When your dog starts panting heavily and shaking, it’s hard not to panic. These symptoms can appear suddenly and may signal something as mild as anxiety—or as serious as a medical emergency.
Dogs often pant to cool down, but when it’s excessive and paired with trembling, it suggests deeper discomfort.
We outline the common reasons why a dog may pant excessively and shake, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help.
Why Is My Dog Panting Excessively and Shaking?: Why It Happens
Excessive panting combined with shaking usually signals that your dog is in physical or emotional distress. Common causes include pain, anxiety or fear, overheating, fever, nausea, or toxin exposure.
Medical conditions such as pancreatitis, heart disease, respiratory problems, or neurological issues can also trigger these symptoms.
Because panting and shaking together often indicate more than normal stress or excitement, especially if they start suddenly or worsen, your dog should be monitored closely.
Dog Panting Excessively and Shaking: Common Causes
Anxiety or Fear
Panting and shaking are hallmark signs of a dog that’s feeling anxious or afraid.
Dogs may react this way to thunderstorms, fireworks, car rides, separation, or unfamiliar surroundings. The stress activates their nervous system, triggering rapid breathing and tremors.
If your dog calms down once the trigger is removed, this may point to a behavioral cause rather than a medical one.
Heatstroke or Overheating
If your dog has been exposed to high temperatures or intense activity, they could be experiencing heat exhaustion or heatstroke.
Shaking may begin as the body struggles to cool down, and panting becomes labored. Look for:
Bright red tongue and gums.
Drooling.
Weakness or collapse.
This is an emergency. Move your dog to a cool area and seek veterinary care immediately.
Pain or Injury
Pain is another common trigger of both panting and trembling.
Conditions like arthritis, injury, dental disease, or internal issues such as pancreatitis can all cause significant discomfort.
Dogs in pain may also:
Hide or act withdrawn.
Snap when touched.
Show changes in eating or behavior.
Pain-related panting often doesn’t go away with rest or calm, so call your vet for evaluation.
Read more: Dog Panting and Shaking (Fear or something deeper?)
Nausea
When dogs feel nauseous, they may shake and pant as part of their body’s reaction.
You might notice:
Drooling.
Lip licking.
Vomiting or retching.
GI issues like bloat, gastritis, or ingesting something toxic can cause these symptoms.
Poisoning or Toxin Exposure
Ingesting something toxic—like chocolate, xylitol, certain medications, or plants—can result in heavy panting and full-body tremors.
Additional symptoms may include:
Vomiting or diarrhea.
Seizures.
Loss of coordination.
This requires emergency veterinary care without delay.
Cushing’s Disease
Dogs with Cushing’s disease (hyperadrenocorticism) often show signs like:
Excessive panting.
Muscle weakness (causing shaking).
Pot-bellied appearance.
Increased thirst and urination.
This condition is common in middle-aged and senior dogs and is confirmed through bloodwork and endocrine testing.
Heart or Lung Issues
Panting and trembling can occur if your dog is struggling to get enough oxygen.
Heart disease, congestive heart failure, or lung disorders like pneumonia or bronchitis can cause:
Coughing.
Labored breathing.
Fatigue.
Veterinary evaluation and imaging (X-rays or ultrasound) are necessary to assess the underlying cause.
Dog Shaking and Panting All of a Sudden
Sudden shaking and panting often indicate acute stress, fear, or pain. Loud noises, sudden temperature changes, or internal discomfort such as stomach pain can trigger this response.
However, it can also signal emergencies like heatstroke, poisoning, or heart distress. If symptoms appear abruptly and your dog seems unable to settle, immediate veterinary attention is recommended.
Dog Panting Excessively and Shaking at Night
Panting and shaking at night commonly occur due to anxiety, discomfort, or temperature changes.
Dogs may feel more vulnerable in the dark, or joint pain and stiffness can worsen when resting.
In some cases, nighttime panting and trembling are linked to heart or respiratory problems that become more noticeable when lying down. If this behavior is recurring, consult your vet to rule out medical causes.
Old Dog Panting Excessively and Shaking
When an old dog pants excessively and shakes, it often points to pain, anxiety, or an underlying medical condition such as arthritis, heart disease, or organ problems.
Senior dogs have a harder time regulating body temperature and coping with discomfort, so panting becomes more pronounced.
Shaking may signal weakness, nausea, or pain. Because these symptoms can indicate serious age-related illness, a veterinary check is important to determine the cause and provide relief.
Dog Panting and Shaking and Clingy
A dog that is panting, shaking, and acting clingy is usually seeking comfort because it feels unsafe or unwell.
This behavior is common during anxiety episodes, illness, or pain. Clinginess suggests emotional distress or discomfort, and the panting reflects physical strain.
If this behavior continues or worsens, especially with appetite changes or lethargy, a vet visit is necessary to identify the underlying issue.
Dog Panting Excessively and Shaking While Resting
Panting and shaking even while resting is a red flag that something is wrong. Dogs at rest should be calm, so these signs often point to pain, fever, respiratory trouble, or internal illness.
This can also occur with heart disease or metabolic disorders. Because resting symptoms indicate ongoing distress, prompt veterinary evaluation is essential to prevent complications.
What To Do
Stay calm – Dogs pick up on your energy. Speak in a soothing tone.
Move them to a quiet, cool area if overheating may be the issue.
Offer water but don’t force it.
Check for injuries or signs of pain (limping, flinching).
Monitor duration – If panting and shaking last longer than 30–60 minutes or worsen, call your vet.
Avoid giving any medication without veterinary guidance, as some drugs can be toxic.
When to See a Vet
Contact your vet if your dog:
Pants and shakes without an obvious trigger.
Seems disoriented or collapses.
Has additional symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or weakness.
Shows signs of pain when touched.
Has had this episode multiple times recently.
Panting and shaking are never random—they always point to an emotional or physical imbalance.
Read more: Dog Panting and Prednisone (Side effects to watch for)
Key Takeaway
If your dog is panting excessively and shaking, it’s not just a quirky behavior—it’s a sign of distress. Whether it’s heat, anxiety, pain, or illness, your dog is trying to tell you something is wrong.
Observe, stay calm, and act quickly if symptoms don’t improve. Your fast response could make all the difference in getting your dog the care they need.