Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

Why is my old Chihuahua suddenly anxious, panting, and restless?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Male | neutered | 12 years and 3 months old | 15 lbs

Hi, my 12 year old Chihuahua just recently started having what seems to be anxiety attacks, not brought on by anything. Panting, restless, pacing, constantly wanting to be held like he is scared, asking to get up into bed than immediately wanting back down, just all around abnormal behavior, havent noticed any change in appetite nor thirst. No idea what to do, we have no money for the vet at the moment, and we're scared. Previously lasted about 1-3 hrs and this one its almost been 24 hours. Ty

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on November 25th, 2018

These types of behaviors could be caused by pain, anxiety, internal medical issues, cognitive dysfunction from old age, seizures, etc. Without seeing a vet, it is hard to tell what could be going on and I can't really make any specific recommendations. Be available to comfort him. You can also try doggie pheromones like Comfort Zone or Adaptil.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By C. Rathjens, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on November 28th, 2018
I would recommend treating him like he has anxiety and seeing if that helps. Young dogs can have signs of anxiety at this early age, although it's not very common - early treatment definitely helps. DAP pheromone plug ins are a great start (make sure to get this brand, not Comfort Zone or another product) and sometimes daily anxiety medications such as prozac are appropriate. You also want to try to make his life as predictable as possible, so think through your routines to increase consistency. I would recommend trying the DAP and predictability first, and then schedule an appointment with your vet to discuss medications or referral to a veterinary behaviorist if you don't see any improvement.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Training & Behavior

My senior dog is suddenly anxious, panting, restless, and hiding. Why?

Poor Gibson! As dogs age, they can develop canine cognitive dysfunction (similar to dementia in humans) or decreases in their hearing and sight, which can result in anxiety and behavioral changes. Restlessness, panting and sudden jumping could also be a sign of pain. At this point, your best bet is to take Gibson to his vet for evaluation to determine if he has any apparent sources of pain, which could be managed with pain medication. If not, your vet will be able to discuss some of the different medication options to try to manage cognitive dysfunction, but these are not always overly effective. I hope that all goes well!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Why is my chihuahua trembling, panting, restless, but calms in my lap?

I'm wondering that since Diego can get into your lap and calm down, that he's having some issues with anxiety. If it was something else, like an illness, he wouldn't stop the behavior even when in your lap. I don't think this is an emergency, but if he does keep up the behavior (even if it stops when he's in your lap), I would take him into his vet during normal business hours for a health check. I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

My 5-year-old Chihuahua is pacing and circling. Why is she restless?

This could indicate anxiety or pain. If she has a head tilt or unable to lay down without flipping over, or non-responsive to you when she is like this, then I would be more concerned about a neurological problem and she needs to see a vet ASAP. But if she is willing to stop to eat or drink and responsive to your voice then I would monitor her closely, rest her for the weekend (don't let her run, jump or play) and contact your vet Monday if she is still showing symptoms. I would not recommend to give her any human pun meds as most of these are toxic to dogs. I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Why is my 10-year-old small dog suddenly panting and trembling?

I'm sorry to hear Chiquita isn't doing well. If she's seeming in distress, unable to breathe or is very pale/turning blue, or seems in discomfort or is disoriented, it would be best to bring her to a vet ASAP for care. Stress or pain can also sometimes cause these symptoms. Making sure there isn't a sudden stressor causing, or removing any sources of stress may help her to calm down, however if the symptoms continue or worsen, or new ones appear, seeking vet care is best.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Why is my chihuahua panting so much, even when not scared or hot?

He could be panting because he's in pain, he's hot, or he has a health issue like heart disease. I would put him in a cool and dark place to see if that helps with the panting. If this doesn't help with the panting and/or he starts having trouble breathing, I would take him into a vet immediately. Best of luck.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

Why is my senior chihuahua sleeping and not eating after a scare?

I am sorry to hear about your chihuahua. Because of her age and her symptoms (lethargy and decreased appetite) I would definitely recommend an examination by a veterinarian. We can certainly see medical problems in older dogs that can cause these symptoms such as kidney disease, infections, liver disease, and more. An exam by your vet and some bloodwork may help to be sure there isn't a treatable medical issue. If there are no abnormalities found, then they may recommend some over the counter products that can help with anxiety such as Adaptil which is a pheremone product available as a plug-in or collar, Zylkene or Composure which are calming supplements, a thundershirt which is a compression vest that calms some dogs. And in some cases prescription strength medication may be necesssary from your veterinarian.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

My old dog is panting, scared, and acting strangely. What's wrong?

I strongly recommend you schedule a full health check and blood panel as soon as possible - heart, kidney and hormonal conditions can all cause similar signs and older dogs can sometimes also suffer a dementia like condition. All of these can be managed medically if diagnosed early

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share