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My dog is panting, shaking, and won't settle after I cooled him. Why?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 2 years and 11 months old | 8 lbs

My dog is panting and shaking quite a lot and is really unsettled, he won’t lie down to go asleep and he seems really startled and distressed, I assumed he is too hot so I have moved into a cooler room and patted him down with cool water and there is still no change, I’m really concerned

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on October 15th, 2017

These symptoms could be caused by a range of issues, including musculoskeletal pain, heart or lung disease, abdominal pain, heat stress or heat stroke, anxiety, impending seizures, etc. I would recommend that you keep a close eye on Bailey for the next 12-24 hours. If he develops additional symptoms, he should be checked out by a vet immediately. If he is just not back to normal within 24 hours, he should also see a vet.
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