Dog Coughing and Shaking: Possible Causes and When to Worry
When a dog is coughing and visibly shaking or trembling, the combination can be unsettling for owners. Shaking may have several causes, and pairing it with coughing can point toward conditions that range from mild to serious.
Quick Answer
Dog coughing and shaking can result from fever, pain, anxiety, toxin exposure, or conditions such as collapsing trachea. In some cases the two signs are unrelated, while in others they share a common cause. If the shaking is severe, constant, or accompanied by difficulty breathing, pale gums, or collapse, emergency veterinary care should be sought immediately.
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.
Possible Causes of Coughing and Shaking
The presence of both coughing and shaking does not necessarily mean they share the same underlying cause. However, several conditions can produce both signs simultaneously.
Fever
A raised body temperature is one of the more common reasons a dog may shake while also coughing. Fever can accompany respiratory infections such as pneumonia or canine influenza. The body generates heat to fight infection, and the shivering or shaking is a natural response to that temperature change.
Signs that fever may be involved include:
- Warm ears, paws, or armpits beyond what is normal for your dog
- Lethargy and reduced interest in activity
- Loss of appetite
- Red or glassy-looking eyes
Fever in dogs can develop quickly and may indicate an infection that requires veterinary treatment.
Pain or Discomfort
Pain can cause a dog to tremble or shake, particularly if it is sharp or persistent. If a dog has a condition that causes both coughing and pain, such as severe throat inflammation, pleurisy (inflammation of the lung lining), or musculoskeletal pain alongside a respiratory issue, both signs may appear together.
Indicators that pain may be contributing include:
- Restlessness or inability to settle
- Reluctance to be touched or picked up
- Changes in posture, such as arching the back or holding the head low
- Whining or increased vocalisation
Anxiety or Stress
Some dogs may shake or tremble when they are anxious or frightened. A dog that is distressed by persistent coughing may begin to shake as a stress response. This creates a cycle where the cough causes anxiety and the anxiety leads to more visible shaking.
Situations that may contribute to anxiety-related shaking include:
- A recent change in environment or routine
- Loud noises or unfamiliar surroundings
- Separation from an owner
- Pain or discomfort that the dog cannot communicate directly
Toxin Exposure
Ingestion of certain toxic substances can affect both the respiratory and nervous systems, potentially causing coughing and tremors or shaking simultaneously. Common household toxins that may produce these signs include certain plants, household chemicals, rodenticides, and some human foods.
Signs that toxin exposure may be a factor include:
- Sudden onset of shaking with no prior history
- Drooling or vomiting
- Disorientation or stumbling
- Seizures in severe cases
- Known or suspected access to a toxic substance
If toxin exposure is suspected, veterinary care should be sought as quickly as possible.
Collapsing Trachea
Collapsing trachea is a condition in which the windpipe partially collapses, causing a distinctive honking cough. It is more common in small and toy breeds. The effort of coughing can be distressing and may cause some dogs to shake during or after coughing episodes. In some cases, the condition is managed long-term with medication and lifestyle adjustments.
Signs of collapsing trachea include:
- A dry, honking cough often triggered by excitement or exercise
- Coughing that worsens with pressure on the neck (such as from a collar)
- Wheezing or noisy breathing
- Shaking or trembling that appears during or immediately after coughing fits
Other Possible Causes
- Canine distemper, a viral illness that can cause coughing and neurological signs including tremors
- Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar), which can cause shaking and may occur alongside respiratory illness in puppies or dogs with metabolic conditions
- Electrolyte imbalances that affect muscle function and may be present alongside systemic illness
What to Observe at Home
Noting the specifics of your dog's behaviour can help your veterinarian identify the likely cause.
- Whether the shaking is constant or occurs in episodes
- The relationship between shaking and coughing (does shaking happen during or after coughing?)
- Whether the shaking stops when the dog is calm or distracted
- The type of cough (dry, wet, honking, gagging)
- Whether the dog has had access to any potential toxins
- Whether the dog is eating and drinking normally
- Any other signs such as vomiting, diarrhoea, or disorientation
If possible, a short video recording of the coughing and shaking can be very helpful for your veterinarian to observe the signs directly.
When to Contact a Veterinarian
Distinguishing between a mild, self-limiting episode and a more serious condition can be difficult. The following guidelines may help you decide.
Seek Emergency Care If You Observe
- Constant, uncontrollable shaking or tremors that do not stop
- Seizure-like activity or stiffness in the limbs
- Difficulty breathing, rapid breathing at rest, or blue gums
- Collapse or inability to stand or walk
- Known or strongly suspected toxin ingestion
- Disorientation, stumbling, or loss of coordination
These signs can indicate a serious and potentially life-threatening situation.
Schedule a Veterinary Visit When
- Shaking and coughing have persisted for more than a few hours without improvement
- Your dog appears to be in pain or is unwilling to move
- Fever is suspected (warm ears, paws, and lethargy)
- The cough is new, worsening, or occurring more frequently
- Your dog is a small breed with a history of tracheal issues and the cough is changing in character
- Appetite loss accompanies the other signs for more than 24 hours
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my dog shaking after coughing? Shaking after a coughing episode may occur due to the physical effort of coughing, distress from the sensation, or an underlying cause such as fever or pain that is producing both signs. If the shaking resolves once the dog calms down and the coughing stops, it may be less concerning. Persistent shaking or shaking between coughing episodes should be evaluated by a veterinarian.
Can kennel cough cause shaking? Kennel cough itself primarily causes coughing, but if a secondary infection or fever develops, shaking or trembling may occur as part of the body's response to illness. A dog with kennel cough that begins shaking, develops a fever, or stops eating should be evaluated by a veterinarian.
Is toxin exposure likely if my dog is coughing and shaking? Toxin exposure is one of several possible causes and is more likely if you know or suspect your dog has ingested something harmful, or if the signs came on very suddenly with no prior coughing. If toxin exposure is possible, do not wait. Contact a veterinarian or a pet poison helpline immediately.
Can collapsing trachea cause a dog to shake? Yes. The effort and distress associated with tracheal collapse episodes can cause some dogs to shake or tremble during or after coughing. This is more common in small and toy breeds. If the coughing pattern changes or becomes more severe, a veterinary examination can help determine whether additional treatment is needed.
SYMPTOM TRIAGE
Coughing accompanied by shaking can have a range of causes and urgency levels. Use the symptom triage tool to get general guidance on how quickly your dog may need veterinary attention.
Sources
- Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Canine Distemper Virus.
- Merck Veterinary Manual. Collapsing Trachea in Dogs.
- American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). Common Pet Toxins.
- Royal Veterinary College, University of London. Tremors and Twitching in Dogs: Differential Diagnosis.
- Pet Poison Helpline. Toxin-Induced Tremors in Canine Patients.
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.