3 yr old chessie panting at night

My 3 yr old male chessie has started to pant at night. He sleeps in our bedroom and tries to get comfortable and begins panting and walking around the room.  He occasionally goes to his water bowl, but not all the time.  He doesn't ask to go outside, just pants.

[Jaybay]

The first thing you need to do is rule out a physical problem, so it's time for a trip to your vet.  If everything checks out OK, then you look for psychological reasons for the panting.

I can tell you that we had a dog who did the same thing.  It was nearly impossible to sleep with her because her panting was so loud.  As it turned out, she was one very frustrated dog who wanted us to take over leadership of our house.  Because my husband and I did not act as her pack leaders, she took on the job of guarding and running the house herself.  This went on for most of her life and we were completely oblivious.

When I started walking our dogs regularly and took over the job of "answering" the door with a little discipline, (meaning not allowing her to attack the door) her nighttime panting melted away.

Dogs need daily physical and mental exercise, and they respond extremely well to a regular schedule.  Can you give us a better idea of what your dog's daily life is like?  That will help us to better help you both.  :-)