Senior Lab Drinking a Lot, Restless and Short of Breath

Drinking much more than usual, large stools, eating stool, restlessness and getting out of breath easily in an older dog can be signs of conditions such as Cushing's disease, diabetes, kidney disease or heart disease, several of which are treatable.

Please take him for a checkup with blood and urine tests. If he has to be at the end of his life, your vet can help keep him comfortable, but it's worth finding out first whether something treatable is going on. Noisy breathing, pale or blue gums or collapse need urgent care.

See dog panting for causes of panting.

This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.