If your dog is panting, shaking, and clingy at the same time, it can be a worrying sight. These behaviors may seem unrelated at first glance, but when they occur together, they could point to a deeper underlying issue.
We outline the causes of dog panting, shaking, and clingy behavior, what these symptoms mean, and when it’s time to call the vet.
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Why Is My Dog Panting, Shaking, and Clingy?
If your dog is panting, shaking, and clingy all at once, it’s likely a sign of physical discomfort, emotional stress, or an underlying health issue. These symptoms often appear together when a dog is anxious, in pain, experiencing illness, or reacting to something toxic.
Panting can signal overheating, pain, or panic; shaking may indicate fear, nausea, or neurological problems; and clinginess often reflects a dog’s need for reassurance when they’re feeling unwell or confused.
While occasional mild episodes may not be serious, sudden or persistent symptoms should be evaluated by a veterinarian to rule out serious conditions and ensure your dog gets the appropriate care.
Understanding Dog Panting, Shaking, and Clingy Behavior
Dog Panting
Panting is a normal way for dogs to cool down, but excessive panting in dogs can indicate anxiety, overheating, pain, or even an underlying disease.
It becomes a concern when it’s out of context — for instance, when your dog is resting or the weather isn’t hot.
Dog Shaking
Dog shaking or trembling may look like your dog is cold, but it’s often a reaction to stress, pain, or neurological issues.
It can also result from ingesting something toxic or suffering from a fever.
Clingy Dog Behavior
When your dog becomes clingy, following you everywhere and seeking constant attention, it may be showing signs of separation anxiety, fear, or confusion due to illness. This behavior, when sudden, can also be a cry for help.
Causes of Dog Panting, Shaking, and Clingy Behavior
1. Anxiety and Stress
One of the most common causes of dog panting and shaking with clingy behavior is anxiety.
Dogs experience stress just like humans do. Loud noises (like thunderstorms or fireworks), changes in the home environment, traveling, or being left alone for long periods can all trigger anxiety.
When a dog is anxious, it may:
Pant excessively
Shake or tremble
Cling to you for comfort and reassurance
Separation anxiety in dogs is a major cause of clinginess and is often accompanied by shaking and panting, especially when the dog senses you are about to leave.
Other signs of stress in dogs include whining, pacing, hiding, or destructive behavior.
Related: Dog lethargic and shaking after vaccination
2. Pain or Illness
Dogs in pain may not always yelp or limp — instead, their pain may present subtly as panting, trembling, and clinginess.
Conditions that may cause pain in dogs include:
Arthritis or joint pain
Internal injuries
Gastrointestinal upset
Pancreatitis
Dental problems
Pain causes dogs to pant as their heart rate and breathing increase. Shaking may be a physical response to pain or nausea. Clingy behavior arises as your dog seeks help or comfort from you.
If your dog suddenly starts showing signs of distress, especially if these behaviors are new or unusual, consult your vet.
3. Fever or Infection
Fever is another reason for dog panting and shaking. Dogs may feel weak, chilled, or uncomfortable, prompting them to seek closeness to their owners.
Common infections that may cause these symptoms include:
Ear infections
Urinary tract infections
Tick-borne diseases (like Lyme disease)
Viral illnesses such as parvovirus or kennel cough
If your dog has a fever, you may also notice warm ears, lethargy, loss of appetite, and a dry nose. A thermometer is the only accurate way to know if your dog has a fever, so a vet visit is advised.
4. Toxic Ingestion or Poisoning
If your dog is panting, shaking, and clingy all of a sudden, they may have ingested something toxic.
Common household toxins include:
Chocolate
Grapes and raisins
Xylitol (found in sugar-free products)
Rodenticides
Cleaning chemicals
Toxins affect the nervous system, often causing tremors, excessive panting, drooling, vomiting, or collapse. Clinginess may occur as your dog feels scared or confused.
If you suspect poisoning, seek emergency veterinary help immediately.
5. Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)
Low blood sugar is particularly common in small breeds, puppies, and diabetic dogs. Symptoms include:
Weakness
Disorientation
Shaking
Panting
Clingy behavior due to confusion
Hypoglycemia can quickly become a medical emergency. If your dog is showing these symptoms, give them a small amount of honey or corn syrup and contact your vet right away.
Related: Dog lethargic and shaking head (Explained)
6. Neurological Conditions
Some neurological disorders in dogs can cause symptoms like panting, shaking, confusion, and clinginess. Seizure activity (even subtle ones like focal seizures) can leave a dog disoriented and clingy afterward.
Other signs may include head tilting, loss of coordination, or unusual eye movements.
7. Heart or Respiratory Problems
Dogs with heart disease or breathing difficulties may pant and shake due to reduced oxygen levels and fatigue. These dogs may also become clingy because they feel unwell or scared.
Breeds prone to heart conditions — such as Cavalier King Charles Spaniels or older large-breed dogs — may show:
Labored breathing
Coughing
Exercise intolerance
Swollen abdomen
Clinginess due to distress
If your dog is breathing rapidly at rest and seems panicked, it’s time to visit the vet.
8. Medication Side Effects
Some medications can cause panting and shaking in dogs as a side effect. This includes:
Steroids (like prednisone)
Anti-anxiety meds
Painkillers
Clingy behavior may occur if your dog is feeling off or sedated. Always monitor your dog closely when starting a new medication and report unusual side effects to your veterinarian.
9. Aging and Cognitive Dysfunction
Senior dogs often become more anxious, confused, or dependent on their owners. Cognitive dysfunction, sometimes referred to as “doggy dementia,” is a common cause of panting, shaking, and clingy behavior in older dogs.
These dogs may also:
Pace at night
Bark for no reason
Forget house training
Appear lost in familiar surroundings
While there’s no cure, management through diet, supplements, and medications can help improve quality of life.
What to Do if Your Dog Is Panting, Shaking, and Clingy
If you notice these symptoms in your dog, here are some steps you can take:
Assess the environment: Look for stress triggers like noise, strangers, or changes in routine.
Check for signs of pain or injury: Gently examine your dog for swelling, limping, or wounds.
Monitor additional symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, fever, lethargy, or difficulty breathing require prompt veterinary care.
Offer comfort and a calm environment: Reassure your dog with gentle touch and a safe space.
Avoid punishment: Clinginess or trembling is often fear-driven. Respond with kindness.
When to See a Vet
You should consult a veterinarian right away if:
Symptoms are sudden or severe
Your dog is also vomiting, has diarrhea, or refuses food
Your dog collapses or shows signs of confusion
There is a possibility of poisoning
Your dog has a chronic condition that’s worsening
Early intervention can prevent complications and help your dog feel better faster.
Key Takeaway: Dog Panting, Shaking, and Clingy Behavior
Dog panting, shaking, and clingy behavior often indicate that something is wrong — whether it’s physical pain, emotional distress, or illness. These behaviors may appear harmless but should never be ignored, especially when they occur together.
By understanding the potential causes and monitoring your dog’s behavior closely, you can catch problems early and get your furry friend the help they need. When in doubt, always consult your veterinarian for guidance.
Keeping your dog safe, comfortable, and healthy starts with paying attention — and your dog will thank you for it.