Panting is something all dogs do, but when your old dog is panting excessively while on prednisone, it can be concerning.
While some panting is normal, especially after exercise or in warm weather, constant or unusual panting may signal a side effect of medication or a more serious health problem.
If your old dog is panting while taking prednisone, it’s important to understand whether the cause is medication-related, age-related, or an underlying condition that needs veterinary attention.
We outline why older dogs pant more on prednisone, the most common causes behind this symptom, and what you should do to help your senior dog.
Old Dog Panting and Prednisone — Why It Happens
Prednisone is a corticosteroid medication prescribed to dogs for a variety of conditions, including arthritis, allergies, autoimmune disorders, and chronic inflammatory diseases. While it can provide significant relief and improve quality of life, prednisone also comes with a range of side effects.
One of the most common and noticeable side effects in dogs is panting. Older dogs may be even more sensitive to this effect because their metabolism, heart, and respiratory systems are less resilient than in younger dogs.
Panting can occur because prednisone alters metabolism, increases thirst, and stimulates the central nervous system.
But in senior dogs, panting may also be linked to heart disease, respiratory issues, pain, or anxiety—factors that require veterinary evaluation.
Old Dog Panting on Prednisone: Common Causes
Prednisone Side Effects
Panting is one of the top reported side effects of prednisone use in dogs. This happens because prednisone influences cortisol and stress hormone levels, which affect breathing and metabolism.
How it happens in older dogs:
Prednisone increases a dog’s metabolic rate, leading to higher body heat and panting.
It can also stimulate the nervous system, making dogs restless or anxious.
Old dogs often have slower metabolism, so the drug may remain active in their body longer, amplifying side effects.
Other related side effects of prednisone include:
Excessive thirst (polydipsia)
Increased urination (polyuria)
Increased hunger (polyphagia)
Muscle weakness or restlessness
In many cases, panting alone is not dangerous, but if it worsens, interferes with sleep, or is paired with other concerning symptoms, veterinary advice is crucial.
Read more: Dog Panting and Prednisone (Why it happens and what to watch for)
Age-Related Weakness and Muscle Loss
Older dogs often experience sarcopenia (age-related muscle loss). Prednisone can sometimes accelerate muscle breakdown over long-term use. This makes breathing feel more laborious, so dogs pant to compensate.
If your old dog also seems weaker in the back legs, has trouble climbing stairs, or struggles to get up, muscle loss could be contributing to their panting.
Heart Disease
Panting can be an early sign of congestive heart failure (CHF) in senior dogs. Prednisone itself can place extra strain on the heart by causing fluid retention.
Symptoms of heart-related panting include:
Panting at rest or at night
Coughing or wheezing
Swollen belly (ascites)
Fatigue after mild activity
If your dog has a heart murmur or pre-existing cardiac condition, prednisone side effects may worsen these symptoms.
Respiratory Problems
As dogs age, they become more vulnerable to respiratory issues such as chronic bronchitis, tracheal collapse, or even lung tumors. Panting in this case may not just be a side effect of prednisone, but a sign of struggling lungs.
Prednisone may initially help with airway inflammation, but over time, excessive panting may still appear if the underlying condition worsens.
Pain and Arthritis Flare-Ups
Many older dogs take prednisone to help with arthritis or joint inflammation. While it usually helps reduce pain, it doesn’t eliminate it entirely. Pain itself can cause panting, especially when it’s constant or flares up at night.
Signs your dog’s panting is pain-related include:
Panting more after activity or movement
Whimpering or reluctance to walk
Stiffness or limping
Restlessness, unable to get comfortable
This is why sometimes panting is a combination of both prednisone side effects and underlying pain.
Gastrointestinal Issues
Prednisone can irritate the stomach lining and increase the risk of ulcers, especially in older dogs. Nausea, discomfort, or abdominal pain may trigger panting.
Other GI signs to watch for include:
Vomiting or diarrhea
Loss of appetite
Drooling or licking lips frequently
Hunched posture
These issues can be serious in senior dogs and should be addressed quickly.
Cushing’s Syndrome (Steroid-Induced or Natural)
Prolonged prednisone use can lead to iatrogenic Cushing’s syndrome, a condition where the body has too much cortisol. Older dogs are especially prone to this.
Signs of Cushing’s include:
Persistent panting
Pot-bellied appearance
Thinning skin and hair loss
Increased thirst and urination
Muscle weakness
If your senior dog has been on prednisone long-term and shows multiple symptoms, your vet may test for Cushing’s.
Anxiety and Restlessness
Prednisone can increase nervousness, and older dogs are already more prone to anxiety due to cognitive decline or changes in routine.
Anxiety-related panting is often paired with:
Pacing or circling
Whining or barking
Difficulty settling down
Clingy behavior
This can make it difficult for your senior dog to rest, especially at night.
When to See a Veterinarian
Panting may be expected on prednisone, but in older dogs, it’s always worth checking with your vet. Seek veterinary attention if:
Panting is severe, constant, or happens at rest
Your dog seems weak, collapses, or is reluctant to move
Panting is paired with coughing, vomiting, or diarrhea
Your old dog refuses food or water
You notice new swelling, belly enlargement, or rapid weight gain
What You Can Do at Home
While your vet will guide treatment, there are supportive steps you can take at home:
Keep your dog cool: Use fans or air conditioning, since prednisone can make dogs more heat-sensitive.
Provide fresh water: Prednisone increases thirst, so hydration is essential.
Offer gentle exercise: Keep activity low-impact to reduce pain and prevent exhaustion.
Provide a calm environment: Anxiety worsens panting—use a quiet resting space for your dog.
Monitor symptoms: Keep track of panting episodes, appetite, and bathroom habits to report to your vet.
Never stop prednisone suddenly: Tapering under veterinary guidance is critical to prevent dangerous withdrawal effects.
Related: Dog panting and shivering while on prednisone (Here’s why)
Key Takeaway
When an old dog is panting on prednisone, it’s often a mix of medication side effects and age-related health changes. While panting can be a benign response, it can also point to pain, heart issues, or Cushing’s syndrome—conditions that require veterinary attention.
If your senior dog is panting excessively while on prednisone, don’t dismiss it as “just old age.” Talk to your veterinarian about whether the medication dose should be adjusted or if another condition may be contributing.
Caring for an aging dog means being extra attentive to small changes. By keeping a close eye on symptoms like panting, you can help your dog remain comfortable and improve their quality of life.