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Why is my dog panting, shivering, and holding head up to breathe?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Golden Retriever | Male | unneutered | 2 years and 1 month old | 75 lbs

He is 1 and he isn’t acting him self and is panting very intense and shivering,holding his head pointed up to breath it is winter here it’s not heat it’s been going on for 4 hours or now and isn’t getting better

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1 Answer

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Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

Veterinarian

Published on November 27th, 2019

The main concern is that he is having to position his head in this fashion to breath. That is very worrisome for pathology in the lungs. Whenever there is a change in breathing pattern, the pet should be examined. I recommend to have him examined right away. It's better to be safe than sorry. I hope this helps.

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