strange behavior in my dog

Question
I have a 3 year old lab/australian shepard that has recently begun pacing and roaming the house at night, knocking stuff over and panting heavily.  This is short lived and not every night.  She will then go to sleep and be fine.  Is this the sign of something serious?

Answer
Hi Beth!

For panting,here's what to do:

Double up the water.Even if your pet has a water bowl the size of a birdbath,chances are she occasionally kicks it over-and perhaps goes without water for the rest of the day.To prevent her from going thirsty,provide two bowls of water and always keep them filled.

Let 'em drip.One way to make sure outdoor pets always have a fresh supply of water of cool water is to place is to place their bowl under a faucet that's allowed to drip.

Give them shelter.Direct sunshine raises the body temperature fast,which is why dogs and cats need cool places where they can go to escape the sun.You don't need anything fancy.As long as their territory includes a porch,an umbrella or even a leafy tree,they'll find ways to stay cool.

Do a home check.While doghouses,garages our other outbuildings often stay comfortably cool,in some cases the temperature rises fast.So don't automatically assume your pet has a pleasant place to escape the heat.
Wait until the hottest part of the day,then check the temperature of his hideaway yourself.If it feels uncomfortable to you,it's probably too hot for her.You'll need to arrange for other,more comfortable accomodations.

Smear on sun protection.Although dogs and cats don't take of their clothes in summer (they never even remove their coats),they can still get sunburn,particularly on their noses,ears and other pink spots.
If your pet spends time outside,it's a good idea to smear exposed skin with sunscreen,preferably one with an SPF (sun protection factor) of 15 or higher,at least once a day.You'll probably want to apply it more often,since many pets like the taste and will lick it off.
Most sunscreens aren't toxic when taken internally.You should avoid those containing zinc,hoever,which can be dangerous when licked.

Beat the heat.Rather than taking your pet outside during the hottest times of the day,try scheduling your romps in the morning or evening,when temperatures are cooler.

Keep the cruising cool.Even when you have the windows open,it's often hotter inside the car than it is outside.To keep your pet comfortable,give her a window seat where she can catch the breeze.(Make sure the windows are closed far enough to prevent a daredevil jump.)Or let her lie on the floor near an air conditioner vent.
On long trips,it's also a good idea to take water and an extra bowl so she can have a drink when she needs one.

Park carefully.Temperatures inside a parked car can get almost oven-hot in just a few minutes.You should never leave your pet inside a parked car.If you must leave her in the car during a trip-while you pick up groceries,for example-always park in a cool,shady spot.Leave two or more windows open to allow air to circulate (but not so wide that he can jump out).And don't ever leave her in there for more than a minute or two.

Don't push too hard.Dogs and cats that play all day during the cool months may find themselves slowing down when it's hot outside.Don't push them too hard,particulary when they start panting.Pets don't always know their limits.We have to put the brakes on for them.

Forget the haircut.It seems logical,when temperatures rise,to take your pet to the groomer for a summer 'do.But while a long coat may look hot,in many cases it helps isulate your pet and keeps him cooler.
It's okay to give her a trim.Just don't give her a buzz cut unless that's her usual style.

Don't fret about feed.Most dogs and cats naturally eat less during the summer months,so don't be alarmed if your pet's appetite falls off a little bit.She's not expending as much energy keeping her body warm,so she needs less food.

                    For Dogs ONLY
Put in a pool.Dogs often enjoy taking a cool dip on a hot day.Fill a small wading pool with an inch or two of cool water to give them a pleasant place to cool off.

When To See A Vet
In most cases,a little rest and a cool drink of water is all your hot,panting pet needs to recover from the heat.But if he gets too hot,she could develop heatstroke,which means he needs a vet fast.
Heatstroke may occur whenever a dog or cat's temperature rises about 104'.But you don't have to take your pet's temperature to recognize the warning signs.Visible symptoms of heatstroke include exhaustion,heavy panting and a lurching gait.Some pets may get so weak they can't even raise their heads.
Pets with heatstroke can suffer brain damage or worse,so don't take chances if you suspect there's a problem.Get her to a vet right away.In the meantime,you can lower her temperature fast by dousing her with a hose and then wrapping her in a cool,damp blanket while you wait for assistance.
You should encourage her to drink,but don't force her.Pets with heatstroke may not swallow properly,and forcing her to drink could make her drown.

As for the pacing around,knockin things over and roaming around,I think he is having panic attacks.You should take your doggy to the vet's office to rule out any health problems.

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