Why Is My Female Dog Panting and Shaking? Causes You Need to Know

If your female dog is panting and shaking, it's essential to identify the underlying cause to ensure she gets the proper care and attention. Anxiety can be a primary reason, as dogs can experience separation anxiety, noise anxiety, or social anxiety, just like humans.

Dogs can also pant and shake due to stress, which can be triggered by changes in their environment or routine. For example, a move to a new home, a change in family members, or a change in work schedule can cause stress.

Pain is another possible cause of panting and shaking in dogs. According to the article, dogs can hide their pain well, but panting and shaking can be signs of underlying medical issues, such as arthritis or dental problems.

If you suspect that your dog's panting and shaking are related to anxiety or stress, it's crucial to provide a calm and comfortable environment, and consider professional help from a veterinarian or a certified animal behaviorist.

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Heart problems can cause abnormal panting or labored breathing in dogs.

Lung diseases such as pneumonia can also contribute to excessive panting in dogs.

Hormonal disorders like Cushing's disease are another concerning reason why your dog may be panting and restless.

Cushing's disease is a condition where too much cortisol is produced in the bloodstream, which is most common in middle-aged and older dogs.

The most common clinical signs of Cushing's disease are excessive panting, increased thirst and urination, increased appetite, and a pot-bellied appearance.

If you suspect your dog has Cushing's disease, it's essential to get them to the vet as fast as you can, as labored breathing can be a sign of a serious underlying condition.

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Dogs with cardiovascular disorders can experience abnormal panting or labored breathing due to their heart's inability to pump enough blood to the lungs and the rest of the body.

Their respiratory rate increases to compensate for the lack of oxygen, leading to excessive panting.

Heart problems, such as valve disorders and arrhythmias, can be detected by a veterinarian simply by listening to the dog's chest during a regular check-up.

Excessive panting can be a symptom of heart disease, and you may notice your dog coughing occasionally or breathing heavily after a casual walk or exercise.

The heart plays an extremely important role in delivering oxygen to the rest of the body, and when that process is hindered, your dog's body doesn't get the oxygen it needs to perform routine processes.

Your veterinarian can often detect heart murmurs or arrhythmias just by listening to your dog's chest.

A dog with a heart or lung disorder may experience symptoms such as tiring more easily, coughing while trying to breathe, and a tongue that looks purple/blue instead of pink due to inadequate oxygen.

Here are some examples of cardiovascular disorders that can cause excessive panting in dogs:

If you suspect your dog has a cardiovascular disorder, it's essential to get them to the vet as fast as you can, as labored breathing can be a sign of a serious underlying condition.

Cushing's Disease is a common condition in senior dogs that can cause excessive panting, increased thirst and urination, and a pot-bellied appearance.

Too much cortisol in the bloodstream causes Cushing's disease, a condition known as hyperadrenocorticism.

Dogs with Cushing's disease may develop tumors on the pituitary gland or adrenal glands, or they may be taking oral steroids like prednisone, which can provoke the condition.

Excessive panting is one of the hallmarks of Cushing's disease, along with increased appetite and a pot-bellied appearance.

Your vet will do some lab tests, possibly including an ultrasound, to figure out what's going on before deciding on a treatment plan.

The treatment plan depends on the root cause of Cushing's, with some cases requiring surgery and others showing improvement with oral medication like trilostane.

Cushing's disease is very common among senior dogs, which is why it's essential to monitor your dog's behavior and health closely as they age.

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Your female dog panting and shaking could be caused by a range of factors, including anxiety or stress. This can be triggered by changes in your work schedule, moving to a new home, or even a new pet in the house.

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Some dogs may also pant and shake due to gastrointestinal issues, such as food poisoning or a stomach virus, which can cause discomfort and anxiety. Infections like pancreatitis can also lead to excessive panting and shaking.

Additionally, certain medical conditions, like hypoglycemia or Addison's disease, can cause your dog to pant and shake excessively.

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Dogs can have bad reactions to medication, just like humans do. Panting is a common side effect, especially with anti-anxiety meds or steroids.

Medications like prednisone can cause panting because they mimic cortisol, a steroid hormone that increases metabolism and body temperature.

Panting can be a sign of stress or pain, and medications can exacerbate this issue.

Dogs with brachycephalic breeds often struggle with breathing difficulties due to their short, flat faces. This condition makes it hard for them to pant efficiently.

These dogs are at a higher risk for heatstroke because they can't cool themselves down properly. Their upper airways are challenged, which makes breathing a chore.

There are 24 brachycephalic dog breeds, including the Pug, Boxer, and Bulldog. These breeds are prone to Brachycephalic Airway Obstructive Syndrome (BAOS).

Some examples of brachycephalic breeds include:

Dogs may shiver and tremble due to various reasons beyond excitement, anxiety, or cold. Chronic kidney failure can lead to tremors in dogs.

Some neurological problems, including inflammatory brain diseases, can cause shivering and trembling in dogs.

Dogs can also experience an Addisonian crisis, a condition related to an underactive adrenal gland, which can lead to shaking.

A full anal sac can cause dogs to shake, so it's essential to keep an eye on your dog's anal glands and have them checked by a vet if you suspect an issue.

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If your dog is panting and shaking, it's essential to identify any abnormalities. Your dog's respiratory rate is much higher than normal if she's taking 300 breaths per minute when her normal rate is 20 complete breaths per minute.

If your dog is panting and hasn't been exercising, it could be a sign of a problem. This is especially true if she's panting in a cool, calm environment.

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A louder or harsher panting sound than normal is another red flag. Your dog's panting may be more effortful than usual, which can be a sign of distress.

If your dog is panting while shaking, restless, or pacing, it could be a sign of overheating, a serious health issue, or trauma. These are all potential causes of excessive panting in dogs.

Here are some key signs to look out for:

Your female dog may be panting and shaking due to a variety of health issues. Dogs pant to regulate their body temperature, but excessive panting can be a sign of something more serious.

Dogs can't sweat like humans do, so panting is their primary way to cool down.

Panting, pacing, and restlessness in dogs can be caused by seven common reasons, including overheating, anxiety, and medical conditions.

Labored breathing is a serious issue that requires immediate veterinary attention. Get your dog to the vet as fast as you can if you notice any signs of distress.

Dogs pant to regulate their body temperature, but excessive panting can be a sign of an underlying medical issue.

If your female dog's panting is accompanied by shaking, it could be a sign that something's wrong.

Panting can be a normal behavior for a dog, especially in hot weather, but it's essential to pay attention to other symptoms.

Shaking or trembling can be a sign of anxiety or stress, but it can also be a symptom of a medical condition, such as a heart problem or an infection.

A rapid or labored breathing pattern can be a sign of respiratory distress, which requires immediate veterinary attention.

If your dog is panting and shaking, it's crucial to monitor her behavior and watch for other signs of illness, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy.

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If your female dog is panting and shaking, it's essential to pay attention to her behavior and body language. If she pants for more than 15 minutes while at rest, you should call your veterinarian immediately.

Take note of any other symptoms your dog has, such as diarrhea, vomiting, or limping. If she suddenly begins trembling or shivering for no apparent reason, especially if she also has other symptoms or you think she may have eaten something toxic, take her to the vet right away.

Here are some warning signs to watch out for:

It's always better to err on the side of caution and take your dog to the vet if you're unsure about her condition.

Changes in your body's normal functions shouldn't be ignored.

Some people, particularly those with short necks, can experience breathing difficulties due to a condition called laryngeal paralysis.

Dogs with laryngeal paralysis, like Labradors and Golden Retrievers, can make an abrasive sound when they pant, a sign that their airway isn't opening as wide as it should.

Dogs with short snouts, like Pugs and English Bulldogs, can make abnormal snorting sounds while panting due to a long soft palate or excessive tissue in the throat.

Dogs with these conditions are more predisposed to heatstroke because they can't efficiently cool themselves.

Labradors and Golden Retrievers are predisposed to laryngeal paralysis, a condition that affects the vocal cords and airway.

Pugs and English Bulldogs can make abnormal snorting sounds while panting due to a long soft palate or excessive tissue in the throat.

Dogs with these conditions need to be kept cool and their panting sounds monitored.

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If you notice your dog panting heavily, it's essential to know when to take action. If they pant for more than 15 minutes while at rest, it's a cause for concern.

Heavy panting can be a sign of underlying health issues, so it's always better to err on the side of caution. If your dog is panting heavily and struggling to breathe, or if they're so tired they can only walk a short distance before lying down, seek veterinary attention immediately.

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Your dog's gums can also give you a clue about their oxygen levels. If they look lighter or darker than normal, or if they're tinged with blue, it's a sign that they're not getting enough oxygen.

Here are some symptoms that require immediate veterinary attention:

If you're unsure about your dog's condition, it's always better to take them to the vet. Even if you're not sure if they're in danger, a vet can provide a diagnosis and treatment plan to ensure your dog receives the care they need.

In emergency situations, it's essential to act quickly to ensure your dog's safety. Your dog may be experiencing heatstroke, which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

Heatstroke can cause your dog's body temperature to rise rapidly, leading to brain damage or even death. This is especially true for dogs with thick coats or those that are not accustomed to hot weather.

If you suspect heatstroke, move your dog to a cooler location immediately and provide plenty of fresh water. You can also use a fan or air conditioner to help lower your dog's body temperature.

Your dog's panting and shaking may be a sign of anxiety or stress, which can be triggered by loud noises or sudden changes in their environment. In such cases, providing a calm and safe space for your dog to relax can help alleviate their symptoms.

However, if your dog's panting and shaking persist or worsen, it's crucial to seek veterinary attention to rule out any underlying medical issues.