Dog Shaking and Panting: What it Could Mean

Few things worry pet owners more than seeing their dog panting and shaking at the same time. In some cases, the cause is harmless. Your dog may be nervous during a thunderstorm, excited to see visitors, or trying to warm up on a cold day.

There are times, though, when dog panting and shaking can indicate pain, illness, poisoning, low blood sugar, or serious health complications that requires prompt veterinary attention.

The key is understanding the context. A dog that pants heavily after exercise is very different from a dog that suddenly starts shaking, refuses food, and seems uncomfortable. Paying attention to your dog's behavior and any additional symptoms can help you determine whether it's safe to monitor them at home or if it's time to call your veterinarian.

When Is Dog Panting and Shaking an Emergency?

Dog panting and shaking should be treated as an emergency if it occurs alongside other concerning symptoms or appears suddenly without an obvious cause.

Even if your dog appears otherwise normal, persistent shaking, excessive panting, or unusual behavior that lasts more than a few hours warrants a visit to your emergency veterinary clinic. When in doubt, it's always safer to contact your veterinarian for guidance.

Not sure if your dog's panting and shaking is an emergency? Use the table below as a quick guide. If you're ever unsure, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Why Is My Dog Shaking and Panting?!

It's a question veterinarians get asked often by worried pet owners. These behaviors can be perfectly normal in certain situations (Chihuahua owners know this!). But they can also be signs that something more serious is going on. Sudden shaking and panting together could indicate extreme stress, fear, or even a medical condition. In some cases, these symptoms could point to a more chronic issue, such as a heart problem or respiratory condition.

Most cases of dog panting and shaking fall into one of three categories: emotional triggers, physical discomfort, or underlying medical conditions. Understanding which category your dog's symptoms fall into can help you decide whether to monitor them at home or seek veterinary care.

Are Anxiety and Fear Causing Your Dog to Shake and Pant?

Just like humans, dogs can feel anxious or stressed, and when they do, they may react by shaking or panting. Loud noises, a new environment, or even separation anxiety might cause your dog to tremble or breathe heavily.

It’s their way of coping with big feelings. If your pup tends to get the jitters, try to comfort them by using a calm voice, by giving them their favorite toy, or directing them to a cozy spot where they feel safe, like their kennel or dog bed. Sometimes, just being close to you is all they need to feel safe.

Similar to anxiety, some dogs react to fear by shaking or panting. Things like thunderstorms, fireworks (and other loud noises), or even a trip to the vet can be scary experiences for your furry friend. When something really scares your dog, they might shake and pant as a response. It’s like their way of saying, "This is too much for me!"

If you know your dog has a specific fear of something predictable—like fireworks or thunderstorms—you can help by creating a distraction or a safe space.

Here are some ideas to help your dog work through fear:

• move them to a basement or other room in the house where the noise isn't as loud
• turn on the television or some music to help distract them
• consider getting them an anxiety vest (the compression against your dog's body helps calm them)
• for extreme fears or anxiety, ask your vet about prescription medication that can be used on an as-needed basis

Could Excessive Panting Indicate Discomfort or Pain?

When they're feeling pain, dogs can't just tell you something is wrong, so they may respond with behaviors such as shaking and panting, whining, and barking. Whether it’s a painful broken nail, an upset stomach, or something more serious, these behaviors can be your dog’s way of telling you they’re not feeling well. If your dog's shivering or panting is more frequent than usual or combined with other signs like limping or refusing to eat, it may be time for a vet visit to figure out what's going on.

Temperature Regulation

Many dogs shiver when they're cold, especially small dogs. Certain breeds—especially toy breeds—get cold faster than others. Shaking or shivering can be their way of warming up if they’re feeling cold. Make sure your pup has a warm blanket to snuggle up with at bedtime, and if you live in a cold climate, consider putting a sweater or coat on them for those winter walks.

On the other hand, panting is a way for dogs to regulate their temperature when it's hot out. Since dogs don't sweat like we do, panting is like their built-in air conditioning and a way to keep them from suffering from heatstroke. If you notice your dog panting and drooling excessively in hot weather or if your dog's gums appear bright red or dry, get them to a cool area right away and use a cool (not super cold) rag or sponge to cool down their belly.

Which Medical Conditions Cause Dog Panting and Shaking?

Canine Distemper

Canine distemper is a serious illness that can cause shaking and panting, among other symptoms. It often affects puppies and unvaccinated dogs, leading to respiratory, gastrointestinal, and neurological issues. Dogs affected by canine distemper should be seen by a vet as soon as possible.

Look out for other symptoms that may indicate distemper, such as fever, coughing, lethargy, low appetite, diarrhea, or vomiting.

Poisoning or Toxins

Poisoning is one of the most serious causes of dog panting and shaking and should always be treated as a medical emergency. Dogs are naturally curious, and it doesn't take much exposure to certain toxins to cause serious health complications.

Common toxins that can cause shaking, excessive panting, and other symptoms include:

• Chocolate

• Xylitol (found in some sugar-free gums, candies, and peanut butters)

• Human medications

• Household cleaning products and chemicals

• Snail bait and rodenticides

• Certain plants and flowers

• Alcohol and caffeinated products

In addition to panting and shaking, watch for other signs of poisoning, including:

• Vomiting or diarrhea

• Excessive drooling

• Weakness or lethargy

• Tremors or muscle twitching

• Disorientation

• Difficulty walking

• Seizures

If you suspect your dog has ingested a toxic substance, seek veterinary attention immediately. The sooner treatment begins, the better the chances of a full recovery.

Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)

Low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, can cause dogs—especially small breeds and puppies—to shake and pant in order to maintain normal glucose levels. If your dog seems weak, is disoriented, or is shaking and panting excessively, they might need a sugar boost. Your veterinarian can do a blood glucose test to diagnose hypoglycemia and run other diagnostic tests to determine the underlying causes.

Treatment for low blood sugar in dogs can range from simple solutions like diet changes and liquid oral glucose to more involved solutions such as hospitalization for IV fluids.

Cushing's Disease

Excessive panting could be a sign that your dog has Cushing’s disease, which occurs when a dog’s body produces too much cortisol. Cortisol is a hormone that helps regulate things like metabolism, the immune system, and stress responses, but too much of it can cause health problems in your pup. The condition is most common in older dogs, and it’s often caused by a tumor on the pituitary or adrenal gland.

Diagnosing Cushing’s disease can be tricky, as the symptoms often overlap with other health conditions. Your veterinarian might recommend blood tests, urine tests, and an ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis.

Look out for the following additional symptoms that may indicate Cushing's disease:

• increased thirst
• increased hunger
• swollen belly
• hair loss
• weakness
• lethargy

Seizure Disorders or Neurological Issues

Seizures and other medical conditions can manifest as shaking, muscle twitching, and heavy panting. If your dog has a seizure, it’s important to stay calm, keep them safe from injury, and contact your veterinarian right away. Depending on the cause, there are treatments that can help manage or reduce the frequency of seizures.

Allergic Reactions

Severe allergic reactions can cause dogs to pant, shake, become restless, and experience facial swelling. In serious cases, breathing difficulties may develop quickly. If your dog is having trouble breathing or develops sudden swelling, seek emergency veterinary care immediately.

Generalized Tremor Syndrome

Generalized Tremor Syndrome (GTS), sometimes called "white shaker syndrome," is a neurological condition that causes full-body tremors. While it is most common in small white breeds, it can occur in dogs of any size. Affected dogs may shake continuously and pant due to the stress and physical effort caused by the tremors.

Medication Side Effects

Certain medications can cause shaking or panting as a side effect. Whether it’s a new prescription or a change in dosage, this could be your dog’s way of reacting to the medication. If you notice this happening, it’s worth discussing it with your vet to see if the medication needs to be adjusted or if there’s an alternative option.

Aging

At Bully Beds, we frequently hear from owners of large and senior dogs whose shaking and panting is linked to arthritis discomfort, declining mobility, or difficulty getting comfortable while resting. Providing proper joint support through an orthopedic bed may help reduce discomfort and improve sleep quality.

When Should You Call the Vet?

While some causes of dog panting and shaking are relatively harmless, others require prompt veterinary attention. It's always best to err on the side of caution if your dog's symptoms seem unusual or are accompanied by other concerning signs.

Contact your veterinarian if:

• The panting or shaking persists for more than a few hours

• Your dog is vomiting or has diarrhea

• Your dog appears weak, lethargic, or disoriented

• Your dog is struggling to breathe or panting excessively

• You suspect your dog has ingested a toxic substance

• The shaking begins suddenly without an obvious cause

• Your dog experiences a seizure

• Your dog refuses food or water

• You notice other unusual changes in your dog's behavior

What to Do for a Panting or Shaking Dog

Many dog owners worry when they notice their pup shaking and panting. In some cases, the cause may be temporary, such as excitement, stress, or cold weather. In others, it may signal pain, illness, or an underlying medical condition that requires treatment.

Start by looking at the bigger picture. Consider what your dog was doing before the symptoms started and watch for additional signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, limping, difficulty breathing, or changes in appetite. If your dog appears distressed or uncomfortable, contact your veterinarian for guidance.

For dogs that are cold, provide a warm place to rest. If your dog seems anxious or fearful, offer reassurance and move them to a calm environment. If overheating may be the cause, move your dog to a cool area and provide fresh water.

Most importantly, trust your instincts. You know your dog better than anyone else. If something feels off or your dog's behavior seems unusual, a vet visit can help identify the underlying cause and ensure your dog gets the care they need to stay healthy and comfortable.