Seeing your pet’s unusual behaviour can be scary. Your first thought can be that they’re ill. Then you go on the internet and look up symptoms and now you’re here. You want to know: “Why Is My Dog Shaking When He Breathes In?”
We’ll attempt to answer this and provide possible reasons. Let’s delve in.
Why Is My Dog Shaking When He Breathes In?
There are various reasons why dogs shake. Let’s look at some possibilities.
1. Excited Or Hyperactive
Dogs are social animals. They may get excited everytime they come in contact with a new human or a new environment. You may notice excessive tail wagging and shaky breath when you play games with them. They may even bark at everything they see, which can be annoying in a car ride.
2. Fearful Or Stressed
Dogs can develop phobias. Fear of sound and separation anxiety is common in dogs. You can observe their shaky breath and trembling.
Kenneth Martin from VCA Hospitals states: “Dogs that are frightened may display fight (aggression), flight (attempts to avoid or flee the situations), freeze (remain motionless), fidget or fret (small nervous movements) responses when afraid.”
3. Pain
If you see other symptoms such as excessive drooling and bad breath, it can be a sign of dental pain. Dental pain or inflammation can cause your pet to shake when breathing inward.
4. Poisoning
Dogs are like babies. They navigate the world with their nose and their mouth. Whatever they find, they’ll give it a lick. This is why poisoning could be a possible reason. If you had medications lying around or even sweetened human food, it can cause poisoning and can result in shaky breath.
5. GTS (General Tremor Syndrome)
Also known as Shaker Syndrome[1], it causes dogs’ entire body to shake. It is usually developed in early adulthood, when dog is 1 or 2 years old. Shaking can be specific to one part of the body or the entire body. It can appear as though they are shaking while breathing inward.
6. Low Blood Sugar
If your pet’s diet isn’t regular or if you miss a meal, it can cause low blood sugar or hypoglycemia[2]. Symptoms include lack of energy, lethargy, dissociation and shaking.
How You Can Help?
If your pet is overly excited or hyperactive, it can be very useful especially in car rides, to crate train your dog. If your pet is in a crate and they cannot look outside, they will be calm. Throwing in a food dispensing toy will keep them occupied.
When you’ve observed that your pet stays nervous or fearful most of the time. It is best advised to let a professional step in these situations. If this is a behavioral or anxiety issue, it can be treated through medication. Your vet may advice you to train give your pet basic training of “sit and stay” as it can keep them calm.
Stephanie Gibeault from the AKC said: “Training your dog to settle on cue is a practical part of teaching emotional self-control. The idea is your dog learns to relax at your request. Of course, your dog’s ability to comply will drop the more nervous they become, so either use this in anticipation of a trigger or before the anxiety level gets too high.”
Shaky breath is also a sign of dental pain. It is highly recommended to consult a vet. It is much easier to reach solutions when you have a diagnosis.
To avoid your pet poisoning itself: As responsible pet parents, you should hide all that is inedible and keep away from your puppy. Keep your snacks at a high place and meds hidden.
When To Consult A Professional?
In case you notice symptoms of GTS or Hypoglycemia, it is strongly advised to consult a vet.
GTS is manageable condition only if you keep in constant touch with the vet and follow their instructions. While with Hypoglycemia, the vet may either give oral liquid gluose or put your pet on liquid therapy. It depends on the severity of the condition.
If you observe other symptoms including shaking while breathing in. It is vital to share that information with the vet and get a full-checkup.
It is also possible that your pet is shaking to get attention. In which case, it is advised that you start ignoring this behaviour and they will soon drop it.
FAQs
Why is my dog shaking when he breathes in?
There are numerous reasons why your pet may shake when breathing inward. It can be due to your pet being too excited or they are fearful. Pain and Poisioning can elicit same reaction. It is important to note other symptoms that accompany shaky breath. If they are drooling or vomiting, if their nose is runny or is there any other audible sounds they make.
What to do if your dog is shaking while breathing?
When your dog is shaking while breathing, it demands your attention. You should try calming them down by patting and providing reassurance. However, it will provide only temporary relief and it is necessary that you take a trip to the vet as soon as possible.
Why is my dog breathing fast and shaking while sleeping?
There is a good chance that the reason your dog is breathing fast and shaking while sleeping is because they are having dreams. Dogs are just like us, they dream just like us. Although if you notice that your pet has to use their stomach to breathe while sleeping, it is best to contact the vet.
How do you comfort a shaking dog?
Just like in humans, massage is a great way to alleviate nervousness that is causing the dog to shake. Start by massaging their neck, then slowly move to their shoulder, their back and the base of the tail. As anxiety causes you to tense your muscles, massage is a great way to ease your dog.
How can I calm my dog down naturally?
You can try to calm down your pet through massage or even calming suplemets like CBD oils and melatonin. Excersing is another way to tire your dog. Play a long fun game of fetch. If these methods don’t work, it is advised to get an expert’s opinion.
Conclusion
It is advised to consult your vet if your pet shows other symptoms along with shaking while breathing.
Hopefully we provided enough plausible reasons as to: “Why Is My Dog Shaking When He Breathes In?” We hope you and your pet lead a happy and healthy life.
References:
- Shaker syndrome in dogs. PetMD.
- Hypoglycemia in dogs: Causes, management, and diagnosis. PubMed Central (PMC).
