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Why is my senior dog suddenly agitated with a fast heart rate?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Boston Terrier | Male | neutered | 15 years and 6 months old | 31 lbs

I have a 15yo Boston Terrier (Diesel), who is normally docile, began running around at speed. He was extremely agitated, I took him out for a walk, even after a thirty minutes Diesel was still pulling at his leash wanting to run. I was eventually able to have him "settle" down putting my hand on his chest Diesel's heart was beating double its normal rate. The whole episode lasted one hour. What was going on?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner

Published on July 17th, 2018

It sounds like Diesel had some kind of significant stimulation. Is there any possibility that Diesel got into something that could have caused those signs? If he is on any medication or anyone in the house is on a medication that can cause stimulation, that would be one possibility. There are some internal diseases that can cause abnormal excitement and an increased heart rate, but they are relatively rare. Unfortunately, it sounds like we may not be able to figure out what has caused Diesel's signs without some additional testing. I would certainly recommend having your veterinarian examine him, check his blood pressure and some blood work to make sure there isn't any evidence of something going on internally that caused it and needs to be treated.
Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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