Cushing’s disease occurs when a dog’s body produces too much cortisol, a stress hormone. Excess cortisol increases appetite significantly while also making dogs pant more, even when they aren’t overheated.
You may notice your dog begging for food constantly, stealing food, or gaining weight despite the extra activity.
Other signs can include hair loss, a pot-bellied appearance, and increased thirst. Because this condition progresses over time, early diagnosis is important to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Read more: Dog Panting and Excessive Thirst (Why it happens)
Thyroid Imbalances
An overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) can increase metabolism, causing dogs to feel hungry all the time. At the same time, their bodies may burn more energy, leading to panting and restlessness.
Dogs with thyroid issues might also lose weight despite eating more, or they may become unusually anxious and hyperactive.
Although thyroid disease is less common in dogs than in cats, when it does occur, it can explain the combination of panting and excessive eating.
Diabetes
Diabetes in dogs affects how their bodies process sugar for energy. Early on, diabetic dogs may eat more than usual because their bodies aren’t using glucose effectively. Panting can appear as a result of metabolic changes, dehydration, or secondary infections.
Other signs include weight loss despite increased food intake, frequent urination, and excessive thirst. If untreated, diabetes can become life-threatening, so catching these early clues is crucial.
Steroid Medications
If your dog has recently been prescribed corticosteroids, such as prednisone, side effects often include increased hunger and panting.
These medications mimic cortisol in the body, which explains the overlap with Cushing’s-like symptoms.
While these side effects may seem alarming, they are expected and usually reversible once the medication is tapered down or discontinued under veterinary guidance. Still, it’s important to monitor your dog and report any severe changes to your vet.
Stress and Anxiety
Dogs under stress may pant as part of their natural calming response. At the same time, some anxious dogs turn to food for comfort or display an obsessive drive to eat.
You might notice this behavior during changes in routine, new environments, or when left alone for long periods.
Unlike medical causes, anxiety-driven panting and overeating tend to fluctuate with the situation and may improve with reassurance, training, or environmental changes.
Obesity and Overheating
Overweight dogs often pant more than their leaner counterparts because carrying extra weight puts strain on their heart and lungs.
At the same time, many overweight dogs have a strong appetite that drives overeating, contributing to the cycle.
If panting occurs even in cool weather or during rest, it could mean your dog’s body is struggling to manage the extra load.
Addressing weight through diet and exercise can reduce both the panting and the excessive eating.
Read more: Dog Panting and Closing Eyes (What it means)
What to Do If Your Dog Is Panting and Eating a Lot
If you notice this combination of symptoms, start by assessing your dog’s overall health and daily habits. Think about whether they’re on any medications, whether their appetite has recently changed, and whether the panting seems constant or situational.
Provide a calm, cool environment to make sure overheating isn’t contributing to the panting. Offer fresh water throughout the day, especially if they’re eating more than usual.
Adjust your dog’s diet gradually if you suspect weight gain is part of the problem. Feeding smaller, measured portions at regular times can help regulate appetite while preventing overfeeding.
For anxious dogs, give them reassurance, exercise, and mental enrichment to help burn energy and reduce stress-driven panting.
Above all, schedule a check-up with your veterinarian if the symptoms are new, persistent, or worsening. Medical conditions like Cushing’s disease or diabetes need professional diagnosis and treatment.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
You should call your vet if your dog’s appetite has suddenly increased to an extreme level or if the panting seems unrelated to heat or exercise. Sudden behavioral changes can be an early sign of disease.
Seek veterinary care if your dog is losing weight despite eating more, or if the panting comes with additional symptoms like weakness, hair loss, frequent urination, or excessive thirst.
If your dog is on steroid medication and the panting and hunger become overwhelming, let your vet know—sometimes the dosage can be adjusted.
Emergency care is needed if panting becomes labored, your dog collapses, or you suspect poisoning or diabetic crisis. In these cases, waiting can be dangerous.
Read more: Dog Panting and Ears Back (Understanding the signs)
Key Takeaway
Panting and eating a lot in dogs can be caused by stress, medication, or more serious health conditions like Cushing’s disease, diabetes, or thyroid problems. While some cases are mild and temporary, others need veterinary care to prevent complications.
Keep a close eye on your dog’s overall health, create a calm and cool environment, and work with your veterinarian to uncover the cause.
Acting early gives your dog the best chance at staying healthy and comfortable.