When your dog is panting heavily and whining, it can be a distressing experience for both of you.
These signs often indicate that something is wrong, and your dog may be in pain or experiencing a medical issue.
We outline the common causes of a dog panting heavily and whining, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help.
Dog Panting Heavily and Whining — Why It Happens
A dog heavily pants and whines to communicate stress, discomfort, or physical problems. While some dogs may do this temporarily due to fear or anxiety, persistent panting and whining can point to underlying issues such as pain, heatstroke, or a medical condition like heart or respiratory problems.
In some cases, it can be an early warning sign of something more serious that needs prompt attention.
Common Causes of Dog Panting Heavily and Whining
Pain or Injury
Dogs often pant and whine when they’re experiencing physical pain.
Pain might result from an injury, sore joints, internal illness, or even a hidden condition such as pancreatitis. You might notice your dog is reluctant to move, is restless, or licks a specific area excessively.
Panting helps your dog cope with pain, while whining is a vocal signal of distress. Any unexplained or ongoing signs should be evaluated by your vet.
Read more: Dog Panting Excessively (Here’s why)
Anxiety or Fear
Emotional distress is one of the most common causes of panting and whining combined.
Dogs may react this way to thunderstorms, fireworks, car rides, being left alone (separation anxiety), or unfamiliar environments. Their body goes into a stress response, triggering heavy breathing and vocalizing their fear.
If your dog calms down when the trigger is removed, it’s likely anxiety. However, chronic or worsening anxiety may require behavioral training or medication.
Heatstroke or Overheating
Overheating is a serious cause of excessive panting and restlessness.
If your dog has been in a hot environment or overexerted themselves, they might pant heavily, drool, whine, and appear weak or confused. This is especially dangerous in brachycephalic breeds (like Pugs and Bulldogs), older dogs, or those with heart conditions.
Untreated heatstroke can be fatal. Immediate cooling and veterinary care are essential.
Nausea or Gastrointestinal Upset
Some dogs pant and whine when feeling nauseous or dealing with digestive discomfort.
They might also lick their lips, refuse food, vomit, or appear restless. This could stem from eating something toxic, a gastrointestinal blockage, or even motion sickness.
Prompt care is needed if vomiting is persistent or your dog seems distressed.
Heart or Respiratory Disease
Underlying heart or lung problems can cause labored breathing and agitation.
Conditions like congestive heart failure or pneumonia make it harder for dogs to breathe, leading to heavy panting. Whining may reflect their discomfort or confusion.
You may also notice coughing, reduced stamina, and bluish gums. These are emergencies that require veterinary diagnosis and treatment.
Cognitive Dysfunction in Senior Dogs
Older dogs sometimes pant and whine due to canine cognitive dysfunction (similar to dementia).
This condition can cause confusion, anxiety, and restlessness, especially at night. Panting and vocalizing may become a regular pattern.
Veterinarians can recommend treatments or supplements to help manage these symptoms.
What to Do If Your Dog Is Panting Heavily and Whining
Start by observing your dog closely in a calm environment.
If you suspect anxiety, offer comfort and remove potential stress triggers. For heat concerns, help your dog cool down using fans, fresh water, and a shaded area.
Check their body for signs of pain or injury. If they’ve recently vomited or have diarrhea, avoid giving food until you speak with your vet.
Keep them hydrated, calm, and comfortable. If your dog has a history of heart or lung issues, consider this an urgent situation.
Always document any new symptoms and be ready to describe them to your veterinarian.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
Heavy panting and whining should not be ignored if it lasts more than a few minutes or recurs frequently.
Seek immediate care if your dog shows any of the following:
Vomiting or diarrhea
Refusing to move or walk
Collapsing or trembling
Pale or bluish gums
Fast or irregular heartbeat
Excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth
Signs of overheating (hot to the touch, glazed eyes)
These may point to serious conditions that need professional treatment. When in doubt, err on the side of caution.
Read more: Dog Panting Heavily and Vomiting (Here’s why)
Key Takeaway
Panting and whining are two strong signals that your dog isn’t feeling well—physically or emotionally.
Whether it’s pain, heat, illness, or anxiety, tuning into these signs early can help prevent a more serious outcome.
Keep your dog cool, calm, and monitored, and don’t hesitate to call your vet when something feels off.
Being proactive can give your dog the best chance at quick relief and a healthy recovery.