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Panting Isn’t Just Age: When Senior Dogs Are Telling You Something More
Allen Rippy, Veterinarian, Author
Jan 22, 2026
6 min read
As dogs age, many pet parents accept constant panting as “just part of getting older.” But persistent, excessive panting—especially when your dog is resting, indoors, or not overheated—can be a meaningful medical clue. In senior dogs, one common and often overlooked cause is atypical Cushing’s syndrome, a hormonal imbalance that doesn’t always follow classic textbook rules.
Atypical Cushing’s is linked to adrenal hormone dysregulation rather than the traditional cortisol excess alone. Dogs may pant constantly, seem restless at night, pace, drink or urinate more, lose muscle tone, develop a pot-bellied appearance, or simply “act old” far sooner than expected. Because standard screening tests can appear normal, many dogs are never formally diagnosed and instead slowly decline.
This is where melatonin deserves serious attention.
Melatonin is not just a sleep hormone—it plays a regulatory role in adrenal function, circadian rhythm balance, oxidative stress reduction, and immune modulation. In veterinary medicine, nightly melatonin supplementation has been shown to significantly improve clinical signs associated with atypical Cushing’s. Many older dogs experience reduced panting, calmer behavior, improved sleep, better hair regrowth, and a noticeable return of youthful energy within weeks.
Veterinarians often describe the response as a “fountain of youth” effect—and for good reason. By helping normalize hormone signaling and reducing physiologic stress, melatonin can make geriatric dogs feel two to three years younger without harsh side effects. It is inexpensive, well-tolerated, and especially effective when given consistently every evening, aligning with the body’s natural rhythms.
If your senior dog is panting constantly, don’t dismiss it as inevitable aging. It may be their way of asking for hormonal support. With proper veterinary guidance, melatonin can restore comfort, calm, and vitality—helping older dogs enjoy their golden years with dignity, energy, and joy.