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Pacing in Dogs
Written By hannah hollinger
Published: 05/31/2017Updated: 09/08/2021
Veterinary reviewed by Dr. Linda Simon, MVB MRCVS
What is Pacing?
When you notice your dog pacing, stop and watch them to see if they are exhibiting other symptoms that could point to an underlying cause that may require medical treatment. Some dogs are simply more nervous or anxious and will use pacing as a way to relieve their anxiety. Others will pace when they are agitated about something or someone in or just outside the home. Some dogs may pace because they simply want your attention. You know your dog better than anyone else and if their pacing seems unusual, speak with your veterinarian about the possible causes and how to stop or minimize the behavior.
There are certain medical conditions that can cause your dog to pace and act unsettled. You should speak with your veterinarian if the pacing is persistent or is accompanied by other symptoms such as refusal to eat or drink, sudden weight loss, discolored urine, excessive drooling, whining or crying or excessive thirst.
Possible reasons your dog is pacing include:
- Anxiety
- Liver disease
- Cushing’s disease
- Dementia
- Brain tumors
Why Pacing Occurs in Dogs
Anxiety
Anxiety can include several different things from separation anxiety to fear. Anxiety is when your dog becomes overly stressed and cannot emotionally deal with these stresses. It can be triggered by past trauma or bad experiences. Most dogs that experience severe anxiety can be given medications, either natural or prescription, to help alleviate their anxiousness. In some cases, a professional canine behaviourist may also be able to help you work with your dog to ease their anxiety.
Liver Disease
It may seem odd to include liver disease as a potential cause of your dog’s pacing, but damage to the liver can cause abnormal neurological behaviors which include pacing and sudden changes in behavior. When the liver is not functioning right it cannot filter toxins out of the body. These toxins can then invade the bloodstream and affect the neurological system of your dog.
Cushing’s Disease
Cushing’s disease is the overproduction of the hormone cortisol. It is most common in older dogs, but can still affect dogs of any age. The most common symptoms of Cushing’s disease include pacing, wandering and restlessness as well as panting and an increased thirst. Cushing’s disease can be caused by a pituitary tumor that can press against the brain or brain stem and cause neurological damage. This is a serious condition that will require on-going treatment.
Dementia
Dogs can develop 'doggy dementia' or canine cognitive dysfunction in their old age. The symptoms of dementia will come on slowly and you may not notice them at first. Your dog may become disoriented or confused and this can cause them to pace, wander or circle aimlessly. This is a degenerative disease.
Brain Tumor
Older dogs are more prone to developing tumors in the brain or along the brainstem causing abnormal behavior. These tumors will affect the neurological system and cause your dog to pace and seem unsettled.
What to do if your Dog is Pacing
Sometimes dogs will pace when something upsets them or there is an external source of stress. When the behavior persists beyond a few hours, you need to assess your dog and try to determine if they are seeking attention, suffering from anxiety or if there is a medical condition causing them to pace.
Dogs that are anxious may still need to visit their veterinarian. An overly anxious dog may need medication to calm them. There are also natural remedies that can be given to alleviate some of their anxiety. Past experiences or trauma can also play a role in your dog’s anxiety and reassurance will help them. Sometimes, therapeutic treatments such as massage or acupuncture can help your dog’s anxiety as can working with a professional dog trainer.
Dogs that have been diagnosed with a health condition that is causing them to pace, such as liver disease, Cushing’s disease, dementia or brain tumors, will require specialized veterinary care. Treatments will vary depending on the exact cause and the severity of the condition. Medications and/or surgeries may be advised by your veterinarian. On-going care and treatments should be expected.
Prevention of Pacing
It can be difficult to prevent a medical condition from occurring. Keep your dog active and feed them a quality food to ensure that they are getting the exercise and nutrients they need to maintain a healthy body. Be sure to schedule regular visits to your veterinarian to ensure that your dog is in optimal health.
Dogs that are suffering from anxiety can become problematic and may require a professional behaviourist that specializes in anxiety in dogs. Take some time and research natural remedies for anxiety that will calm your dog and allow them to relax and not be so anxious. Speak with your veterinarian about what you have researched and ask their opinion on the subject.
Cost of Pacing
Your dog’s health is very important to you but it can be expensive to treat certain conditions. Liver disease can cost around $5500 to treat. Cushing’s disease can cost around $2000 to treat. Dementia and other cognitive disorders can cost between $300 and $500 for treatment. Brain tumors can be very costly and treatments can range between $5000 and $12000.
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Pacing Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Labrador Retriever
Woofie
9 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Pacing
Pacing Whinging
Pacing Whinging Wagging Tail
Hi! My old boy has arthritis, we have him on sashas blend & that works wonders on him.
However over the last 3 nights his stated whinging pacing and panting around the house. His tail is waging and he usually has a toy in his mouth. If i send him to bed he goes for 2 minutes then starts again.
His still eating well and drinking. Ive just taken him for a walk to try settle him and his continuing to do it.
How concerned should i be?
July 14, 2018
0 Recommendations
Pacing and whining may be a sign of pain or discomfort, there are many reasons for a dog to be pacing which may include medical causes and behavioural causes; pain, neurological disorders, liver disease, anxiety among other causes may lead to this behaviour. You should have your Veterinarian check Woofie over to be on the safe side to determine whether the cause is medical or behavioural. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 14, 2018
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Golden Border Retriever
Buddy
5 Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
Our dog has been pacing all day and isn’t being his usual lovable, happy, energetic self. Normally he’s content with just napping in the corner of whatever room the family is in but today he’s just been wandering through the house. He has a slow wag and isn’t holding his tail up. He’s panting a lot more than usual. His appetite is normal and he doesn’t seem to be in pain but we can’t figure out why he just can’t stay still.
May 25, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
1 Recommendations
I can't tell without seeing Buddy, but dogs will sometimes have that behavior when they are painful, or nervous. It would be a good idea to have him seen by a veterinarian if he isn't back to normal soon, as they can examine him and determine what might be going on with him, and recommend any treatment that he may need.
May 25, 2018
Did you ever find out what happened to Buddy? This sounds exactly like our Max today>
July 15, 2018
Rob-Kim S.
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Yorkie
Prissy
8 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Pacing The Floor ,Not Eating 3
Yes my yorkie didn’t eat good yesterday and won’t eat this morning she has been pazeing for about two hours now and can’t seem to settle down. I tried fixing her bed for her and she just lasted there for a few mins. She has never done this before ,she just looks at me and it seems she is not feelin well .
May 9, 2018
0 Recommendations
Pacing is typically associated with pain or a behavioural/neurological issue; if Prissy is not eating it may be due to gastrointestinal pain but without examining her I cannot say what the specific cause is, however you should visit your Veterinarian for an examination to determine the cause for this behaviour. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
May 10, 2018
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Pit bull
Doom
1 Year
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Anxiety
Pacing
Recently my dog began pacing very nervously when I go to close the door to his crate. He sits perfectly still in the crate up until I touch the door, then he begins to almost lunge from side to side, and finally calms down gradually when I walk away from the crate. He's also, in the last couple weeks, seemed to have a more anxious temperament about him. He gets extremely worked up very quickly and then acts like he can't get calmed down afterwards. I want to see a vet about it, but I'm mostly concerned about the pacing right now. Any advice?
April 25, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Without a more detailed behavioral analysis of Doom, I have a hard time commenting on why he is getting so agitated when you go near his kennel. It might be a good idea to first have him examined by your veterinarian to make sure that he is physically healthy, and then possibly seek the help of a good trainer to try and pinpoint the problem and figure out how to solve it. If you do not know of a good trainer, your veterinarian should be able to help you, and you just want to make sure that you have a trainer that works with positive reinforcement vs. punishment techniques. I hope that all goes well for him.
April 25, 2018
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Labrador Retriever
Poncho
14 Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Panting , I Assume From Pacing
My 14 year old lab has been pacing from my bedroom to the front door since about an hour after we arrived to visit my father. It’s been about 2 hours now . He has had separation anxiety since I adopted him when he was 2. He also has dementia and has for quite some time , but this is not like anything he’s done before. Should I be concerned ?
April 10, 2018
1 Recommendations
Pacing may occur for a few different reasons including behavioural issues like anxiety among others; pacing may also be a sign of pain or discomfort where a dog is trying to move away from pain. You should keep an eye on Poncho for the time being but visit your Veterinarian if this behaviour continues. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
April 10, 2018
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Rottweiler Mix
Coco
9 Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Pacing
We have a 9 month old rott/lab/anatotshepard/border collie. He is fine during the day. Goes for walks, plays with his toys, runs around the back yard and sleeps several hours. He does sleep in his crate at might. The problem is that for about the past 2 months as it starts to get dark he paces. He has a dig door to come and go, but he barks at any noises outside so we can't let him stay out. He will go from room to room for hours. I know part of it is that he wants to go out, but could it be some sort of anxiety?
