When a dog is breathing rapidly and also shaking or trembling, the combination can be unsettling to observe. Several conditions may cause these signs together, ranging from treatable causes to emergencies that need immediate attention.
Published: 2026-07-29 | Updated: 2026-07-29 | Reading time: 6 min
Quick Answer
Fast breathing and shaking together may result from fever, pain, anxiety, toxin exposure, or heatstroke, among other causes. Because some of these conditions can become serious quickly, it is important to observe the dog closely and contact a veterinarian if the signs are severe, sudden, or do not resolve within a short period.
SYMPTOM TRIAGE
Answer a few questions about your dog's signs and receive general guidance on how urgently to seek veterinary care.
This tool does not diagnose conditions or replace a veterinarian.
Common Causes of Fast Breathing and Shaking
Fever
Elevated body temperature can cause a dog to breathe faster as the body attempts to cool itself. Shaking or shivering may accompany fever, particularly as the temperature rises. Infections, immune-mediated conditions, and inflammatory processes are among the possible causes of fever in dogs. A rectal temperature above 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit (39.2 degrees Celsius) is generally considered elevated.
Pain
Acute or severe pain is a common cause of both rapid breathing and trembling. Dogs may shake in response to abdominal pain from conditions such as pancreatitis or bloat, musculoskeletal injury, or post-surgical discomfort. Other signs of pain may include restlessness, reluctance to be touched, or a hunched posture.
Anxiety or Fear
Stressful situations such as thunderstorms, fireworks, travel, or changes in routine can trigger anxiety in some dogs. An anxious dog may pant, tremble, pace, or seek reassurance. The signs typically resolve once the perceived threat has passed, though dogs with ongoing anxiety may benefit from behavioural or veterinary support.
Toxin Exposure
Ingestion of toxic substances, including certain foods, plants, chemicals, or human medications, can produce rapid breathing and tremors as part of a broader set of neurological or gastrointestinal signs. Additional signs may include vomiting, drooling, seizures, or disorientation. Known or suspected toxin exposure requires urgent veterinary attention.
Heatstroke
Heatstroke occurs when a dog's body temperature rises to dangerous levels, usually from exposure to high temperatures or physical exertion in warm conditions. Fast breathing, shaking, excessive drooling, and bright red gums are common signs. Heatstroke is a medical emergency and can cause organ damage or death if not treated promptly.
How to Assess the Situation
A few observations can help determine the next steps:
- Check the gums: pink and moist is normal; pale, blue, grey, or very red gums may indicate a problem
- Note whether the shaking is constant or intermittent
- Observe whether the dog is responsive, able to stand, and aware of surroundings
- Consider whether a triggering event is apparent, such as exposure to heat, a loud noise, or possible access to a toxic substance
- Check whether the dog has been in a warm car or exercised vigorously in hot weather
When to Contact a Veterinarian
Immediate veterinary care is needed if any of the following are present:
- Suspected heatstroke, especially after exposure to high heat or enclosed spaces
- Known or suspected ingestion of a toxic substance
- Seizure activity, loss of consciousness, or extreme disorientation
- Blue, grey, or white gums
- Collapse or inability to stand
- Body temperature above 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius)
Contact a veterinarian within hours if:
- Shaking and fast breathing persist for more than an hour without an obvious cause
- The dog appears to be in pain or is reluctant to move
- Fever is suspected but no emergency signs are present
- The dog is a breed predisposed to heat sensitivity, such as Bulldogs or Pugs, and is showing these signs after warmth exposure
Frequently Asked Questions
Can anxiety alone cause shaking and fast breathing for hours?
While anxiety can produce both fast breathing and trembling, these signs usually diminish once the stressor is removed. If shaking and rapid breathing persist for more than an hour without an obvious cause, or if the dog seems unable to settle, a veterinary consultation is advisable to rule out pain, fever, or other conditions.
How do I tell the difference between shivering from cold and shaking from illness?
Shivering from cold typically stops once the dog is warmed up and the environment is comfortable. Shaking from illness or pain tends to persist regardless of temperature, and may be accompanied by other signs such as lethargy, vomiting, or loss of appetite. Context and accompanying signs are the key distinguishing factors.
My dog was in the garden and came inside shaking and breathing fast. What should I do?
Move the dog to a cool area, offer fresh water, and observe closely. Check for signs of possible toxin exposure, such as chewed plants, chemicals, or foreign material. If the signs do not improve within 15 to 20 minutes, or if you suspect the dog may have ingested something harmful, contact a veterinarian immediately.
Are certain breeds more prone to these signs?
Brachycephalic breeds such as Bulldogs, Pugs, and French Bulldogs are more vulnerable to heat-related breathing difficulties and may show rapid breathing and distress more quickly in warm conditions. Small breed dogs may be more prone to shaking from anxiety or low blood sugar. Any breed showing persistent fast breathing and shaking warrants veterinary assessment.
SYMPTOM TRIAGE
Fast breathing and shaking can have several causes, some of which are time-sensitive. Use the symptom triage tool for general guidance on how urgently to seek veterinary care.
Sources
- Merck Veterinary Manual: "Heatstroke" and "Poisoning" chapters
- American Kennel Club (AKC): "Why Is My Dog Shaking?" and "Heatstroke in Dogs"
- VCA Animal Hospitals: "Tremors in Dogs" and "Heatstroke in Dogs"
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: Public guidance on common pet toxins
Disclaimer
This article and the PawAI Symptom Triage tool provide general educational information only. They cannot examine your pet, make a diagnosis, or replace advice from a licensed veterinarian. Contact a veterinarian promptly if symptoms are severe, worsening, persistent, or accompanied by emergency warning signs.