Why Does My Dog Keep Shaking And Panting? What To Do

Why Does My Dog Keep Shaking and Panting? What To Do

If your dog is shaking and panting, it could be due to a range of reasons from simple excitement or cold to more serious medical conditions. It’s important to observe your dog closely for other symptoms and consider recent events to help decipher the cause.

A dog shaking and panting simultaneously can be a sign of several things, including feeling cold, experiencing pain, or dealing with anxiety. Observing other behaviors and the environment is key to figuring out why your dog is acting this way.

Deciphering Dog Trembling and Rapid Breathing

Seeing your canine companion shake and pant can be concerning. This combination of symptoms, dog trembling and dog rapid breathing, often indicates that your dog’s body is reacting to something. It’s the body’s way of trying to regulate itself or signal distress. Let’s explore the common culprits behind this behavior.

Cold and Shivering

One of the most straightforward reasons for dog shivering is simply being cold. Just like humans, dogs can experience chills when exposed to low temperatures. Their bodies shiver to generate heat. If you notice your dog shaking after being outside in the cold, or if the house temperature has dropped, this is likely the cause.

Environmental Factors: Check the ambient temperature. Are there drafts? Is the dog lying on a cold floor?
Breed and Coat: Some breeds are more susceptible to cold than others. Short-haired breeds or those with little undercoat, like Greyhounds or Italian Greyhounds, will feel the cold more acutely.
Age and Health: Very young puppies and senior dogs, as well as dogs with certain health conditions, may have a harder time regulating their body temperature.

If you suspect cold is the issue, try warming your dog up with a blanket or moving them to a warmer spot. A light dog coat can also be beneficial for breeds prone to feeling the cold.

Pain and Discomfort

Pain is a significant reason for a dog to shake and pant. When a dog is in pain, their body releases stress hormones like adrenaline. This can lead to trembling and an increased heart rate, which in turn causes faster breathing and panting.

Injuries: Has your dog had a recent accident, fall, or strenuous activity? Internal injuries, sprains, or fractures can cause significant pain.
Arthritis or Joint Issues: Older dogs, or those predisposed to joint problems, might shake due to the discomfort of arthritis.
Internal Issues: Conditions affecting the abdomen, like pancreatitis or gastrointestinal upset, can cause abdominal pain that leads to shaking and panting.
Dental Pain: A toothache or gum infection can be very painful for dogs and may manifest as shaking.

If your dog is shaking and panting, and you suspect pain, it’s crucial to consult your veterinarian. They can diagnose the source of the pain and recommend appropriate treatment. Avoid giving your dog human pain medications unless specifically directed by your vet, as many are toxic to dogs.

Anxiety and Fear

Dog anxiety panting and shaking are very common responses to stressful situations. Dogs can experience anxiety from various triggers, leading to a physiological stress response that includes trembling and panting.

Separation Anxiety: If your dog exhibits these behaviors when left alone, it might be separation anxiety. They can also show dog restless panting when they anticipate you leaving.
Noise Phobias: Loud noises like thunderstorms, fireworks, or even construction can trigger intense fear, leading to shaking and panting. This can escalate to dog hyperventilating in severe cases.
New Environments or People: Unfamiliar surroundings or meeting new people or animals can be overwhelming and cause anxiety.
Travel: Car rides or trips to the vet can be stressful for some dogs.
Anticipation of Events: Sometimes, dogs may start shaking and panting in anticipation of something they don’t like, such as a bath or a vet visit. This can also present as dog panting and whining.

For anxiety-related issues, desensitization and counter-conditioning can help over time. Creating a safe space for your dog, using calming aids, and consulting with a veterinary behaviorist are also excellent strategies.

Excitement and Overstimulation

It’s not always a negative cause! Sometimes, a dog shaking and panting is a sign of sheer excitement. Think about the moments before a walk, when you’re preparing their favorite treat, or when a beloved person arrives home.

Anticipation of Fun: Your dog might be trembling with anticipation for a game of fetch or a trip to the park.
Greeting Rituals: The excitement of seeing their owner or another familiar dog can lead to this response.
Playtime: Intense play can also cause a dog to pant heavily.

In these cases, the panting and shaking are usually accompanied by other clear signs of happiness, like a wagging tail, bright eyes, and playful body language. The key is to distinguish this from dog distressed panting.

Nausea and Illness

When a dog feels unwell, particularly if they are experiencing nausea or gastrointestinal upset, they may shake and pant. This is often the body’s way of trying to cope with discomfort.

Upset Stomach: Eating something disagreeable, or a sudden onset of digestive issues, can make a dog feel sick, leading to panting and trembling.
Ingestion of Toxins: If your dog has eaten something poisonous, shaking and panting can be among the first symptoms.
Heatstroke: While not directly nausea, heatstroke causes a severe rise in body temperature, leading to extreme panting and sometimes weakness or trembling. In severe cases, you might notice dog pale gums panting, which is a medical emergency.
Other Medical Conditions: Various illnesses, including infections, respiratory problems, or neurological issues, can cause these symptoms.

If you notice your dog panting excessively, shaking, and showing signs of being unwell (lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite), contact your veterinarian immediately.

Medication Side Effects

Certain medications can cause side effects in dogs, including increased heart rate, restlessness, and trembling.

Steroids: Medications like prednisone can cause increased thirst, urination, and sometimes restlessness and panting.
Stimulants: Medications used for heart conditions or other ailments might have stimulant effects.
Pain Relief: Some pain medications, especially in higher doses or in sensitive individuals, can cause these reactions.

Always discuss potential side effects with your veterinarian when starting a new medication for your dog.

Respiratory Issues

While less common for a dog to present with both shaking and panting solely due to respiratory issues, a dog in significant respiratory distress may exhibit panting and potentially some trembling from the effort and stress. This is a serious sign of impaired oxygen intake.

Obstruction: A blocked airway can lead to dog hyperventilating or struggling to breathe.
Lung Disease: Conditions like pneumonia or bronchitis can make breathing difficult.
Heart Disease: Heart conditions can lead to fluid buildup in the lungs, causing breathing difficulties and panting.

If you suspect a respiratory issue, especially if the panting is labored, accompanied by coughing, or if your dog’s gums appear pale or bluish (dog pale gums panting), this is a critical emergency.

What To Do When Your Dog is Shaking and Panting

The most important first step is to assess the situation calmly.

Step 1: Observe Your Dog Closely

Body Language: Is your dog’s tail tucked? Are their ears back? Are they trying to hide? These are signs of fear or anxiety. Are they nudging you for attention or whining? Dog panting and whining often signifies discomfort or distress.
Environment: What has recently changed? Were you preparing to leave? Did you just come inside from the cold? Are there any loud noises?
Other Symptoms: Is your dog eating and drinking normally? Are they lethargic or hyperactive? Are they vomiting or having diarrhea? Have they had any accidents?

Step 2: Rule Out Obvious Causes

Temperature: If it’s cold, provide warmth. If it’s hot, ensure your dog has access to shade and water, and try to cool them down.
Excitement: If it’s clearly excitement, try to calm them down by ignoring the behavior until they settle, then reward the calm state.

Step 3: Consider When It Happens

Specific Times: Does it happen before walks, when you leave, or during certain weather events? This points towards anxiety.
After Eating: Could it be a reaction to food or a sign of gastrointestinal upset?
After Activity: Is it related to physical exertion, or perhaps an injury sustained during activity?

Step 4: When to Seek Veterinary Attention

This is crucial. You should contact your veterinarian immediately if you observe any of the following:

Sudden Onset: The shaking and panting started very abruptly without an obvious cause.
Severe Distress: Your dog seems extremely uncomfortable, weak, or disoriented.
Pale or Blue Gums: This is a sign of poor oxygenation and is a medical emergency. Dog pale gums panting requires immediate vet care.
Vomiting or Diarrhea: Especially if accompanied by lethargy.
Labored Breathing: If the dog rapid breathing appears strained or difficult.
Refusal to Move: If your dog seems unable or unwilling to walk.
Other Concerning Symptoms: Such as seizures, collapse, or signs of poisoning.
No Improvement: If the symptoms don’t resolve with simple interventions like warming up or calming.
Constant or Worsening Symptoms: If the shaking and panting are continuous or getting worse.

Common Scenarios and What They Might Mean

Let’s look at some specific scenarios where you might observe dog panting and shaking:

Scenario	Possible Cause(s)	What to Do
After a thunderstorm	Fear/Anxiety; loud noises are a common trigger for dog anxiety panting.	Provide a safe, quiet space; use calming music or white noise; consider pheromone diffusers or anti-anxiety supplements (consult vet first); do not punish the dog.
When left alone	Separation Anxiety; this can lead to dog restless panting and destructive behaviors.	Gradual desensitization to your departure; provide engaging toys; consider professional training or behaviorist consultation; discuss anxiety medication with your vet.
After surgery or an injury	Pain; the body’s response to discomfort.	Contact your veterinarian immediately. Do not administer pain relief without veterinary guidance.
In hot weather, after activity	Heatstroke or overheating; panting is the primary mechanism for cooling, but severe panting and shaking can indicate danger.	Move the dog to a cool, shaded area; offer cool (not ice-cold) water; wet them down with cool water, focusing on paws and groin; seek immediate veterinary attention if severe.
When greeting someone at the door	Excitement; pure joy and anticipation.	Try to manage their excitement by keeping greetings calm; reward calm behavior.
During a car ride	Motion sickness; anxiety; anticipation of destination (vet, groomer).	Consult your vet about anti-nausea medication or anxiety aids for travel; try to make car rides a positive experience with treats and praise.
When they seem “off” or lethargic	Underlying illness; pain; nausea; this could be indicative of something serious.	Seek veterinary attention promptly to rule out medical causes.
After a meal, especially if it’s liquidy	Nausea; indigestion; a sign of gastrointestinal upset.	Monitor for other symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea; avoid feeding for a few hours; offer bland food (boiled chicken and rice) if symptoms are mild and resolve quickly.
Shivering uncontrollably	Extreme cold; pain; severe anxiety; shock; neurological issue; this is a more serious indicator.	Warm the dog gently; if it doesn’t improve or other symptoms are present, seek immediate veterinary care.
Rapid, shallow breathing with whining	Significant distress; pain; anxiety; respiratory issue. This is often described as dog panting and whining.	This requires veterinary assessment to determine the underlying cause.

Preventing and Managing Anxiety-Related Shaking and Panting

For anxiety, prevention and proactive management are key.

Socialization: Properly socialize puppies to expose them to various sights, sounds, people, and other animals in a positive way.
Routine: Dogs thrive on routine. Predictable feeding, walking, and potty schedules can reduce anxiety.
Safe Space: Create a comfortable den or crate where your dog can retreat when feeling overwhelmed. Make it a positive space with their favorite toys and bedding.
Calming Aids:
- Pheromone Diffusers: Products like Adaptil release synthetic dog appeasing pheromones that can have a calming effect.
- Calming Treats and Supplements: Many contain natural ingredients like L-theanine, tryptophan, or chamomile. Always discuss these with your vet before use.
- Thundershirts/Anxiety Wraps: These apply gentle, constant pressure, which can have a calming effect on some dogs, similar to swaddling a baby.
Training: Positive reinforcement training builds confidence. Teaching basic obedience commands can also provide a sense of control for the dog.
Desensitization and Counter-Conditioning: For specific phobias (like thunderstorms), gradually exposing your dog to the trigger at a low intensity while pairing it with positive reinforcement (treats, praise) can help change their emotional response.

When Your Dog is Panting and Whining

The combination of dog panting and whining is a strong indicator of distress. It means your dog is not only physically struggling (panting) but also vocalizing their discomfort or unhappiness (whining). This can be due to:

Pain: Whining is a common vocalization of pain.
Anxiety/Fear: A dog experiencing extreme fear or anxiety may whine and pant simultaneously.
Discomfort: This could be from an upset stomach, feeling too hot or too cold, or a general sense of unease.
Need: Sometimes, a dog may whine and pant because they need something – like to go outside, or they’re hungry.

If you notice dog panting and whining, try to identify the cause. If it’s a mild situation like needing to go outside, address the need. If the whining is accompanied by shaking or other signs of distress, it warrants a closer look and potentially veterinary consultation.

Fathoming Dog Hyperventilating

While dog hyperventilating isn’t a common term used in veterinary science for dogs in the same way it is for humans, the concept of breathing very rapidly and shallowly due to distress or lack of oxygen is understood. This can happen when a dog is in severe respiratory distress or experiencing intense panic.

Oxygen Deprivation: If a dog isn’t getting enough oxygen, their body will try to compensate by breathing faster. This can be due to lung issues, heart problems, or airway obstruction.
Extreme Stress/Panic: During extreme fear or pain, a dog might exhibit rapid, shallow breathing patterns.

Dog hyperventilating is a serious sign and requires immediate veterinary intervention.

Frequent Questions About Dog Shaking and Panting

Q1: Is it normal for my dog to pant after exercise?
A1: Yes, panting after exercise is normal for dogs. It’s their primary way of cooling down. However, if the panting is excessive, prolonged, or accompanied by other worrying signs like extreme lethargy or collapse, it could indicate overheating or another issue.

Q2: My dog shakes when they sleep. Is this a problem?
A2: Many dogs twitch and tremble slightly in their sleep, often associated with dreaming. This is usually normal. However, if the shaking is violent, persistent, or accompanied by vocalizations or signs of distress while awake, it’s worth discussing with your veterinarian.

Q3: Can I give my dog Benadryl for anxiety panting?
A3: Benadryl (diphenhydramine) can sometimes help with mild anxiety or situational stress in dogs, but it’s crucial to get the correct dosage from your veterinarian. Never administer medication without consulting a vet, as incorrect dosages or types of medication can be harmful or even fatal.

Q4: My dog has pale gums and is panting. What should I do?
A4: Dog pale gums panting is a serious medical emergency. It indicates a lack of oxygen or severe blood loss. You need to get your dog to an emergency veterinarian immediately.

Q5: How can I tell if my dog’s panting is due to heat or illness?
A5: If it’s hot and your dog has been active, heat is a likely cause. However, if it’s cool, your dog is not active, and they are panting excessively, or if they show other signs of illness like lethargy, vomiting, or loss of appetite, illness is a more probable cause. Always err on the side of caution and consult your vet if you are unsure.

Q6: My dog is always restless and panting. What can I do?
A6: Dog restless panting can be a sign of chronic anxiety, pain, or an underlying medical condition. It’s important to work with your veterinarian to diagnose the root cause. Behavioral modification techniques, environmental enrichment, and potentially medication may be recommended.

In conclusion, a dog shaking and panting can be caused by a wide array of factors, from the benign to the critical. By carefully observing your dog’s body language, the surrounding environment, and any accompanying symptoms, you can better interpret what your furry friend is trying to communicate. When in doubt, always err on the side of caution and seek professional veterinary advice. Your dog’s health and well-being depend on your attentiveness.