Why is my dog shaking and panting all of a sudden?

Dogs pant to regulate their temperature. Unlike humans, dogs aren’t able to regulate their temperature using sweat so instead, they pant to circulate cool air through their bodies and to evaporate water from the mouth and upper respiratory tract.

Índice Show

Heat stroke
Heart failure
Brachycephalic syndrome
Respiratory illness
Cushing’s disease
Heat Stroke
Fever, Infection or Intoxication
Heart Problems
Blood Sugar Imbalance
Injury or Pain
Stress or Trauma

In the vast majority of cases, a dog panting is a normal sign of being excited, hot or just taking a breather from exercising. If you’re worried your dog is panting because they are too hot and want to cool him down, check out our vet’s tips on
how to keep your dog cool.

If your dog is panting and restless, keeps panting, is panting abnormally, or is panting and shaking, it could be the first sign of something more serious. This is especially the case if they’re panting at a time that seems unusual, are in discomfort, or their panting sounds louder or harsher than normal.

If your dog seems to be struggling to get his breath or there is a change in the colour of his tongue or gums call your vet immediately or, out of hours, your nearest Vets Now pet emergency service.

There are a number of conditions which list abnormal, heavy or excessive panting as a symptom. These include:

Heat stroke

Heat stroke is a potentially fatal condition which occurs when a dog’s temperature rises to a dangerous level. Faster, heavier panting is one of the earliest and most common signs of heat stroke in dogs. Urgent action is required to treat this condition, as heat-related illnesses can kill pets in as little as 15 minutes.

Poisoning

Abnormal panting may be a signal your dog has been poisoned or has suffered an allergic reaction. Poisonings are one of the most common emergencies our vets and vet nurses see. Often they are the result of chocolate or raisin ingestion, swallowing dangerous plants, or licking things like antifreeze, rat poison or slug and snail killer.

Heart failure

Just like humans, a dog’s heart pumps blood rich in oxygen around the body. As the heart deteriorates and is no longer able to do this, dogs can display several signs, including weakness, coughing and exercise intolerance. Another common sign is panting. This occurs when the respiratory rate rises to compensate for the lack of oxygen being circulated.

Brachycephalic syndrome

One of the most common problems suffered by brachycephalic dogs (breeds with flat faces such as pugs and French bulldogs) is an inability to breathe normally. This is especially the case after exercise or while eating meals. This condition is called Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) and is caused by a narrowing of the upper respiratory tract.

Respiratory illness

Disorders in any part of the respiratory system can lead to breathing difficulties in dogs and one of the signs may be heavy breathing or panting. These disorders can include laryngeal paralysis, lung tumours and pneumonia.

Anaemia

Anaemia is diagnosed when there’s a fall in the number of red blood cells. Because these cells transport oxygen around the body, anaemia can lead to oxygen deprivation. This, in turn, may result in a dog panting more to compensate.

Obesity

Obesity is a growing problem in dogs and can lead to heart disease, cancer and diabetes, as well as debilitating life-limiting conditions including arthritis. Excessive panting in an overweight dog is often a sign that they’re struggling to get fresh, oxygenated blood to their vital systems.

Cushing’s disease

This syndrome occurs when a dog’s adrenal glands produce too much cortisol. Affected dogs, who are usually middle-aged or older, tend to pant more, drink more, urinate more and want to eat more.

If your dog is panting heavily but hasn’t been exercising, it could be that they’re in pain. Dogs in pain will often pant well before displaying more obvious signs, such as a limp or whining. It’s worth bearing in mind that dogs with shallow breathing could also be suffering pain.

Other issues which may result in abnormal panting in dogs include anxiety, adverse reaction to medication, high blood pressure, fever and metabolic acidosis, which is when the body produces too much acid.

You may hear your vet referring to the terms dyspnoea and tachypnoea when discussing your dog’s breathing. Dyspnoea is laboured breathing while tachypnoea is when the rate of breathing is faster than normal. Some of the causes of dyspnoea and tachypnoea in dogs may also result in panting.

You should always call your vet if you’re worried about your dog’s health. But bear in mind that panting is perfectly normal in dogs who have been exercising, are excited or just a little too hot. Panting can be considered abnormal, and a potential emergency, if it starts suddenly and for no reason, won’t stop, is accompanied by shaking or restlessness, or involves a change in the colour of your dog’s tongue or gums from pink to bluish, white or purple.

January 4, 2019

Typically, panting and shaking are normal dog behaviors and their causes are generally pretty clear. When dogs get hot, panting helps cool them down. Shaking can do the same and may also be exhibited when they get excited. Older and obese dogs tend to show these behaviors more often. They may pant and shake more as a result of general weakness in the diaphragm and intercostal muscles.

While dog panting and shaking is a typical response in these scenarios, the combination of the two may still mean there is something wrong and could be a sign of a serious canine health condition. Allow this article to serve as a guide to help you better understand what it means if your dog is panting or shaking. Let’s dive deeper into some of the causes of each.

Heat Stroke

Panting and shaking in excess are the most common symptoms of canine heat stroke. Heat can affect dogs differently, some get hot easier than others and thus are more prone to heat stroke. Drooling, glassy eyes, overall canine weakness and an increased heart rate in dogs are all common symptoms. If you suspect your dog is overheating, move him to a shady spot and submerge him in cool water – however, avoid cold water, which could actually constrict blood vessels and make matters worse. Additionally, you should provide your dog with cool water to drink or even an ice cube to lick. Once your pup’s temperature has returned to normal levels, take him to the vet immediately.

Fever, Infection or Intoxication

In some cases, panting and shaking may be the result of a canine fever or an infection in dogs. In others, maybe your dog has ingested something toxic, such as food or chemicals. If it’s a fever or infection and gets to a point where your dog is shaking and panting, he may have developed hyperthermia. Shaking and panting helps lower body temperature. In either scenario, the shaking and panting should not be ignored. Contact your vet immediately.

Heart Problems

How can heart problems lead to panting and shaking? If your four-legged friend has a heart problem like canine heart disease, it can actually impact his breathing. For example, an enlarged heart may be pressing against the lungs. Panting is a natural response in an effort to fill the lungs with air. Dogs then shake due to a lack of oxygen flow throughout the body. Heart problems require prompt veterinary attention.

Blood Sugar Imbalance

Shaking and panting can also be triggered when diabetic dogs become hypoglycemic. However, it’s not only diabetic dogs who are prone to low blood sugar. Certain breeds, such as the Italian Greyhound and Chihuahua, are also susceptible to low blood sugar simply because of their smaller and more delicate breeds. Help your dog recover quickly by placing one tablespoon of honey or maple syrup under your dog’s tongue allows the sugar to reach the blood quickly. Repeat this step every six hours or so while keeping your pup warm.

Injury or Pain

If your dog is experiencing pain or has suffered an injury, excessive panting and shaking are common responses. Sometimes an injury is obvious and visible, however, in other cases the injury and/or pain may be internal, making it more difficult for you to recognize. Another common sign of internal injury is pale gums, but signs and symptoms vary. There could be a myriad of causes for pain or discomfort, so in any instance, it’s recommended you see a vet.

Stress or Trauma

If your dog has experienced a stressful event, it’s very common for him to pant and shake. Especially in new environments or around foreign stimuli which may cause fear or anxiety in dogs. While dogs respond to foreign stimuli differently, it’s important for you to be aware of what may have caused the fear or trauma and remove it from your dog’s environment. Taking away the stressor or removing your dog from a stress-inducing situation is always the most effective prevention method.

Much like humans, dog’s can experience sudden changes in behavior. This can be a scary situation when you aren’t sure of the cause. Unfortunately, while panting and shaking can be more common in senior dogs, excessive panting and shaking are usually indicative of a health problem or some form of emotional distress. The most common cause is overheating or heat stroke, but any of the above explanations may be the culprit. If your four-legged companion is experiencing any of these issues, react quickly and contact your vet as soon as possible.