It’s alarming to see your dog panting and shaking after giving birth, especially if you’re unsure whether it’s normal or a sign of distress.
We outline the common reasons why your dog may pant and shake after giving birth, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help.
Dog Panting and Shaking After Giving Birth — Why It Happens
Panting and shaking in a dog post-labor can be triggered by a mix of physical strain, hormonal shifts, pain, or underlying complications.
Many new dog moms pant and tremble from sheer exhaustion or the effort of whelping. However, issues like uterine infections, low calcium, or retained placentas can also cause these symptoms.
Anxiety and environmental stress can worsen the behavior. And in some cases, the symptoms signal an emergency that requires prompt vet care.
Common Reasons Why Your Dog May Pant and Shake After Giving Birth
Postpartum Pain and Fatigue
Labor is a physically demanding process, even for healthy dogs.
Panting and shaking may simply reflect pain, soreness, or exhaustion as the body begins to recover from giving birth.
Uterine contractions may continue for a few days to help expel fluids and shrink the uterus back to size, which can be uncomfortable.
Mothers often become protective and stressed while nursing puppies, especially in the first 48 hours. This mental and physical strain can cause trembling and fast breathing.
Although some degree of panting is normal, prolonged or intense discomfort deserves a vet’s attention.
Related: Dog panting excessively (Causes and What To Do)
Eclampsia (Low Blood Calcium)
One of the most serious causes of panting and shaking in nursing dogs is eclampsia.
This condition happens when calcium levels drop dangerously low, typically one to three weeks after giving birth—but signs can begin earlier. Lactation puts extreme demands on the mother’s calcium stores.
Symptoms of eclampsia include restlessness, muscle tremors, panting, fever, and even seizures. If untreated, it can quickly become life-threatening.
Small breed dogs are especially prone to this condition. If you suspect eclampsia, it’s a veterinary emergency.
Uterine Infection (Metritis)
Metritis is an infection of the uterus that can develop after whelping, especially if any placental tissue was retained.
It can cause panting, shaking, lethargy, poor appetite, vomiting, and a foul-smelling discharge from the vulva. A dog with metritis may neglect her puppies or act extremely uncomfortable.
The infection can enter the bloodstream and become septic, making it a potentially fatal condition.
Prompt veterinary care is critical. Antibiotics and supportive care are usually required.
Retained Placenta or Puppy
If a placenta or dead puppy remains inside the uterus, it can cause inflammation, pain, and infection.
This is more likely if the labor was long, the litter was large, or assistance was needed during delivery. You might see panting, discomfort, or vaginal discharge that doesn’t improve.
The retained tissue can become necrotic and lead to metritis or sepsis. Your vet may need to do imaging and provide treatment.
A dog that is panting heavily and acting ill after birth should be evaluated for this issue.
Anxiety or Hormonal Shifts
Sudden hormonal changes after birth can affect your dog’s nervous system.
Some new moms become anxious, clingy, or tremble even if they seem otherwise healthy.
This can be a temporary response to maternal instincts, stress, or the overwhelming task of caring for pups.
The shaking may come and go and isn’t necessarily linked to physical illness. However, it’s important to monitor for worsening symptoms.
A calm, quiet environment and reassurance can help her settle. If symptoms escalate or persist, seek veterinary advice.
Internal Bleeding or Shock
While less common, internal bleeding can cause panting, shaking, pale gums, weakness, and collapse.
This might happen if the uterus or birth canal was injured, especially in unassisted home births or complicated labors. A ruptured blood vessel or unseen trauma could be to blame.
These symptoms can develop suddenly and become critical within minutes. Immediate emergency vet care is necessary.
What to Do If Your Dog Is Panting and Shaking After Giving Birth
Start by observing your dog closely in a quiet, clean space. If she’s eating, nursing, and alert but panting lightly, she may simply be recovering.
Offer her cool, fresh water and make sure she has access to a comfortable, safe nesting area. Avoid overwhelming her with visitors or stress.
Keep her body clean and dry, and check her vaginal area for signs of discharge, swelling, or odor.
Encourage rest, but ensure she’s tending to the puppies appropriately. If she refuses food, ignores her pups, or trembles excessively, it’s time to consult a vet.
Avoid giving calcium or medications unless specifically instructed by a veterinarian.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
Contact your vet immediately if you notice any of the following:
Persistent or worsening panting and shaking beyond a few hours
Loss of appetite, vomiting, or diarrhea
Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
Signs of pain when touched or when lying down
Restlessness, pacing, or neglecting puppies
Pale gums or labored breathing
Muscle twitching or seizures
Time is critical when postpartum complications occur. Early treatment can prevent a minor issue from turning into a crisis.
Read more: Dog Panting and Digging After Giving Birth (Is she nesting or in trouble?)
Key Takeaway
Panting and shaking after giving birth can be part of the normal recovery process—but they can also signal serious problems.
Stay alert to signs of distress, infection, or low calcium levels. Provide a calm, clean space and monitor her closely during the first few days postpartum.
When in doubt, a quick vet check can offer peace of mind and ensure your dog—and her puppies—stay safe and healthy.