If your dog is panting and quivering, it can be alarming to witness, as these behaviors often signal an underlying medical condition. Recognizing these signs early can help prevent complications and ensure your dog receives timely care.
We outline the common reasons why dogs may pant and quiver, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help.
Dog Panting and Quivering — Why It Happens
Dog panting and quivering often occur together as signs of stress, pain, or an underlying medical condition. Common causes include anxiety, fear, fever, pain from injury or illness, or side effects from medications such as steroids.
Panting helps regulate temperature and release tension, while quivering can signal muscle fatigue, discomfort, or nervous system issues. In some cases, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), poisoning, or internal pain may be to blame.
Dog Panting and Quivering: Common Causes
Anxiety or Fear
Anxiety is a frequent cause of panting and quivering in dogs. Situations like thunderstorms, fireworks, separation from their owner, or unfamiliar environments can trigger intense stress.
You may notice additional signs such as pacing, whining, hiding, or trembling in various parts of the body.
Chronic anxiety can affect your dog’s quality of life, making it important to identify triggers and provide reassurance, safe spaces, or professional behavioral support.
Read more: Dog Panting and Shaking on Steroids (Understanding the causes)
Pain or Discomfort
Pain often causes dogs to pant and quiver as a self-soothing mechanism. Pain may result from injuries, arthritis, dental issues, or internal conditions such as gastrointestinal problems.
Other signs include limping, reluctance to move, whimpering, or sensitivity to touch. Recognizing pain early and consulting your veterinarian ensures appropriate pain management and improves your dog’s overall comfort.
Fever or Infection
Illnesses like infections can lead to panting and quivering due to elevated body temperature or general malaise.
Common infections include urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, or systemic bacterial or viral infections.
Additional symptoms may include lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, or diarrhea. Prompt veterinary care is essential to diagnose and treat infections before they worsen.
Hypothermia or Cold Exposure
Exposure to cold can make dogs shiver and pant as their body struggles to regulate temperature. Puppies, small breeds, or elderly dogs are particularly susceptible to hypothermia.
Signs may include shivering, pale or bluish gums, weakness, or lethargy. Warming your dog gradually and monitoring them carefully is crucial, and severe cases require veterinary attention.
Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia)
Low blood sugar can cause panting, trembling, and weakness in dogs, especially in small breeds or young puppies. Hypoglycemia may occur due to missed meals, prolonged exercise, or underlying endocrine disorders.
You might also observe disorientation, lethargy, or collapse. Timely feeding or veterinary intervention is necessary to restore normal glucose levels and prevent serious complications.
Heart or Respiratory Conditions
Heart or lung problems can reduce oxygen delivery, causing dogs to pant and quiver. Conditions like heart disease, congestive heart failure, or respiratory infections can make your dog feel restless and uncomfortable.
Look for additional signs such as rapid heartbeat, coughing, pale gums, or labored breathing. Early veterinary evaluation is crucial to manage these conditions effectively and reduce health risks.
What to Do If Your Dog Is Panting and Quivering
Provide a calm, safe environment for your dog, ensuring they have access to water and a comfortable resting area.
Observe for patterns in panting and quivering, such as triggers like fear, cold, or pain. Avoid scolding or forcing your dog to settle, as this may exacerbate anxiety.
If the behavior is linked to medical conditions, such as infection, pain, or hypoglycemia, consult your veterinarian immediately.
Document your observations, including duration, frequency, and any associated symptoms, to share with your veterinarian for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
Seek immediate veterinary care if your dog exhibits:
Continuous panting and quivering without an obvious trigger
Lethargy, weakness, or collapse
Vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal swelling
Pale, blue, or unusually red gums
Signs of pain or distress that do not resolve quickly
Early intervention can prevent serious complications and ensure your dog receives timely, effective treatment.
Read more: Dog panting and shaking for no reason (Here’s why)
Key Takeaway
Panting and quivering in dogs can indicate stress, pain, illness, or temperature regulation issues.
Common causes include anxiety, pain, fever or infection, cold exposure, low blood sugar, and heart or respiratory problems.
Observing your dog carefully, providing comfort, and seeking veterinary care when necessary ensures your dog remains healthy, comfortable, and safe.