Panting and shivering in dogs can be alarming, especially if your pet is currently taking medications like prednisone. While panting alone can be normal in certain situations—such as after exercise or during hot weather—when it’s paired with shivering, it often signals discomfort or a medical side effect that shouldn’t be ignored.
If your dog is panting and shivering while on prednisone, it’s important to understand whether this reaction is related to the medication itself, an underlying health condition, or a combination of both.
We outline why your dog may be panting and shivering while on prednisone, the most common causes behind these symptoms, and what steps you should take to keep your dog safe and comfortable.
Dog Panting and Shivering and Prednisone — Why It Happens
Prednisone is a corticosteroid medication commonly prescribed for dogs to treat inflammation, allergies, immune-related disorders, and certain chronic conditions. While highly effective, prednisone can cause noticeable side effects—panting and shivering being two of the most frequent.
However, these symptoms don’t always stem from the medication alone. Dogs may pant and shiver due to pain, anxiety, infection, or internal illness that coincides with their prednisone use. This is why it’s crucial not to dismiss these symptoms as “just a side effect.”
If your dog is showing these signs, always consult your veterinarian to determine the underlying problem.
Dog Panting and Shivering on Prednisone: Common Causes
Prednisone Side Effects
Prednisone is known to alter a dog’s metabolism, immune response, and even nervous system regulation. Common side effects include:
Increased panting due to hormonal shifts and heightened metabolism
Shivering from changes in body temperature regulation
Restlessness or pacing as the medication stimulates the central nervous system
Increased thirst and urination, which can add to your dog’s stress
While panting and shivering can be normal side effects, they should still be monitored closely. If they become severe or interfere with your dog’s daily life, your veterinarian may adjust the dosage or switch medications.
Read more: Dog Panting and Prednisone (Why it happens and what to watch for)
Anxiety and Restlessness
Prednisone can trigger anxiety-like behaviors in dogs. Increased panting and trembling are classic signs of stress, which may be made worse if the medication also disrupts your dog’s sleep or appetite.
You may notice your dog pacing, whining, or being unable to settle. These behaviors, combined with panting and shivering, can mimic signs of pain but may actually be linked to stress responses from prednisone.
Pain or Discomfort
Sometimes, the panting and shivering are not directly caused by prednisone, but rather the underlying condition the medication is treating. For example:
Dogs with arthritis may still experience flare-ups of pain despite prednisone treatment
Infections or internal issues can cause fever and trembling
Gastrointestinal irritation, which prednisone may worsen in some dogs, can trigger panting and shaking
Pain is a significant cause of panting and trembling in dogs, so your vet may run additional tests to rule this out.
Gastrointestinal Upset
One of the known risks of prednisone use is stomach irritation. Dogs may develop nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal discomfort. This can make them pant, tremble, and even refuse food.
If your dog is on prednisone and also showing signs of GI distress, your vet may prescribe additional medication to protect the stomach lining.
Cushing’s Syndrome (Steroid-Induced or Natural)
Prolonged prednisone use can mimic or trigger Cushing’s syndrome, a condition caused by excessive cortisol in the body. Symptoms include:
Persistent panting
Trembling or muscle weakness
Increased appetite and thirst
Thinning skin or hair loss over time
If your dog has been on prednisone for an extended period, Cushing’s-like symptoms could explain their panting and shivering.
Infections or Underlying Illness
Even while taking prednisone, dogs can develop infections or illnesses. In fact, because prednisone suppresses the immune system, they may actually be more prone to infections.
Signs of illness may include:
Fever (causing shivering and lethargy)
Weakness or reduced energy
Panting from internal discomfort or fever spikes
This is especially concerning if your dog is suddenly worse despite ongoing treatment.
Electrolyte Imbalance or Metabolic Issues
Prednisone can affect your dog’s fluid balance and electrolytes. Imbalances in sodium, potassium, or blood sugar levels may lead to trembling, panting, or weakness.
These imbalances often require bloodwork to confirm, so your vet may recommend lab tests if your dog’s symptoms persist.
When to See the Vet Immediately
Not all panting and shivering are emergencies, but there are times when you should seek veterinary care right away:
Severe, constant panting that doesn’t improve with rest
Shivering accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea, or collapse
Refusal to eat or drink
Signs of pain such as whining, yelping, or hunched posture
Sudden changes in behavior (agitation, confusion, or lethargy)
If your dog is on prednisone and experiences any of the above, call your vet as soon as possible.
What You Can Do at Home
While medical evaluation is essential, there are supportive steps you can take at home to help your dog feel more comfortable:
Provide a cool environment: Panting can worsen in warm spaces. Keep fans or air conditioning running.
Ensure hydration: Prednisone often makes dogs thirstier. Always provide fresh, clean water.
Offer a quiet resting area: Reduce stress by giving your dog a calm, safe space to rest.
Follow your vet’s instructions carefully: Never adjust prednisone dosage without veterinary guidance.
Monitor symptoms: Keep a journal of when panting and shivering occur, especially in relation to medication timing.
Related: Dog Panting After Prednisone (Why it happens)
Key Takeaway
Panting and shivering while on prednisone is a fairly common but concerning issue in dogs. While sometimes it may simply be a medication side effect, it can also indicate pain, anxiety, or a more serious underlying health problem.
If your dog is panting and shivering and currently taking prednisone, do not ignore these symptoms. Contact your veterinarian to determine whether the medication needs adjusting or if another health issue is at play.
Your attentiveness and timely response can make all the difference in keeping your dog safe, comfortable, and on the road to recovery.