Shaking When Breathing Inward in Dogs
Written By Darlene Stott
Published: 07/22/2017Updated: 07/01/2021
Veterinary reviewed by Michele K.
Why is my dog shaking when breathing inward?
What is Shaking When Breathing Inward?
Your dog may shake for any number of reasons, such as shaking off water after a bath, while other reasons are not so obvious. Shaking while breathing inward can be caused by excitement, or fear, and even for the simple reason that they are cold. Pain and poisoning can also induce shaking and uneven breathing, which needs veterinary assistance rapidly. Certain breeds such as the pug dog may have problems breathing because of their short pushed in facial features, causing them anxiety and shaking. While shaking when breathing inward may be harmless, don’t ignore it as it could be a sign of underlying disease.
  • Excitement and hyperactivity 
  • Fear and stress 
  • Pain 
  • Poisoning 
  • Disease of the kidneys, Addison’s disease, and inflammatory brain disorders
Why Shaking When Breathing Inward Occurs in Dogs
Excitement and Hyperactivity 
As a dog owner, you will be aware of the excitement levels that hit your dog when you start playing a game at home or go on a trip. Dogs live for the moment, give one hundred percent effort, and are starters for almost any adventure. Sometimes they can get over-keen and shake, breathe heavily, and almost pass out from their elevated sense of excitement. 
Fear and Stress  
It is sad to see a dog trembling with fear or anxiety. Anything can trigger an anxiety attack: even riding in the car, going to visit the veterinary clinic, other dogs that are bolder than they are, and being left with people they don’t know. Your pet can shake, and his breathing pattern can change because of shallow breathing and not getting enough air in its system.   
Pain 
Your dog may be feeling poorly or be in pain which can cause some shaking while breathing inward due to a fever or nausea. Some illnesses associated with shaking are distemper, kidney disease, and others.
Poisoning 
Dogs have a notorious reputation for getting into things they shouldn’t and often test new things with their mouth. From chewing on rat poison, chocolate or plants that are poisonous, to ingesting pills that they may find, to sampling chemicals, your dog might give it a go. And even if they have been poisoned before, they don’t learn from their mistakes so it is up to owners to lock everything away or deny access to things that may harm them. 
Disease 
As certain diseases develop, symptoms like shaking when breathing in can manifest. Chronic kidney disease, Addison’s disease (known as canine hypoadrenocorticism- this is a reduction in corticosteroid secretions from the adrenal glands which causes a lowering in day to day functioning of your dog), and distemper all have shaking and tremors as a symptom. And while not a disease, old age can bring with it the shakes as disorders can cause shaking and tremors.
What to do if your Dog is Shaking When Breathing Inward
Often it can be just excitement that causes your dog to shake while it breathes in. Your dog can get so excited to play a game, chase a ball, or go for a ride. Try to calm your dog down a bit with your own calm behavior and a gentle voice. Sometimes dogs can become hyperactive due to people working them up and over-exciting them. 
 If your dog shakes but settles down the moment you give him a cuddle and attention, it may be anxiety.  Strangers in the house, or missing you can all cause the shakes. If something is stressing your dog help them to get through it. Introduce them calmly to other people while reassuring them. If you have to go out, ensure they have toys to play with and maybe some music on to calm them. It is all about reassurance. 
If you think that your dog is in pain, which is causing the shaking and the changed breathing, it is advisable to take your dog to the veterinarian for a check over. Medications may be administered allowing your dog relief from the pain and the chance to recover. If disease causes pain, then the sooner the condition is diagnosed and treated the better. Addison’s disease can be treated through the administration of cortisol type drugs which will regulate the hormone levels, and medications can be given for heart problems and to regulate mineral balance within your dog.
Poisoning needs immediate attention as some poisons can be extremely fast working. If you know what your dog has been eating it will save your veterinarian time in diagnosing the cause.  Your veterinarian will be able to advise you on the best treatment for your dog.
And finally – it just may be that your dog is cold. Some fine hair coat dogs can suffer as the weather changes, or as they age. A dog jumper or coat will help your dog warm up, and an extra blanket on the bed will make life more pleasant.
Prevention of Shaking When Breathing Inward
Training can often alleviate anxiety and improve your dog's confidence. Providing reassurance and special time together can also help, especially if you are away from your dog during the day. An owner needs to be observant and notice if your dog is feeling cold, or is a bit under the weather, and must take action to remedy any suffering your dog is experiencing.  For those dogs that always must chew on everything, or poke their noses where they shouldn’t, think ahead and clear anything that they may be able to investigate. All chemicals, small parts of toys, and medications need to be well out of reach. Dogs are every bit as curious as a cat, so we have to protect them from themselves.
Cost of Shaking When Breathing Inward
If the shaking is a happy reaction or perhaps anxiety, where retraining can help, the costs for treatment may just be your time. But an average cost for a condition causing shaking in your dog can range from $350 for Addison’s disease to $4000 for kidney problems.
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Shaking When Breathing Inward Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
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Pit Bull
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One Year
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21 found this helpful

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21 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Noisy Breathing
Yesterday she whimpered on and off all day. No energy. This morning she is the same. While sleeping her body is shivering when she inhales
March 10, 2021
Answered by Dr. Linda S. MVB MRCVS
21 Recommendations
I'm sorry to hear this. Her symptoms of lethargy and shaking could have many causes including an infection, source of pain, nausea etc. If she is in season, she may also be feeling out of sorts due to the hormonal changes. A vet visit is best so she can be examined. We would also want to ensure she doesn't have a fever. Hopefully this check provides an answer and we can provide the most appropriate treatment which may be e.g pain relief or antibiotics.
March 10, 2021
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Pit Bull
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dog-age-icon
Six Years
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8 found this helpful

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8 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Shaking
For the past few days my dog King has been vomiting up either a yellow fluid or white foamy fluid and now when he is laying down at certain times he starts to shake uncontrollably while breathing sometimes it goes on for a little bit then goes away and sometimes it goes on for a while while he’s laying down, he’s still eating and drinking just eats then lay down most of the day and that’s not his normal behavior I didn’t see him eat anything unusual or anything like that. Could you help me figure out what is going on with him and how much do you think the cost will be?
Jan. 2, 2021
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
8 Recommendations
Hello this could be gastroenteritis causing this. Your vet can make you an estimate after examining him to give you and idea in cost as it can very a lot depending on where you live. You can give boiled chicken and rice at home to help settle his stomach.
Jan. 2, 2021
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terrier mix
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One Year
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10 found this helpful

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10 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Vomiting Shaking Making Noises While Breathing
My dog has been vomiting the last couple of hours. Clear with foam and some food mixed with something dark in color, like spots of black. His breathing sounds funny and is tad rapid. Like a cross between wheezing and wanting to cry. He is also shaking while breathing.
Nov. 12, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
10 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. Because your dog is vomiting multiple times, and may have blood in it, it would be best to have your dog seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. He sounds like he is quite ill, and they will be able to examine him, see what might be going on in, and get treatment for him so that he feels better. I hope that all goes well for him.
Nov. 12, 2020
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mixed
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Thirteen/Fourteen
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12 found this helpful

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12 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Shaking When Breathing Inward, Very Little Eating, Drinking A Lot Of Water
In the past month my dog has been changing. She’s a terrier mix and she was rescued when she was a young dog. In the past month she has started shaking when breathing, stopped getting up on her own to get water and go to the bathroom, and in the past few days has stopped eating. Should I be expecting her to pass away soon?
Nov. 3, 2020
Answered by Dr. Linda S. MVB MRCVS
12 Recommendations
I'm sorry to hear this. Whether or not your dog is close to passing away is impossible to know without seeing her. I would strongly advise a vet visit as it may be that there is something going on which can be treated. Shaking, reduced appetite and reduced mobility can, for example, be caused by pain associated with arthritis. There are medicines available which can help control pain and dramatically improve quality of life.
Nov. 3, 2020
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Yorkipoo
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Ten Months
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11 found this helpful

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11 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Shaking
My dog has been pretty lethargic for the last half of the day, has a somewhat loss of appetite and is now shivering when breathing in. Do I need to take him to an emergency vet or keep monitoring him?
Oct. 26, 2020
Answered by Dr. Linda S. MVB MRCVS
11 Recommendations
I'm sorry to hear this. Shivering can be due to pain, stress , nausea etc As he is small and young he is at risk of low blood sugar and dehydration so a vet visit would be sensible, yes.
Oct. 26, 2020
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Mutt
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Kovu
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9 Years
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0 found this helpful

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0 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Depression
Shaking
Lethargy
Licking
Loss Of Balance
Loss Of Appetite
Breathing Difficulties
My dog this weekend is having some trouble with severe pain and discomfort again. This is his 3rd serious instance of this. He was born with hip dysplasia, which he has mostly outgrown. Now he still has muscle tension at times, and his knees are in rough shape too. He is getting older, he can't run as far, he gets tired easier, and he doesn't know his own weakness. He's still a big pup at heart. But when these aches and pains hit him he becomes very mopey and depressed. He doesn't eat, and he hardly drinks. Today when he first went outside to pee he was wobbling about unsteadily. He fell on the grass a few times. It's pouring rain. He just sat in the rain, then rolled into the grass a while. When his hips and legs feel a little less sore we will bath him tonight, because sadly he is covered in his own pee now. He was so scared at first that he lost bladder control. His stress is super high, and he is very nervous about peeing in the house, so he is moping and not moving much today. My husband got him to play with a stick a little outside on his second pee trip. he's slowly perking back up. The best thing that works with my big suck when he is in pain is some light massaging on the knees and legs (where he licks), some sweet gentle pets, calm soothing words, and all the praise. he gets a little tail tap going when we scratch his neck and say he's our good boy. The last 2 times it only lasted the day, and he was a bit sore the next day. I hope this is the same. I won't deny it's very concerning for an owner to see their fur baby shaking, taking some sharp breaths, and losing bladder control. But we gotta remember to stay calm, because they are far more afraid in that moment than we are. We have resources, and tools, and the ability to help them. They are panicked and sometimes I imagine they must feel very alone in what they experience. But any advice I can get will be appreciated. This is my first dog, and I didn't grow up close enough to other dogs to see them unwell. This is very new to me. I try to get as much info as I can, consult as often as possible, but more advice is never a bad thing. I could always stand to learn more. My dog is 9 human years (approx 56 dog years). Husky/Shepherd Mix. Large breed: about 80 lbs. Thanks, Justine
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