When your dog is shaking and breathing heavily, it’s often a sign that something isn’t right. These two symptoms together can indicate stress, pain, overheating, or potentially serious health conditions involving the heart, lungs, or internal organs.
We outline the common causes of dog shaking and breathing heavy, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help.
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Dog Shaking and Breathing Heavy — Why It Happens
Heavy breathing combined with shaking in dogs may reflect fear, respiratory distress, overheating, or underlying illness. These symptoms often appear when your dog is trying to cope with internal discomfort, panic, or a malfunctioning organ system. They can develop gradually or emerge suddenly depending on the cause.
Common Causes of Dog Shaking and Breathing Heavy
Heatstroke or Overheating
One of the most urgent causes of heavy panting and body tremors is heatstroke.
Dogs cool down by panting, but if they become too hot and can’t regulate their temperature, they will begin to tremble, drool, collapse, or vomit.
This is a medical emergency. Brachycephalic breeds (like Bulldogs or Pugs), overweight dogs, or dogs left in hot cars are especially vulnerable.
Immediate cooling (not with ice) and urgent veterinary intervention are necessary.
Pain or Injury
Dogs experiencing internal pain or injury may breathe rapidly and tremble, even if no visible wound is present.
This could be due to muscle strain, abdominal pain, trauma, or orthopedic problems.
Your dog may also hide, be sensitive to touch, refuse to lie down, or pace restlessly.
Pain-related panting often continues even when the environment is cool and quiet.
Related: Dog shaking and not eating (Causes and what to do)
Respiratory Conditions (Pneumonia, Tracheal Collapse)
Lung or airway problems can interfere with normal breathing. Conditions like pneumonia, bronchitis, or tracheal collapse cause labored, noisy breathing.
Shaking in this context may be from low oxygen levels or the physical effort of breathing.
Signs include coughing, blue-tinged gums, fatigue, or wheezing. Immediate vet attention is needed for oxygen support and treatment.
Heart Disease
Cardiac issues, especially in older dogs, can cause reduced circulation and fluid buildup in the lungs, leading to panting and shaking.
You may notice exercise intolerance, coughing, or fainting episodes alongside these symptoms.
Heart murmurs or arrhythmias may be detected during a physical exam, and diagnosis requires chest x-rays and echocardiography.
Fear, Anxiety, or Panic
Dogs may shake and breathe heavily during thunderstorms, car rides, fireworks, or stressful changes at home.
These episodes often pass once the stressor ends, and the dog shows no other physical symptoms.
However, chronic anxiety can elevate cortisol levels and stress the body long-term. Behavior therapy, calming aids, and vet-prescribed medications may help.
What to Do If Your Dog Is Shaking and Breathing Heavy
First, assess the environment. Move your dog to a quiet, cool area and ensure fresh water is available.
Feel your dog’s ears or body to check for overheating, and look for other signs like drooling, pale gums, or limping.
Limit physical activity and try to keep your dog calm. Avoid loud noises or sudden movements.
If symptoms persist more than 15–30 minutes or worsen, seek veterinary care immediately.
Never delay if your dog is a senior, brachycephalic breed, or has preexisting heart or lung conditions.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
You should contact your vet urgently if your dog:
Pants or breathes heavily while shaking for more than 30 minutes
Is weak, disoriented, or collapses
Has a swollen abdomen or pale/blue gums
Coughs persistently or gags
Shows signs of overheating (lethargy, vomiting, glassy eyes)
Diagnostic tests may include bloodwork, chest X-rays, oxygen level monitoring, or ECG.
Read more: Dog Shaking and Panting (Could your dog be anxious—or something more?)
Key Takeaway
Shaking and heavy breathing in dogs should never be ignored—these symptoms often point to overheating, respiratory distress, pain, or heart disease.
Act quickly to cool your dog down, assess their surroundings, and contact your veterinarian if symptoms continue or worsen. Early action could make a life-saving difference.