When your dog experiences diarrhea, shaking, and panting all at once, it can be deeply unsettling.
These symptoms may point to something as minor as an upset stomach or as serious as poisoning, infection, or internal organ dysfunction.
Each of these signs—dog diarrhea, shaking, and panting—can individually suggest discomfort or illness. But when they appear together, they require your immediate attention.
We outline the potential causes of dog diarrhea, shaking, and panting, when you should worry, and how you can help your furry friend recover.
Table of Contents
Dog Diarrhea, Shaking, and Panting: What These Symptoms Mean
Before diving into possible causes, let’s understand the symptoms better.
Dog diarrhea refers to frequent, loose, or watery stools. It often indicates gastrointestinal distress.
Shaking or trembling can result from pain, fear, stress, cold, or fever.
Panting is normal after exertion or in heat, but when excessive or paired with illness, it may be a warning sign.
If your dog is showing all three—diarrhea, shaking, and panting—the problem is likely affecting their entire system, not just their stomach. The root cause may range from dehydration to toxic exposure.
Here’s Why Your Frenchie Throws Up in the Morning
When a dog has diarrhea accompanied by shaking and panting, it often signals a deeper issue beyond just an upset stomach. These symptoms together may indicate pain, stress, poisoning, fever, or a more serious underlying condition like an infection or organ dysfunction.
Diarrhea causes fluid and electrolyte loss, while shaking and panting are common signs of discomfort, anxiety, or fever.
This combination of symptoms should never be ignored, as it can point to a rapidly progressing illness requiring immediate veterinary attention.
Dog Diarrhea, Shaking, and Panting:
Common Causes
1. Gastrointestinal Infections
A common cause of dog diarrhea and panting is a gastrointestinal infection.
Whether it’s bacterial, viral, or parasitic, an infection can upset your dog’s digestive tract.
Why it causes shaking and panting:
Infections often come with fever and abdominal pain. Shaking may be due to discomfort or chills, while panting can result from elevated body temperature or stress.
Signs to watch for:
Vomiting
Loss of appetite
Lethargy
Blood in stool
Action: Seek immediate vet care. Infections like parvovirus, giardia, or salmonella can become serious fast, especially in puppies and senior dogs.
2. Poisoning or Toxin Ingestion
Ingestion of toxic substances can cause dog diarrhea, shaking, and panting simultaneously.
Dogs may be exposed to toxins through spoiled food, household chemicals, plants, or human medications.
Why it causes all three symptoms:
Toxins irritate the digestive system (leading to diarrhea), cause internal stress or damage (causing shaking), and elevate body temperature or distress levels (resulting in panting).
Common toxins include:
Chocolate
Xylitol (found in sugar-free gum)
Grapes and raisins
Pesticides or rodent poison
Action: If poisoning is suspected, treat it as a medical emergency. Call your vet or animal poison control immediately.
Related: Dog diarrhea and shaking (Causes and Treatment)
3. Heatstroke or Overheating
If your dog has been out in the heat or exerting itself heavily, diarrhea, shaking, and panting could point to heatstroke.
Why it’s dangerous:
Heatstroke causes internal organ stress, which can lead to inflammation of the intestines (causing diarrhea), muscle tremors (shaking), and excessive panting as the body tries to cool down.
Other signs of heatstroke:
Bright red gums
Vomiting
Collapse
Action: Move your dog to a cool environment, offer water (don’t force it), and get to a vet immediately.
Heatstroke can quickly become fatal.
Related: Old dog diarrhea and shaking (What it means)
4. Severe Stress or Anxiety
Dogs react to stress in physical ways. Dog shaking and panting are well-known signs of anxiety, and stress can also disrupt digestion, causing diarrhea.
What causes stress-induced symptoms:
Loud noises (e.g., fireworks)
Traveling
New environments
Separation anxiety
Why it matters:
Even if caused by emotions rather than physical illness, persistent stress can weaken the immune system and create long-term health issues.
Action: Try calming techniques like a quiet space, gentle music, or anxiety vests. If stress symptoms persist or worsen, consult your vet for behavioral advice or anti-anxiety medication.
5. Pain or Internal Injury
Shaking and panting are classic signs of pain in dogs. If your dog is also having diarrhea, it could indicate abdominal pain or internal issues.
Common causes of pain include:
Bloating or gastric dilation-volvulus (GDV)
Pancreatitis
Intestinal obstruction
Internal bleeding
Why pain causes panting and shaking:
Pain triggers adrenaline and stress responses, which cause trembling and fast breathing. If the pain is abdominal, diarrhea often follows.
Action: If your dog is hunched over, whimpering, or shows bloating along with diarrhea and shaking, rush to the vet. These can be signs of life-threatening conditions.
6. Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, often triggered by a fatty diet or dietary indiscretion (like getting into the trash).
Symptoms include:
Severe diarrhea
Vomiting
Belly pain
Shaking and panting due to pain and fever
Why it’s serious:
Pancreatitis can range from mild to severe and often requires hospitalization and fluid therapy.
Action: Avoid feeding your dog human food, especially fatty leftovers, and consult a vet immediately if you suspect pancreatitis.
7. Medication Side Effects
Certain medications, especially antibiotics or steroids, may cause dog diarrhea. Some may also lead to side effects like tremors or excessive panting.
Examples of drugs with these side effects:
Prednisone
Certain painkillers
Diuretics
What to do:
If your dog starts showing symptoms soon after a new medication, consult your vet about side effects or possible allergic reactions. Never stop medication without veterinary advice.
8. Endocrine Disorders
Diseases affecting hormones, like Addison’s disease, can cause systemic symptoms such as dog diarrhea, panting, and shaking.
Signs of Addison’s disease include:
Diarrhea
Weakness or collapse
Low energy
Shivering
Panting due to electrolyte imbalance
Action: Addison’s disease is diagnosed via blood work and requires lifelong management, but it’s treatable if caught early.
What to Do if Your Dog Has Diarrhea, Shaking, and Panting
If your dog is experiencing these symptoms together, you should take action immediately:
Offer Fresh Water
Dehydration from diarrhea and panting can quickly become dangerous.
Ensure your dog has access to clean, fresh water. Don’t force it if they aren’t drinking—this could signal a more serious issue.
Keep Your Dog Cool and Calm
If overheating or stress is suspected, bring your dog to a cool, quiet space. Turn on a fan or air conditioning.
Do Not Give Over-the-Counter Meds
Human medications like Imodium or Pepto-Bismol can be toxic to dogs.
Never medicate without veterinary guidance.
Monitor for Red Flag Symptoms
Watch for:
Blood in stool
Vomiting
Pale or blue gums
Collapse or seizures
Difficulty breathing
These require urgent veterinary intervention.
When to Call the Vet
Immediately seek vet help if:
Symptoms persist longer than 24 hours
Your dog is very young, old, or has existing conditions
There’s vomiting alongside diarrhea
Your dog is lethargic or unresponsive
You suspect poisoning, internal injury, or heatstroke
Key Takeaway
Dog diarrhea, shaking, and panting may seem like unrelated symptoms, but together, they often indicate something more serious than a simple upset stomach.
From infections to poisoning or even stress, these signs shouldn’t be ignored.
Quick action can make all the difference. The earlier you involve your veterinarian, the better the outcome for your dog’s health and comfort.