Typically, panting and shaking are normal dog behaviors and their causes are generally pretty clear. When dogs get hot, panting helps cool them down. Shaking can do the same and may also be exhibited when they get excited. Older and obese dogs tend to show these behaviors more often. They may pant and shake more as a result of general weakness in the diaphragm and intercostal muscles. Show While dog panting and shaking is a typical response in these scenarios, the combination of the two may still mean there is something wrong and could be a sign of a serious canine health condition. Allow this article to serve as a guide to help you better understand what it means if your dog is panting or shaking. Let’s dive deeper into some of the causes of each. Heat StrokePanting and shaking in excess are the most common symptoms of canine heat stroke. Heat can affect dogs differently, some get hot easier than others and thus are more prone to heat stroke. Drooling, glassy eyes, overall canine weakness and an increased heart rate in dogs are all common symptoms. If you suspect your dog is overheating, move him to a shady spot and submerge him in cool water – however, avoid cold water, which could actually constrict blood vessels and make matters worse. Additionally, you should provide your dog with cool water to drink or even an ice cube to lick. Once your pup’s temperature has returned to normal levels, take him to the vet immediately. Fever, Infection or Intoxication
Heart ProblemsHow can heart problems lead to panting and shaking? If your four-legged friend has a heart problem like canine heart disease, it can actually impact his breathing. For example, an enlarged heart may be pressing against the lungs. Panting is a natural response in an effort to fill the lungs with air. Dogs then shake due to a lack of oxygen flow throughout the body. Heart problems require prompt veterinary attention. Blood Sugar ImbalanceShaking and panting can also be triggered when diabetic dogs become hypoglycemic. However, it’s not only diabetic dogs who are prone to low blood sugar. Certain breeds, such as the Italian Greyhound and Chihuahua, are also susceptible to low blood sugar simply because of their smaller and more delicate breeds. Help your dog recover quickly by placing one tablespoon of honey or maple syrup under your dog’s tongue allows the sugar to reach the blood quickly. Repeat this step every six hours or so while keeping your pup warm. Injury or Pain
Stress or TraumaIf your dog has experienced a stressful event, it’s very common for him to pant and shake. Especially in new environments or around foreign stimuli which may cause fear or anxiety in dogs. While dogs respond to foreign stimuli differently, it’s important for you to be aware of what may have caused the fear or trauma and remove it from your dog’s environment. Taking away the stressor or removing your dog from a stress-inducing situation is always the most effective prevention method. Much like humans, dog’s can experience sudden changes in behavior. This can be a scary situation when you aren’t sure of the cause. Unfortunately, while panting and shaking can be more common in senior dogs, excessive panting and shaking are usually indicative of a health problem or some form of emotional distress. The most common cause is overheating or heat stroke, but any of the above explanations may be the culprit. If your four-legged companion is experiencing any of these issues, react quickly and contact your vet as soon as possible. Sources:
Even dogs bundled up in adorable sweaters and hats can experience shakes and shivers. That's because chilly temperatures aren't the only thing that causes our furry friends — and us! — to tremble. Dogs often shake for harmless reasons, but sometimes their shivering can be a cry for help. But what causes a dog to shiver? And when should you take action? Here are six common reasons why dogs get shaky and what you can do to help. 1. Cold
What you should do: If your dog doesn't fare well in the cold, consider limiting their exposure. A dog sweater or coat can also help them stay warm and ease shivers. Also, give them a warm place to curl up; a dog bed near a heating vent with a warm blanket can do just the trick on a cold night. 2. ExcitementSome dogs shiver when they're happy or excited. No one is sure why, but one theory is that it's an outward manifestation of intense emotion. There's no danger in this type of shivering; it will most likely stop once they calm down. 3. Stress, Anxiety and FearOther intense emotions that can cause shivers are fear and anxiety. While shivering, in this case, isn't harmful in and of itself, stress isn't any better for your dog than it is for you. What you should do: Do your best to reassure your dog and, if possible, remove the source of the stress. If your dog is prone to shaking during thunderstorms, for example, try to help them stay calm by introducing therapeutic toys or masking the sounds of thunder. In general, if you notice something consistently turns your pup into a shaking state, try to redirect their attention. Dogs are also very perceptive and if you are stressed, anxious or afraid, they are very good at mimicking your emotions. In certain situations, when you remain calm and ignore a stressor in your house, your dog can pick up on it and learn that it's nothing to be anxious about. 4. Seeking AttentionHowever, if you rush to comfort your dog every time they're shaking, they may learn that shivering is a good way to get your attention. Some dogs even turn on the shakes while begging for food to earn sympathy. What you should do: Millan points out that while this behavior isn't exactly harmful, reinforcing it isn't a good idea. If there's no other reason why your dog might be shivering, it's generally best to ignore this blatant tug on your heartstrings. 5. Pain or IllnessShivering could be a sign that your dog is in pain or suffering from an illness. Shivering and muscle tremors can be symptoms of serious conditions such as distemper, hypoglycemia, Addison's disease and inflammatory brain disease, as well as more common ailments like an upset stomach. Constant shivering could be a sign of generalized tremor syndrome, also referred to as shaker syndrome, a chronic condition that can be helped with medication, according to Wag!. What you should do: Look for other signs of sickness or injury. If the shivering is accompanied by abnormal behavior or seems out of character for your dog, contact your veterinarian immediately. 6. Old Age
What you should do: If you notice your aging doggy starting to shake, it's best to get them checked out by the vet. Shaking vs. SeizuresNormal shivering and shaking are much different than a seizure, during which the muscles seize up and a dog loses both mobility and awareness of their surroundings. If you suspect your pup is having a seizure, and they're not already being treated for a seizure disorder, get them to the emergency vet ASAP. While most causes of shivering in dogs are relatively harmless, it's best to reach out to your vet if you're wondering, "Why is my dog shaking?" They can explain what causes a dog to shiver as well as uncover if something serious may be going on. Even if there isn't cause for concern, you'll have peace of mind once you get a vet's assessment.
Jean Marie Bauhaus Jean Marie Bauhaus is a pet parent, pet blogger and novelist from Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she usually writes under the supervision of a lapful of furbabies. |