If your dog is shaking, panting, and suddenly refusing to leave your side, it can be both alarming and confusing. These symptoms often signal that something is wrong—whether it’s physical discomfort, emotional distress, or a medical issue that needs attention.
We outline the common causes of a dog shaking and panting while being unusually clingy, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help.
Dog Shaking, Panting and Won't Leave Your Side — Why It Happens
When a dog is shaking, panting, and won’t leave your side, it’s often a sign of anxiety, fear, or stress. This behavior can be triggered by loud noises, thunderstorms, separation anxiety, or changes in the environment. Panting and shaking may also signal pain, illness, or a more serious medical condition such as poisoning or internal discomfort.
Older dogs may show these signs due to cognitive decline, while younger dogs may react this way to traumatic experiences or sudden changes in routine.
Dog Shaking, Panting and Won’t Leave Your Side: Common Causes
Anxiety or Panic Attacks
Dogs experiencing anxiety—whether due to separation, loud noises, or past trauma—often display shaking and panting.
This distress is heightened at night or during storms, fireworks, or unfamiliar events.
Your dog may shadow you constantly in search of comfort and safety.
The behavior becomes more intense when the anxiety builds into a panic attack. You might notice pacing, restlessness, vocalizing, and refusal to eat or sleep.
Left unaddressed, chronic anxiety can lead to long-term stress and other health issues.
Read more: Dog Panting Excessively (Here’s why)
Pain or Injury
Pain from an internal injury, joint problem, or underlying illness can cause your dog to shake and pant due to discomfort.
Your dog may seek your presence for comfort, reassurance, or protection.
Look for subtle signs like limping, yelping when touched, or a hunched posture.
Painful conditions such as arthritis, pancreatitis, or dental disease may not be obvious but can still cause visible distress.
Nausea or Digestive Upset
Dogs feeling nauseated often pant, drool, and shake due to discomfort.
This may be caused by eating something toxic, motion sickness, or gastrointestinal inflammation.
Your dog may seem restless and unusually clingy while trying to find relief.
Vomiting, lip licking, or diarrhea may follow the initial symptoms.
Even mild nausea can be very distressing for dogs and may require veterinary care if persistent.
Toxin Ingestion
Certain toxins—like chocolate, xylitol, grapes, or rodenticide—can cause rapid onset of shaking, panting, and restlessness.
Clinging behavior may be your dog’s way of signaling distress or seeking your help.
Other signs can include vomiting, drooling, rapid heart rate, or seizures depending on the substance.
If you suspect your dog ate something toxic, it’s an emergency situation.
Immediate veterinary attention is necessary to prevent organ damage or worse.
Cognitive Dysfunction in Senior Dogs
Older dogs may exhibit clingy behavior alongside panting and shaking due to canine cognitive dysfunction (doggy dementia).
Confusion, restlessness at night, and increased attachment to the owner are hallmark signs.
This condition affects memory, sleep patterns, and spatial awareness.
While it’s more common in senior dogs, it can begin as early as age seven in some breeds.
Early intervention and environmental support can help manage symptoms.
Fever or Infection
If your dog is running a fever or battling an infection, their body may respond with shivering and panting.
This could be due to something as simple as a mild virus or as serious as a systemic infection.
Fever often causes lethargy, loss of appetite, and increased need for closeness to you.
A warm nose, warm ears, and fatigue are clues your dog may be running a fever.
Prompt veterinary care can help identify the source and treat it effectively.
What to Do
First, try to remain calm—your dog senses your emotions, and your anxiety may worsen their distress.
Check your dog for visible signs of injury, swelling, or objects in their mouth. Look for symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or abnormal breathing.
Create a safe and quiet environment, away from loud noises or bright lights. Offer water and see if your dog will settle with gentle petting.
Avoid forcing food or interaction if they seem overwhelmed.
If the symptoms follow a specific trigger like thunder, try calming tools like a snug-fitting anxiety vest or background noise.
If you suspect your dog ingested something harmful, gather any packaging or remnants and call your vet immediately.
Document the timing and progression of symptoms—this information is helpful for your veterinarian.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
If the shaking, panting, and clinginess persist for more than an hour, especially with no clear trigger, call your vet.
Immediate veterinary attention is necessary if your dog shows any of the following:
Vomiting or diarrhea along with symptoms
Pale gums or difficulty breathing
Collapse, weakness, or inability to stand
Seizures or muscle twitching
Known or suspected toxin exposure
Unexplained pain or signs of trauma
Even in less urgent cases, ongoing behavioral changes should be professionally evaluated.
Sudden attachment can be your dog’s way of alerting you to something serious happening internally.
Read more: Dog Panting Excessively and Shaking at Night (Is it an emergency?)
Key Takeaway
If your dog is shaking, panting, and won’t leave your side, it’s likely a sign they’re in distress—either physically or emotionally.
From anxiety and nausea to toxin exposure or age-related decline, these symptoms deserve close attention.
Support your dog calmly, check for other signs, and don’t hesitate to contact your vet if the symptoms worsen or don’t improve.
With the right care and timely intervention, most causes can be treated or managed effectively, helping your dog feel safe and well again.