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My dog is restless, panting, pacing, and has diarrhea. Should I worry?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Male | neutered | 5 years and 4 months old | 90 lbs

My dog is restless, panting heavily and diarrhea. He has been pacing a lot this morning.

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

Veterinary Technician

Published on July 27th, 2019

If Maxx seems very painful or in severe distress and this has been ongoing all morning, it would be a good idea to bring him to a vet ASAP. Diarrhea in addition to pain, heavy panting or distress may indicate severe GI upset, obstruction, GDV (bloat), or another illness, and should be checked out by a vet right away if his symptoms are continuing.

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33Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

    Veterinary Technician

    Published on August 14th, 2017

    Heavy panting can be a sign of distress or pain in dogs. If she has been kept cool and allowed access to water, but is still panting heavily or seems in distress or has pale or blue colored tongue/gums, then it is best to bring her to a vet immediately for care. If the loose stool has been ongoing, bringing in a sample along with Paleta to your vet may help determine if there is a related underlying cause.

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    Answered By Jenny, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 10th, 2018

    If he is panting that much to the point his stomach is distended, then I would have him checked. The diarrhea can be a sign of an infection and panting can be a sign of pain. The bumps are likely unrelated to the other problems and may be from allergies or being unkempt since it was a stray YOu can bathe him in baby shampoo to help his skin, but i would have a vet check him to get the other problems assessed

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    Answered By Debi Matlack

    Veterinary Technician

    Published on January 31st, 2018

    Your dog sounds like he is very ill and should be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Panting is a sign of pain/discomfort and with the diarrhea and bloody stool, he may have eaten something that disagreed with him, eaten some non-food item that has irritated his gastrointestinal tract or is causing a blockage. Leaving a blockage untreated can be life-threatening so please do get him seen right a

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    Answered By Emily Luisana DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 10th, 2018

    I am sorry to hear that Kaner is not well! Regarding his panting- this can be a sign of respiratory problems, heart disease, pain, stress, or can be normal when nervous or hot. If he seems distressed by it, unable to breathe deeply, and/or has decreased exercise tolerance I think it would be safest to have him examined and possibly have an x-ray done. If it is transitory and overall he is himself, you can also try taking a video of it to show your vet and/or monitoring his respiratory rate at rest (<20 times a minute is considered normal, although of course does not rule out all issues). In regards to his diarrhea, this could be from a new food, related to his increased panting, or unrelated (eg perhaps he was exposed to trash, or a virus or bacteria outside). If watery or persistent, it may be a good idea to have his stool tested for parasites and/or an exam performed. I also take his appetite, energy level and overall demeanor into consideration. If he is not eating or seems to feel poorly, this would be more concerning to me and I also may consider labwork or x-rays. I hope it is nothing serious and this is helpful!

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