My Dog Won’t Lay Down: Reasons Behind This Mystery

It is important to take your pet to the vet if you notice any of these symptoms. Veterinary treatment can be quick and effective.

It could be an indication of something wrong if you see your dog struggling to sit down, adopting a strange position or constantly getting up and moving around. Continue reading to learn more!

 

Why is it that My Dog Won’t Lay Down?

Owners are worried when my dog won’t lay down and is panting. You are right to worry if alarm bells start ringing in your mind.

A dog that struggles to lay down and pants is likely in distress. A veterinarian is the best person to ask about these symptoms, as they can indicate serious issues.

Let’s look at some of the common causes of these symptoms. After working in a vet clinic and an emergency centre for several years, I’ve noticed some trends.

As soon as possible, take your dog to the vet to avoid any suffering or dangerous progression. Below are the reasons why my dog won’t lay down:

 

Read also: Are Natural Dog Treats from the Pet Store Safe?

 

• Respiratory Problems:

It is possible that the dog has trouble breathing and lying down makes it even harder. My dog won’t lay down because it makes it feel worse.

The presence of a cold or cough can indicate that a dog is experiencing respiratory distress.

Heart problems, lung infections and tracheal collapsing are all possible causes of respiratory issues in dogs. Check your dog’s teeth if your dog seems restless and is panting.

If the eyes are pale or blue, it could mean that she’s struggling to breathe. You should take her to a veterinarian as soon as you can.

• Pain:

is a common cause of. Internal ailments such as Lyme disease or pancreatitis can also cause them to experience pain. Keep an eye on any additional symptoms if you suspect a medical problem.

You might notice a change in eating habits, or you may see vomiting, diarrhoea, and other symptoms.

If you notice a laboured breathing pattern or excessive chewing in one area of the body, it is important to consult a professional as soon as possible.

After an injury, a dog’s condition can quickly deteriorate. It is particularly true for senior dogs. Give your dog the love and care it needs by seeking professional help.

Affected dogs may have difficulty sleeping or lying down. They may pace around, lay down, and then get up, and even whimper when they place their head on the pillow to sleep.

Some dogs will also turn their heads to look at you instead of looking directly into your eyes. Some dogs have difficulty eating and drinking and they may also limp when walking.

• Stress:

• Dementia:

As with older people, dogs can also experience cognitive decline, and in some cases dementia. Restlessness and shifting sleep patterns are two of the first symptoms of dementia.

You should consult your veterinarian if you notice that your dog is sleeping differently. There are medications that can help manage or even reduce these symptoms.

Establishing a daily routine for your dog is also beneficial, from bedtime to mealtime. A daily routine is comforting for dogs and can help them adapt to age-related disorientation.

Early crate training can prevent problems such as pacing or wandering around the house in night. These issues are common with older dogs.

 

Read also: Dog Bite Near Eye Treatment

 

What are the Symptoms of Dementia in Dogs?

• Sleeping periods may be shorter and his sleep schedule could change.
• When the house is quiet, he may not sleep peacefully but instead get up and down throughout the night.
• He may get lost or confused in familiar places
• He might get “stuck”, not physically, but simply because he doesn’t know how to leave the area.
• Even familiar doors may have him waiting on the “hinge” side

 

• Pancreatitis:

When digestive enzymes in the pancreas “activate” too soon, they can even escape the digestive tract.

There is no age or breed predisposition to pancreatitis. The condition may be chronic (long-term), or acute (occurring suddenly). Acute pancreatitis may be mild or severe.

The outlook is positive when mild pancreatitis can be treated quickly using a special diet and IV fluids.

The severity of acute severe pancreatitis will determine the outcome. Most dogs will recover from pancreatitis with the right treatment.

 

What are the Symptoms of Pancreatitis?

• The dog is in the “praying position”, with its head, front legs and bum up to relieve pressure on the pancreas.
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Lethargy
• Reduced appetite

 

• Heart Disease:

Heart disease can cause a dog to have difficulty breathing, especially when lying down. Some dogs with severe heart problems may try to fall asleep while sitting or standing.

Reduce your dog’s heart disease risk by keeping him on heartworm prevention and helping him maintain healthy body weight.

With the right diet, medication, and exercise, heart disease can be effectively managed.

Your dog may not be able to lie down comfortably because of an issue as minor as an upset stomach, or muscle strains from an overly enthusiastic game of fetch. The discomfort of your dog should be short-lived and minimal in these cases.

• Bloat:

Bloat can be a serious cause of a dog’s discomfort. Gastric dilatation and volvulus syndrome is the clinical name of this condition.

Feed your dog two meals a day rather than one large meal. Also, don’t allow him to play or exercise after eating.

Bloated dogs are at risk of collapsing and even death. Bloat is an emergency that doesn’t disappear on its own. It requires immediate surgery to treat.

 

What are the Symtoms of Bloat?

• Inability to sit or lie comfortably
• The stomach can be distended or enlarged.
• Look at the stomach
• Anxiety, restlessness and pacing
• Vomiting or dry heaving after consuming new foods or water
• Excessive drooling
• Pale gums
• Weakness

 

• Anxiety:

Some dogs with anxiety issues may find it difficult to get comfortable or lay down. After a short time, they may lay down and then get up.

Also, pacing can occur. You may also see destructive behaviours such as chewing or scratching. There are many natural ways to help dogs relieve their anxiety.

Canines with anxiety disorders such as separation anxiety, specific fears, and phobias have trouble lying down.

 

What are the Symptoms of Anxiety?

• Restless pace and restless act
• Lay down on the dog bed, then rise up repeatedly
• You can also scratch or chew his dog bed.
• Barking excessively or in a compulsive manner
• Pant
• Shake your body when lying down

 

• Abdominal Problem:

A dog that pants and has difficulty lying down could be suffering from an abdominal problem. It could be that you ate something strange or there is a problem with your internal organs.

A dog’s heart rate can increase and their respiratory rate to cause panting. It’s also reasonable that a dog with abdominal pain would not want to lay down on it.

Affected dogs can also show drooling and nausea. They may also have vomiting, diarrhoea, or a decreased appetite.

There are many possible causes of abdominal pain in dogs, such as gastroenteritis (gastroenteritis), hepatitis (pancreatitis), nephritis and others.

 

Read also: Why is My Dog Throwing Up After Drinking Water?

 

Conclusion

Sit up and pay attention if your dog is unable to lay down. The inability to lie down can indicate a serious problem.

You should take your dog to the vet as soon as possible if your dog pants and is unable to lay down. These signs can sometimes be symptoms of life-threatening conditions.

It can be difficult to determine the exact cause. It is not uncommon for dogs to experience pain or discomfort, but it can be difficult to pinpoint the exact source of the problem.

Thanks for reading!

About The Author