When your dog is both breathing heavily and shivering, it can be an alarming sight for any dog owner.
We outline the possible causes of heavy breathing and salivation in dogs, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help.
Dog Breathing Heavy and Shivering — Why It Happens
Dogs can breathe heavily and shiver due to pain, fever, anxiety, heart issues, respiratory problems, poisoning, or other medical conditions.
Common Causes of Heavy Breathing and Shivering in Dogs
Pain or Injury
Pain can cause a dog to breathe heavily and shiver as their body reacts to discomfort and distress. Dogs in pain often have an increased heart rate and rapid breathing, which may be accompanied by trembling.
You may notice other signs such as limping, whimpering, reluctance to move, or hiding.
Any sudden onset of heavy breathing and shivering without an obvious cause should be taken seriously.
Read more: Dog Breathing Heavy and Shaking Head (Here’s why)
Fever or Infection
When a dog develops a fever due to an infection, their breathing rate can increase, and shivering may occur as the body attempts to regulate temperature. This could be due to bacterial, viral, or fungal infections.
Additional symptoms may include lethargy, loss of appetite, coughing, nasal discharge, or vomiting. Since infections can worsen quickly, veterinary evaluation is important.
Anxiety or Stress
Emotional distress can also trigger both heavy breathing and shivering. Loud noises, unfamiliar environments, separation anxiety, or recent traumatic events can cause these symptoms.
In this case, your dog may also pace, whine, avoid eye contact, or try to hide. While stress reactions may resolve once the trigger is gone, ongoing anxiety should be addressed to avoid chronic health effects.
Heart Disease
Heart problems can reduce the body’s ability to pump blood efficiently, leading to low oxygen levels. This can cause both rapid breathing and shivering as the body struggles to circulate oxygen and maintain warmth.
Other signs may include coughing, weakness, fainting, and exercise intolerance. Because heart disease can be life-threatening, any suspicion warrants immediate veterinary assessment.
Poisoning or Toxin Exposure
Certain toxins, such as chocolate, xylitol, grapes, pesticides, and household chemicals, can cause tremors and respiratory distress in dogs. Heavy breathing combined with shivering is often an early sign.
Additional symptoms may include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, or collapse. This is always an emergency.
Respiratory Conditions
Diseases affecting the lungs or airways — such as pneumonia, bronchitis, or laryngeal paralysis — can result in rapid, labored breathing. Shivering may develop as oxygen levels drop or as the body responds to the illness.
Signs often include coughing, wheezing, nasal discharge, or exercise intolerance. These conditions require prompt diagnosis and treatment.
What to Do If Your Dog Is Breathing Heavily and Shivering
If you notice these symptoms, first ensure your dog is in a calm, safe environment. Reduce noise and activity to help them relax. Check for signs of injury or toxin exposure.
Monitor their gum color — pale, blue, or gray gums can signal a lack of oxygen and require urgent care. Keep your dog warm but avoid overheating, especially if they may have a fever.
Do not give human medications unless directed by a veterinarian. If symptoms persist for more than a few minutes or are severe, seek veterinary care immediately.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
Contact your veterinarian right away if your dog has heavy breathing and shivering along with:
Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
Seizures or collapse
Pale, blue, or gray gums
Coughing or choking
Inability to stand or walk
Signs of severe pain
Even if the cause seems minor, sudden changes in breathing and body temperature regulation can signal serious illness.
Read more: Dog Breathing Heavy and Panting (What it could mean)
Key Takeaway
Heavy breathing and shivering in dogs should never be ignored. While stress and mild illness may cause these symptoms, they can also indicate serious conditions like poisoning, infection, or heart disease.
Stay calm, keep your dog comfortable, and seek veterinary care if symptoms are severe or prolonged. Prompt attention can make a life-saving difference.