Dog Panting Excessively and Shaking: What to Do Next
When a dog pants heavily and is also shaking or trembling, these two visible signs together can indicate a range of conditions from mild anxiety to serious medical emergencies that need prompt attention.
Published: 2026-07-29 | Updated: 2026-07-29 | Reading time: 6 min
Quick Answer
Excessive panting with shaking or trembling can be caused by fever, pain, anxiety, toxin exposure, heatstroke, or hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar). Some of these causes are emergencies. If your dog has been in a hot environment, may have ingested something toxic, or shows additional signs such as collapse, seizures, or blue-tinged gums, seek emergency veterinary care immediately.
SYMPTOM TRIAGE
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Why Panting and Shaking May Happen Together
Panting and shaking are both nonspecific signs, meaning they can occur in a wide variety of situations. Panting can reflect temperature regulation, pain, stress, or oxygen deprivation. Shaking or trembling can be a response to cold, fear, muscle weakness, pain, or neurological changes.
When both signs appear at the same time, they may share a common cause — such as a fever causing both an elevated body temperature and muscle tremors — or they may represent separate responses to a single problem, such as a dog in pain panting from distress and shaking from discomfort.
Possible Causes
Understanding the context in which the signs began can help narrow down the possibilities:
- Fever. An elevated body temperature from infection or inflammation can cause both heavy panting as the dog attempts to cool down and shaking as the body responds to the fever. The dog may feel warm to the touch, especially around the ears and paws. Lethargy and loss of appetite may also be present.
- Pain. Acute or severe pain — from injury, abdominal conditions, or orthopaedic problems — can cause panting and shaking simultaneously. The dog may also guard a specific body part, adopt an unusual posture, or seem restless and unable to settle.
- Anxiety or fear. Loud noises such as fireworks or thunderstorms, separation anxiety, or unfamiliar environments can trigger both panting and trembling. In these cases, the signs typically coincide with a known trigger and may improve once the dog feels safe. Dilated pupils, hiding, or clinginess may also be observed.
- Toxin exposure. Ingesting certain foods (such as chocolate, xylitol, or grapes), plants, medications, or household chemicals can cause systemic effects including panting, shaking, vomiting, drooling, and in severe cases seizures or collapse. Time can be critical in toxin-related emergencies.
- Heatstroke. If a dog has been in a hot environment, especially with limited access to water or shade, heatstroke can develop rapidly. Signs include heavy panting, shaking, excessive drooling, bright red gums, vomiting, and incoordination. Heatstroke is a life-threatening emergency.
- Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar). A drop in blood sugar levels can cause weakness, trembling, and panting. This is more common in small breeds, puppies, or dogs with diabetes who receive too much insulin. Confusion, wobbliness, and in severe cases seizures or collapse can follow.
Assessing the Situation
The urgency of the situation depends heavily on the context and any additional signs:
- Recent heat exposure. If the dog has been in a warm car, exercised vigorously in heat, or been outdoors on a hot day, move the dog to a cool area, offer water, and contact a veterinarian. Heatstroke can progress quickly.
- Possible toxin ingestion. If you suspect the dog has eaten something harmful, contact a veterinarian or pet poison helpline immediately. Do not wait for signs to worsen.
- Known stressful event. If the signs began during fireworks, a thunderstorm, or a similar trigger, the dog may be experiencing an anxiety response. Move the dog to a quiet space and observe whether the signs subside.
- No obvious trigger. If panting and shaking begin without a clear cause and persist for more than 15 to 30 minutes, a veterinary assessment is appropriate.
When to Contact a Veterinarian
Seek emergency veterinary care if your dog shows any of the following:
- Signs of heatstroke after heat exposure — bright red or pale gums, vomiting, collapse
- Possible toxin ingestion, especially if chocolate, xylitol, rat poison, or medications are involved
- Seizures, loss of consciousness, or collapse
- Shaking that progresses to full-body tremors or stiffness
- Blue-tinged gums, struggling to breathe, or open-mouth breathing at rest
- Known diabetic dog with signs of hypoglycaemia
Schedule a veterinary appointment if:
- Panting and shaking last more than 30 minutes without an obvious cause
- The dog appears to be in pain or is reluctant to move
- The dog is also lethargic, not eating, or has other concerning signs
- Episodes recur without a clear trigger
Frequently Asked Questions
Can fireworks or thunderstorms cause panting and shaking?
Yes. Many dogs experience fear responses to loud noises that include heavy panting, trembling, pacing, and hiding. These signs typically begin during or shortly after the noise event and may persist until the dog feels safe. While this is not a medical emergency, repeated or severe anxiety can affect quality of life and may benefit from discussion with a veterinarian.
How can I tell if the shaking is from pain or anxiety?
Context is the most useful guide. Anxiety-related shaking typically coincides with a known stressor and may improve with comfort and reassurance. Pain-related shaking may be accompanied by guarding a body part, reluctance to move, changes in posture, or whimpering. However, the two can overlap — a dog in pain may also feel anxious. If you are unsure, a veterinary examination can help determine the cause.
What should I do if I think my dog has heatstroke?
Move the dog to a cool or shaded area immediately. Offer small amounts of water. You can apply cool (not cold) wet towels to the neck, armpits, and groin area. Avoid ice-cold water or ice baths, as extreme cooling can be harmful. Contact a veterinarian or emergency clinic right away, even if the dog seems to improve. Internal organ damage can develop even after external signs subside.
SYMPTOM TRIAGE
If your dog is panting heavily and shaking, our symptom triage tool can help you quickly assess whether this may be an emergency or a situation that can wait for a scheduled appointment.
Sources
- Merck Veterinary Manual: "Panting and Respiratory Distress in Dogs" and "Tremors and Seizures in Dogs"
- American Kennel Club (AKC): "Why Is My Dog Shaking?" and "Heatstroke in Dogs"
- VCA Animal Hospitals: "Trembling and Shaking in Dogs"
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.