Why is my senior dog shaking, pacing, and panting all night?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Jack Russell Terrier | Female | spayed | 13 years and 5 months old
My 14 year old Jack did not eat dinner and began shaking, pacing and panting last night at 9pm. She did this nonstop until 7:30am this morning. She has acted this way when there were fireworks nearby but it only lasted for a short period. What could have caused this and should I take her the vet although she is no longer acting this way. She is sleeping now.
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on March 15th, 2019
Thank you for submitting your question regarding Noel. I do recommend that she sees a veterinarian today. She could be painful somewhere that was causing her to pant and pace. Neck and/or back pain are common in small breed dogs. If this is not the cause, nighttime anxiety can develop in older dogs. It is similar to the anxiety experienced by human Alzheimer's patients. It would be best to have her seen so you can both get some sleep to tonight. I hope this information helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on January 18th, 2017
She may have one of several problems: 1) congestive heart disease. This causes pulmonary edema and moist coughs and breathing problems at night, and later on will cause shortness of breath and exercise intolerance. Your veterinarian can easily diagnose this with an exam, x-ray and/or ultrasound. Treatment varies, but includes diuretics to clear up the pulmonary edema, and medication to improve heart function. 2) Canine cognitive disfunction (senility). Older dogs can get senile, often wake up at night and do not remember where they are and get scared. This can cause panting, whining, pacing, restlessness. Your vet will need to give your dog an exam and if the diagnosis is canine cognitive disfunction, he will prescribe medication to help your dog remember and calm down. 3) Cushing Syndrome/disease. Dogs with an overactive adrenal gland caused by either a pituitary or adrenal tumor often pant excessively, drink and urinate excessively, develop a pot belly, hair thinning and/or other symptoms. This can be diagnosed easily via the clinical signs as well as a blood test. Treatment consists of adrenal gland function depressing drugs. I suggest you take Matilda to your veterinarian for an exam.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on April 14th, 2019
It could be Tator Tot is suffering from canine cognitive dysfunction, which is essential dementia in dogs. One of the signs is sleep/wake cycle changes. Have her seen by a vet. If she does have this, diet changes and medication can help. Have her seen by her vet tomorrow morning. Best of luck.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on November 17th, 2017
This is somewhat strange behavior. Since Preeti is acting normal this morning I would not worry about it too much. However, if it becomes a regular occurrence, I would recommend having her examined by a veterinarian to make sure there are no underlying medical issues going on. Night waking and restless can be symptoms of canine cognitive dysfunction (similar to Alzheimer’s disease in people) which is most often noted in older dogs. If the behavior continues and medically she checks out ok then this may be what is going on. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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