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Question

My diabetic dog is panting or restless at night.

Sunny, owner notes“I wish my dog lived as long as I do.”Updated

I'm an owner, not a vet. This is not veterinary advice, so check anything medical with your own vet.

Short answer

Call your vet if your dog is panting, pacing or can't settle at night, especially if he also seems weak, confused, in pain or unwell. Don't just put it down to a warm room. If he's struggling to breathe, collapses or has a fit, this is an emergency. Go to an emergency vet now.

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I never give insulin amounts here. Yours comes from your vet's written plan.

What to know at home

Panting has lots of causes. The vet will want to know whether he can settle, whether he responds to you normally, whether his breathing is easy, and when he last ate and had insulin. Don't walk him or give him a snack to see if it helps.

What to write down

  • When the episode began
  • Food and treatment times
  • Breathing, responsiveness, pain and other symptoms

What to ask next

If your clinic is closed, call an out-of-hours or emergency vet. Only check his sugar if you've been shown how and it won't slow you down. If he looks unwell, trust that over the number.

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Sources

Every outside source I used is listed on the Sources page.

Related

Q&A

When does a diabetic dog need a vet the same day?

If he's weak, trembling, collapsing, vomiting or won't eat, call your vet now. Read the rest later.

Q&A

How much sugar should I give if my diabetic dog goes low?

I can't give you an amount. Call your vet, and follow the plan for lows they gave you if you have one.

Urgent help

Emergency or low blood sugar

Call a vet now if your dog is weak, collapsed or having a seizure.