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My dog is shivering and panting. What's wrong? When to see a vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 1 year and 11 months old

Why is my dog shivering and panting?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 11th, 2018

I am sorry ot hear about Quica. Shivering and panting can be a sign of extreme anxiety, pain, respiratory distress, ingestion of a toxin, and more. If she is continuing this behavior and there is nothing going on that could be causing anxiety (such as fireworks or loud noises), I would recommend bringing her into the vet for an examination.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Megan, DVM, CVA

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 8th, 2017

    Poor Ebineezer. She could be having some discomfort somewhere or anxiety. I would have your vet do a full physical exam including an orthopedic and spinal exam. I have seen dogs with neck or back pain have very similar symptoms. Your vet will be able to localize the pain provide some pain meds if needed. If no pain os found, your vet may talk to your about some anxiety medicine to help calm her. I hope this helps!

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    Answered By Juliana, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 3rd, 2017

    I'm sorry to hear this. It sounds like your dog could be having anxiety. Inwould look for any triggers - new noises in the neighborhood or house? New pets in home? New people staying with you or coming through? Any stressful event that happened recently? If your dog is panting and clingy at home but seems normal on your walks or when out of the house then there likely is a trigger tied to the home. You can try white noise to see if it helps, or thunder shirts, or calming dog pheromones (sprays, diffusers, and collars you can purchase at your vet or at a pet store). I would also have your veterinarian evaluate your dog just to make sure there is no source of pain that may not be immediately obvious, such as back pain. If they do not find anything medically wrong then you can work through the behavior knowing there is no underlying medical cause.

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    Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 10th, 2019

    If only Lexi could talk! This type of behavior could be related to something like anxiety or to pain/discomfort. I recommend to have her examined by the veterinarian who will check for evidence of pain on the physical exam. They may also check a urine sample or the anal glands as well. Plenty of exercise, sticking to the normal routine and playing some classical music may help with anxiety. Since she can't talk, it's best to play it safe. Best of luck.

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