Dog Panting And Shaking

Most dogs are known to shiver or shake when they are feeling cold or they have gotten wet. However certain small breeds of dogs tend to tremble or shake for no real reason. Some of the common causes of dog shaking or shivering are if the weather is cold, if the dog has a fever, outer ear infection, ear mites, food allergies, loss of balance, or is scared, among other possible causes. Dog panting is a normal and natural process in dogs, as dogs use this technique to cool their bodies down as they are not able to sweat like humans. Hence, as dogs run around and expend their energy they will tend to pant which is considered normal. In some cases panting may also be observed in dogs as a reaction to excessive heat, which will cause the dog to pant more during the summer than at other times.

Certain dog breeds such as the pug and the bulldog are also prone to excessive panting on account of their physical structure, whereas breeds like Golden retrievers will pant excessively because of the thick layer of hair they have on their bodies, which causes their bodies to heat up. The dog may also pant when it is thirsty which again is normal. However, dog owners should be concerned if the dog is sitting idle or not moving around, but you still find the dog panting heavily as this may be a result of an underlying problem such as fatigue, lack of cooling, a lack of oxygen being absorbed into the system, and so on. If excessive dog panting is on account of a fever, the first thing the dog owner should do is to give the dog a bath with some cool water or at least sponge the dog with some cool water. However, the water should not be too cold. Excessive dog panting and shaking may also be a sign or serious medical issues such as the dog being unable to breathe on account of a cold, heart disease, and so on. In such cases, excessive panting may also be accompanied by other symptoms such as drooping eyes, drop in energy levels and the dog’s inability to perform routine tasks which require some amount of physical effort. When any of these symptoms are observed it is necessary to visit the vet for an accurate diagnosis and corresponding treatment for the dog. Sometimes a dog will pant excessively on account of an upper respiratory tract complication, which may result in the nasal passages of the dog getting blocked.

Dog Panting After Giving Birth

A dog panting after giving birth should not give you any cause for alarm. This seemingly excessive dog panting may last for a few weeks. This contraction of the uterus stimulates lactation. Keep in mind that panting is common behavior in dogs. All dogs pant. Panting is when a dog’s tongue protrudes out of the mouth and it breathes rapidly. Dogs do this to bring their body temperature down. Unlike human beings, dogs do not sweat. They pant. Dog panting after giving birth is normal due to the contraction of the uterus. There is a purpose behind the rapid breathing that accompanies a pant. More air enters the mucous membranes of the dog’s mouth and his respiratory tract when he pants. This results in a lowering of the body temperature. If however, you notice excessive dog panting and your dog has not been engaged in any physical activity or exposed to heat and so on, it is necessary to take him to a vet. There are many reasons that lead to excessive panting in dogs.

Some possible reasons for a dog panting excessively after giving birth could include:

• Hematologic problems: Your dog might be panting excessively either due to anemia or carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Heat problems: Hyperthermia or heat stroke might cause excessive panting as well. Dark red gums on a dog are a symptom of hyperthermia as is a high rectal temperature.
• Heart problems: Heartworm, congestive heart failure, heart murmurs and Cardiomyopathy could lead to excessive panting. Coughing spells, difficulties in breathing and lethargy could be signs that your dog has a serious medical problem.
• Respiratory problems: Your dog’s nasal passage could be blocked due to upper respiratory infections and this will make the dog breathe in more oxygen. A lower respiratory tract infection or a collapsed trachea will also make your dog pant more than usual. Growths in the nose or back of the throat may also lead to excessive panting.
• Pain: If your dog is in pain, chances are he will pant even more.
• Fever: This is yet another cause for excessive dog panting.
• Bleeding problems: Internal bleeding is another reason. Check to see if your dog’s gums are pale.
• Hormonal problems: Another reason behind the excessive panting is hypothyroidism. Your vet will be the best person to determine if this is the reason.
• Neurologic Disorders: The respiratory center could be affected if your dog suffers from any neurologic disorders. These include brain tumors, head injury/trauma or even some abnormalities in the respiratory tract.

If your dog is panting and you are unaware of the cause, do take him to the vet so that proper treatment can be started immediately.