My Dog Is Panting and Shaking: Causes and What to Do

You’re relaxing at home when you notice your dog breathing fast and their body trembling in a way that doesn’t look normal. Moments like this can feel unsettling, especially when you cannot immediately tell if your dog is excited, anxious, in pain, or facing a medical issue. When pet owners ask us about dog panting and shaking, they usually want one clear answer: Is this serious? Panting and shaking together can point to anything from stress or temperature changes to pain, digestive upset, or more urgent concerns. At Parkway Veterinary Emergency Clinic, we guide families through these moments by helping them understand what these signs may mean and when a prompt veterinary visit matters. Knowing the possible causes of dog panting and trembling helps you respond calmly and confidently while keeping your dog’s safety in focus.

Why Is My Dog Shaking and Panting?

When we evaluate a dog for panting and shaking, we look at the full picture, including behavior, environment, medical history, and how suddenly the signs began. Dogs pant to regulate body temperature, but panting that occurs without heat or exercise raises different concerns. Shaking or trembling can stem from muscle tension, stress, discomfort, or neurological issues. When these signs appear together, they often signal that your dog’s body is reacting to something uncomfortable or abnormal. Some causes are mild and short-lived, while others need urgent medical attention. Observing the context and additional symptoms gives us important clues.

Common reasons we see for a dog panting and shaking include:

• Pain or discomfort, such as abdominal pain, injury, or back problems
• Stress or anxiety, including loud noises, travel, or separation distress
• Gastrointestinal upset, like nausea, bloating, or stomach irritation
• Temperature issues, including overheating or chills
• Toxin exposure, which may also cause drooling, vomiting, or weakness

Pain remains one of the most frequent explanations. Dogs do not always cry out when something hurts, so panting and trembling may be the first visible indicators. We also consider recent activity, diet changes, possible access to human foods or chemicals, and whether your dog seems restless or withdrawn. Subtle differences in posture, facial expression, and movement help us narrow down what may be happening. Even emotional stress can cause noticeable physical responses, especially in sensitive or high-energy dogs.

How the Body Responds to Stress or Discomfort

When a dog feels afraid, nauseated, or painful, their body releases stress hormones that increase heart rate and breathing. This response can lead to rapid panting, shaking muscles, and an inability to settle down. You might also notice pacing, hiding, whining, or seeking extra closeness. While emotional stress can pass once the trigger resolves, persistent signs deserve attention. Dogs cannot tell us where they hurt, so physical behaviors often speak for them. Watching how long the episode lasts helps determine urgency.

If Your Dog Is Shaking and Panting at Night

Nighttime episodes often worry families because signs can seem more dramatic in a quiet home. When we hear about a dog shaking and panting at night, we ask about sleeping habits, evening routines, and any recent changes in environment. Dogs may show more obvious discomfort once they lie down and have fewer distractions. Joint pain, abdominal discomfort, or internal issues sometimes feel worse when a dog rests. Anxiety can also heighten in the dark or during storms, fireworks, or unfamiliar noises.

Certain nighttime triggers we commonly discuss include:

• Digestive upset after dinner, which may cause restlessness and discomfort
• Age-related pain, such as arthritis that flares after daily activity
• Cognitive changes in senior dogs, leading to confusion or anxiety
• Noise sensitivity, even to sounds humans barely notice

If your dog wakes suddenly, pants heavily, and cannot get comfortable, it signals more than normal dreaming. Some dogs also show signs of nausea, like lip licking or swallowing repeatedly. Keeping track of when episodes occur, how long they last, and whether vomiting, diarrhea, or weakness follows helps us determine the next step. A one-time event might relate to a temporary issue, while repeated episodes call for a veterinary evaluation.

Comfort Steps You Can Take While Observing

You can create a calm, quiet environment and offer a familiar resting spot to reduce stress. Ensure your dog has access to fresh water and a comfortable temperature, avoiding hot or overly cold spaces. Stay nearby and speak in a calm voice, since your presence can reduce anxiety-driven trembling. Avoid offering new foods or treats during an episode, especially if nausea seems possible. Most importantly, monitor closely and seek professional care if signs continue or worsen.

When to See a Vet If Your Dog Is Shaking and Panting

Knowing when to seek care gives pet owners peace of mind. While mild anxiety or brief excitement may cause short-term panting, ongoing trembling and rapid breathing often point to something more serious. At Parkway Veterinary Emergency Clinic, we recommend prompt evaluation if signs last longer than a short period or appear alongside other concerning symptoms. Dogs can decline quickly, so early assessment protects their health. Trust your instincts if your dog’s behavior feels out of character.

Contact a veterinarian right away if you notice:

• Vomiting, diarrhea, or a swollen abdomen
• Lethargy, weakness, or collapse
• Pale gums or difficulty breathing
• Known or suspected toxin exposure
• Persistent pain behaviors, such as whining or guarding

We perform a physical exam, assess vital signs, and may recommend diagnostics to understand the underlying cause. Panting and shaking can connect to heart issues, internal pain, metabolic problems, or other urgent conditions. Quick action allows us to stabilize your dog and relieve discomfort as soon as possible. Even if the issue turns out to be minor, evaluation provides reassurance and a clear plan moving forward.

Why Emergency Care Is Critical

Emergency clinics focus on sudden or severe changes that cannot wait. Fast breathing and trembling can signal internal distress that progresses without warning. Our team monitors oxygen levels, circulation, and pain indicators to keep dogs safe during evaluation. We also help families understand what may have triggered the episode. Early attention often leads to smoother recovery.

Reading Your Dog’s Signals with Confidence

Panting and shaking can look dramatic, but these behaviors serve as important communication tools. Dogs rely on body language to show fear, discomfort, and illness. Observing patterns, timing, and additional signs helps us interpret what your dog may be experiencing. Even subtle changes in appetite, posture, or energy can connect to these episodes. Keeping notes about what you see supports more accurate evaluation.

Dogs may hide signs of illness until symptoms become noticeable. That is why we encourage pet owners to watch for behavior that feels unusual, even if it seems minor at first. Trusting your observations and seeking guidance early often prevents more serious complications. Our goal is always to help you make informed decisions without delay.

If you notice panting and shaking in your dog and feel uncertain, reach out right away. Parkway Veterinary Emergency Clinic is available to assess urgent concerns and guide you through next steps. Call (863) 665-3199 so our team can help your dog feel safe and stable again.