dog excessive panting

Question
For past 2 weeks, my 4 yr old chiuaha(sp)/dacshound mix has been keeping us up at night panting,and whining until one of us gets up with him.  Once we let him out of his kennel he heads straight for his water, then outside.  I know that panting is how dogs perspire, but this behavior only happens when he's in his kennel. He is up to date on all vaccines and heartworm.  We got him a wire mesh kennel for more ventilation, but the behavior continues.  Any Ideas. Next step is the Vet. Thanks

Answer
Hi Karen!

Even if your dog has a water bowl the size of a birdbath,chances are he occasionally kicks it over-and perhaps goes without water the rest of the day.To prevent him from going thirsty,provide two bowls of water and keep them filled.

He probably runs to his water immediately because he is locked in a kennel all night and has nothing to drink.So,he is thirsty.He is probably whining because he wants water.

I think this behavior only happens when he is only in the kennel because he doesn't want to be in a kennel.He probably wants to roam around the house.Have food and water whenever he wants.He probably wants lots of room and space,in a kennel he has barely no space.He is old enough that he does not have to be locked in a kennel,no matter what it is made out of.

If you get rid of the kennel,I think he would stop whining and keeping you guys up all night.I myself don't prefer locking a dog up in a kennel all night,because if I were a dog I sure wouldn't want to be locked up in there all night!I would want to roam around the house with lots of space to myself!

I would recommend not putting him in a kennel anymore.This shoud help.If you try this and it doesn't work,a trip to the vet will be necessary.

Keep up the good work with all his vaccinations!

I hope this has been helpful and I wish you the best of luck!Please keep me posted and give that doggie dog millions of kisses for me!Sending wagging tails your way!
Nicole