If your dog is shaking and panting at the same time, it's natural to be concerned. While these symptoms can sometimes occur after exercise or excitement, they can also be signs of anxiety, fear, pain, illness, or other underlying health issues.
Key Takeaways
- Anxiety is one of the most common causes of shaking and panting in dogs.
- Thunderstorms, fireworks, travel, separation, and routine changes are frequent triggers.
- Pain, illness, and other medical conditions can also cause these symptoms.
- Anxious dogs often display additional signs such as pacing, hiding, whining, or clinginess.
- Creating a calm environment and supporting emotional wellness can help reduce anxiety.
- Natural calming supplements may complement behavior modification and training.
- Sudden, severe, or unexplained symptoms should always be evaluated by a veterinarian.
Dogs often communicate stress through their body language long before they bark, whine, or act out. Shaking, trembling, and excessive panting are among the most common physical signs of anxiety in dogs. However, because these symptoms can have multiple causes, it's important to look at the bigger picture and understand what your dog may be trying to tell you.
Why Is My Dog Shaking or Trembling?
Dogs commonly shake and pant when they are anxious, scared, stressed, overheated, or in pain.
Anxiety isĀ one of the most frequent causes, particularly when symptoms occur during thunderstorms, fireworks, travel, vet visits, separation from family members, or other stressful situations. However, shaking and panting can also be associated with medical conditions that require veterinary attention.
If your dog's symptoms are severe, sudden, or accompanied by weakness, vomiting, collapse, or difficulty breathing, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Is It Normal for Dogs to Shake and Pant?
In some situations, yes.
Panting is a normal way for dogs to regulate body temperature, and mild trembling can occur when a dog is excited or anticipating something enjoyable. For example, some dogs shake and pant while waiting for a walk, greeting family members, or seeing their favorite toy.
The concern arises when these behaviors occur unexpectedly, become excessive, or happen alongside other signs of distress.
Anxiety Is One of the Most Common Causes
If your dog is trembling and panting without an obvious physical cause, anxiety may be responsible.
When dogs experience stress or fear, their bodies release adrenaline and other stress hormones that prepare them for a perceived threat. This "fight or flight" response increases heart rate, muscle tension, and breathing rate. As a result, many anxious dogs begin panting heavily, trembling, pacing, or seeking reassurance from their owners.
An anxious dog may also show other behaviors such as whining, hiding, pacing, drooling, clinginess, restlessness, or difficulty settling down.
Common Anxiety Triggers That Cause Shaking and Panting
Thunderstorms and Loud Noises
Noise anxiety is one of the most common reasons dogs shake and pant.
Thunder, fireworks, construction sounds, and other loud noises can trigger intense fear in sensitive dogs. In addition to trembling and panting, many dogs hide under furniture, seek out their owners, or attempt to escape the source of the noise.
Separation Anxiety
Dogs experiencing separation anxiety often show physical signs of distress when left alone or when they anticipate their owner leaving.
Some dogs begin panting and trembling before their owner even walks out the door. Picking up keys, putting on shoes, or grabbing a work bag may trigger anxiety because the dog has learned these cues predict separation.
Travel Anxiety
Many dogs become anxious during car rides.
The unfamiliar movement, sounds, smells, and confinement associated with travel can cause trembling, panting, drooling, whining, and restlessness. For some dogs, these symptoms worsen if they have previously experienced motion sickness.
Vet Visits and Grooming Appointments
Veterinary clinics and grooming salons can be stressful environments for some dogs.
Unfamiliar people, unusual smells, handling, and past experiences may contribute to anxiety-related panting and shaking before or during appointments.
Changes in Routine
Dogs thrive on predictability.
Moving to a new home, introducing a new pet, changes in family schedules, visitors, or other disruptions to your dog's routine can trigger stress-related symptoms.
Could My Dog Be in Pain?
Yes.
Pain is another common cause of shaking and panting.
Dogs experiencing discomfort often breathe more rapidly and may tremble due to muscle tension or stress. Arthritis, injuries, dental disease, abdominal pain, and other medical conditions can all cause these symptoms.
Signs that pain may be involved include limping, difficulty standing, reluctance to move, changes in posture, decreased appetite, or sensitivity when touched.
If your dog appears uncomfortable or the symptoms persist without an obvious anxiety trigger, a veterinary examination is recommended.
Other Medical Causes of Shaking and Panting
Although anxiety is common, it is not the only possible explanation.
Several medical conditions can cause both symptoms, including:
- Heat exhaustion
- Fever
- Nausea
- Poisoning
- Neurological disorders
- Hormonal imbalances
- Heart disease
- Respiratory conditions
Older dogs may also develop age-related conditions that contribute to trembling or changes in breathing patterns.
Because these symptoms overlap with many different health concerns, ongoing or unexplained episodes should be evaluated by a veterinarian.
How to Tell if Your Dog Is Anxious
Body language often provides important clues.
An anxious dog may pant and tremble while also displaying pinned-back ears, a tucked tail, dilated pupils, excessive lip licking, yawning, pacing, or attempts to hide.
Many dogs become unusually clingy during periods of anxiety and seek constant reassurance from their owners. Others withdraw and avoid interaction altogether.
Observing when the symptoms occur can help identify potential triggers and determine whether anxiety is likely contributing to the behavior.
How to Help an Anxious Dog Stop Shaking and Panting
Create a Calm Environment
One of the first steps is reducing your dog's exposure to whatever is causing stress whenever possible.
Providing a quiet, safe space where your dog can retreat during stressful situations often helps. Many dogs benefit from having access to a familiar bed, crate, or room where they feel secure.
Use Calming Background Noise
White noise, calming music, or television can help mask sounds that trigger anxiety, particularly during thunderstorms or fireworks.
Some dogs respond well to calming playlists specifically designed for pets.
Increase Daily Exercise
Exercise helps reduce excess energy and supports emotional wellness.
Dogs that receive adequate physical and mental stimulation are often better equipped to cope with stressful situations. Daily walks, training sessions, playtime, and enrichment activities can all contribute to lower anxiety levels.
Practice Desensitization
If your dog's anxiety is triggered by specific situations, gradual exposure training may help.
Desensitization involves introducing the trigger at a low intensity while rewarding calm behavior. Over time, your dog learns that the trigger is not something to fear.
This process works particularly well for noise anxiety, travel anxiety, and separation anxiety when performed consistently and gradually.
Consider Natural Calming Supplements
Many dog owners use natural supplements to support relaxation during stressful situations.
Ingredients commonly found in calming formulas include CBD, chamomile, passionflower, valerian root, melatonin, and L-theanine. These ingredients may help promote a sense of calm and support your dog's emotional well-being.
While supplements are not a substitute for training, they may complement a comprehensive anxiety management plan.
When Should You Call a Veterinarian?
Occasional panting and trembling related to a known anxiety trigger may not be cause for alarm. However, some situations warrant immediate veterinary attention.
Contact your veterinarian if your dog:
- Begins shaking and panting suddenly
- Appears weak or lethargic
- Refuses food or water
- Experiences vomiting or diarrhea
- Has difficulty breathing
- Collapses or seems disoriented
- Shows signs of severe pain
- Has symptoms that continue without an obvious cause
Prompt evaluation can help rule out serious medical conditions and ensure your dog receives appropriate care.
Can Anxiety Cause Excessive Panting in Dogs?
Yes.
Panting is one of the most common physical signs of anxiety in dogs. Stress hormones increase respiratory rate and muscle tension, often causing dogs to breathe rapidly even when they are not hot or physically active.
If panting occurs alongside trembling, pacing, whining, clinginess, or other stress-related behaviors, anxiety is often a contributing factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my dog shaking and panting at night?
Dogs may shake and pant at night due to anxiety, discomfort, pain, cognitive decline, environmental noises, or underlying medical conditions. Monitoring for additional symptoms can help identify the cause.
Can anxiety cause a dog to tremble?
Yes. Trembling is a common physical response to fear, stress, and anxiety. Many dogs shake during thunderstorms, fireworks, travel, or other stressful events.
Why is my dog panting but not hot?
Panting is not always related to temperature. Anxiety, pain, excitement, illness, and certain medications can all cause increased panting even when a dog is not overheated.
Should I worry if my dog is shaking and panting?
It depends on the situation. Mild anxiety-related episodes may not be serious, but sudden, severe, or unexplained symptoms should always be evaluated by a veterinarian.
Does CBD help anxious dogs?
Some research and anecdotal reports suggest CBD may help support calm behavior and emotional wellness in dogs experiencing stress and anxiety.
How can I calm my trembling dog?
Providing a safe environment, reducing exposure to triggers, increasing exercise, using calming techniques, and considering natural calming supplements may help reduce anxiety-related trembling.
References
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Tiira K, Sulkama S, Lohi H. Prevalence, comorbidity, and behavioral variation in canine anxiety. PLoS One. 2016;11(4):e0152988.
Landsberg GM, Hunthausen WL, Ackerman LJ. Behavior Problems of the Dog and Cat. 3rd ed. Saunders Elsevier; 2013.
American Kennel Club. Signs of Anxiety in Dogs. Available at: https://www.akc.org
American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior. Position Statements and Resources. Available at: https://avsab.org
Prana Pets. Separation Anxiety in Dogs. Internal Resource.
