Understanding Panting and Shaking in Senior Dogs: A Comprehensive Guide

As a devoted dog parent, you know your furry companion inside and out. So when you notice your senior dog panting and shaking more than usual, it‘s natural to feel concerned. While some increase in these behaviors is a normal part of aging, excessive panting and trembling can also be signs of underlying health issues that require veterinary attention. In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll delve into the most common causes behind senior dog panting and shaking, discuss diagnosis and treatment options, and offer expert tips for keeping your older dog comfortable and healthy.

The Aging Dog: What‘s Normal, What‘s Not

It‘s important to recognize that senior dogs, typically those over 7-8 years old (or 5-6 years for giant breeds), undergo various physiological changes that can affect their behavior and health. Compared to their younger years, older dogs may:

• Sleep more and have less energy for play and exercise
• Develop gray hair, especially around the muzzle and eyebrows
• Experience vision and hearing loss
• Have reduced muscle tone and mobility
• Become more sensitive to temperature changes
• Pant more frequently due to decreased lung capacity and cardiovascular function

Some increase in panting is to be expected as dogs age, particularly after exertion or in warm environments. Older dogs also tend to tremble a bit more due to weakened muscles and joint pain. However, if your senior dog is panting heavily for no apparent reason, panting at rest, or shaking uncontrollably, it‘s time to investigate further.

Prevalence of Panting and Shaking in Senior Dogs

Just how common are excessive panting and shaking in older dogs? According to a survey by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), nearly 50% of dog owners reported an increase in panting in their senior dogs, while 30% noticed more trembling or shaking.

These symptoms can be caused by a wide range of health conditions that become more prevalent with age. For example:

• 90% of dogs over age 10 have radiographic evidence of arthritis
• 25% of dogs over 10 develop canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD)
• 25% of dogs over 12 are diagnosed with diabetes
• 10-20% of dogs over 10 have heart disease
• 50% of dogs over 10 have at least one tumor

While not all of these conditions directly cause panting and shaking, they can contribute to overall discomfort, anxiety, and respiratory issues that manifest in these symptoms. Let‘s take a closer look at the top 9 health issues known to cause excessive panting and shaking in senior dogs.

1. Arthritis and Joint Pain

Osteoarthritis, or degenerative joint disease, is one of the most common ailments affecting older dogs. Over time, the cartilage that cushions the joints breaks down, causing inflammation, pain, and stiffness. Dogs with arthritis often pant and tremble, especially when getting up from rest or after activity.

Other signs of arthritis in senior dogs include:

• Limping or favoring a limb
• Difficulty rising, sitting, or climbing stairs
• Sleeping more and playing less
• Weight gain due to reduced activity
• Irritability or behavior changes

If you suspect your dog has arthritis, schedule a veterinary exam. Your vet can diagnose arthritis through a combination of a physical exam, radiographs (x-rays), and lab tests to rule out other conditions. Treatment typically involves:

• Pain control with NSAIDs like Rimadyl, Deramaxx, or Previcox and other analgesics as needed
• Joint supplements containing glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3 fatty acids to promote cartilage health and reduce inflammation
• Weight management with a lower calorie diet and appropriate exercise to reduce joint strain
• Acupuncture, cold laser therapy, and massage to alleviate pain and improve circulation
• Environmental modifications like orthopedic beds, raised food bowls, and non-slip floor mats

2. Heart Disease

Panting and shaking can be signs of cardiovascular issues in senior dogs. The most common acquired heart diseases in older dogs are:

• Mitral valve disease (MVD): A degenerative condition causing leaky heart valves, most often seen in small to medium breeds like Chihuahuas, Poodles, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Affects up to 85% of Cavaliers by age 10.

• Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM): A disease of the heart muscle that reduces its pumping ability, more common in large breeds like Doberman Pinschers, Irish Wolfhounds, and Great Danes. Prevalence varies by breed, affecting around 50% of Dobermans and 25% of Irish Wolfhounds.

In both cases, the inefficient heart function leads to fluid buildup in the lungs (pulmonary edema), causing coughing and rapid, labored breathing that may be mistaken for panting. Dogs may also experience weakness, exercise intolerance, and fainting episodes.

Diagnosis of heart disease involves a physical exam, chest x-rays, ECG, echocardiogram, and sometimes cardiac biomarker blood tests. Treatment depends on the specific condition and severity, but may include:

• Diuretics like Furosemide to reduce fluid retention
• ACE inhibitors like Enalapril or Benazepril to dilate blood vessels and reduce heart workload
• Pimobendan (Vetmedin) to improve heart contractility
• Nutritional supplements like taurine, L-carnitine, and omega-3s
• Therapeutic diets low in sodium
• Activity restriction to minimize respiratory distress

3. Respiratory Disease

Respiratory diseases are another group of conditions that become more common in senior dogs and can cause panting and shaking. These include:

• Laryngeal paralysis: A progressive neurological condition that affects the muscles of the larynx (voice box), causing a characteristic noisy breathing and panting. Most common in older, large breed dogs like Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers.

• Tracheal collapse: A chronic, progressive condition where the trachea (windpipe) becomes flattened and loses its rigidity, leading to coughing, panting, and respiratory distress. Most common in small breeds like Yorkshire Terriers, Pomeranians, and Chihuahuas, affecting up to 15% of these breeds.

• Pulmonary fibrosis: A chronic lung disease characterized by scarring of the lung tissue, leading to coughing, rapid breathing, and exercise intolerance. While rare, it tends to occur in older dogs of certain breeds like West Highland White Terriers.

Diagnosis of respiratory disease may include chest x-rays, fluoroscopy (real-time x-ray), laryngeal exam under light sedation, blood tests, and sometimes CT or bronchoscopy in complex cases. Treatment options vary based on the condition but may involve:

• Anti-inflammatory medications like corticosteroids
• Cough suppressants and bronchodilators
• Antibiotics if secondary infection is present
• Surgical correction of laryngeal paralysis or placement of tracheal stents
• Weight management, as obesity worsens respiratory function
• Avoiding respiratory irritants like smoke, dust, and extreme temperatures
• Oxygen therapy and supportive care in severe cases

4. Cushing‘s Disease

Cushing‘s disease, or hyperadrenocorticism, is an endocrine disorder caused by an excess of the hormone cortisol. It most commonly affects middle-aged to older dogs, with an estimated prevalence of 1-2 cases per 1,000 dogs.

Excessive cortisol leads to a range of symptoms including:

• Heavy panting, even at rest
• Pot-bellied appearance due to redistribution of fat
• Hair loss or thin skin
• Increased thirst and urination
• Increased appetite and food intake
• Muscle weakness and lethargy

Cushing‘s is typically caused by a benign tumor of the pituitary gland in the brain (85% of cases) or an adrenal gland tumor (15% of cases). Diagnosis involves blood tests (ACTH stimulation test, low-dose dexamethasone suppression test), urine tests, and abdominal ultrasound.

Treatment of pituitary-dependent Cushing‘s involves lifelong medication with Trilostane (Vetoryl) or Mitotane (Lysodren) to reduce cortisol production. Adrenal tumors may require surgical removal. Regular monitoring with ACTH stim tests is necessary to adjust medication doses. With proper treatment, dogs with Cushing‘s can have a good quality of life for several years.

5. Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome

Canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD) is a neurodegenerative condition similar to Alzheimer‘s in humans. It affects an estimated 25% of dogs over 10 and 68% of dogs over 15. Dogs with CCD often show panting, pacing, and shaking due to anxiety and disorientation.

Other common signs of CCD include:

• Disorientation and confusion
• Changes in social interactions and sleep-wake cycles
• House soiling and abandoning learned behaviors
• Decreased activity level
• Anxiety and restlessness, especially at night ("sundowning")

CCD is a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning other medical causes like brain tumors, infections, and metabolic diseases must be ruled out first with tests like blood work, urinalysis, and brain imaging. There is no definitive cure for CCD, but treatment can slow progression and improve quality of life:

• Prescription diets rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids to support brain health
• Supplements like SAM-e, omega-3s, and medium chain triglycerides (MCTs)
• Medications like selegiline (Anipryl) to increase dopamine levels and enhance cognition
• Environmental enrichment with food puzzles, gentle exercise, and social interaction
• Maintaining consistent routines and a safe, stress-free home environment

When to Seek Veterinary Care

As a devoted dog owner, you never want to see your senior companion uncomfortable or in distress. While some panting and shaking is normal with age, it‘s important to be vigilant for signs that warrant a trip to the vet. Contact your veterinarian right away if your senior dog exhibits:

• Sudden onset of panting or shaking for no apparent reason
• Panting heavily while resting
• Panting or shaking that interferes with sleep or daily activities
• Excessive panting accompanied by coughing, wheezing, or choking sounds
• Uncontrollable shaking or trembling that persists for more than a few minutes
• Panting or shaking with other symptoms like lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, limping, or behavior changes

Early detection and treatment of underlying health issues can greatly improve your senior dog‘s comfort, function, and longevity. Work closely with your veterinarian to create a customized preventive care plan including twice yearly wellness exams, routine lab work, and dental cleanings as well as strategies to maintain mobility, manage pain, and support brain health.

Supporting Your Senior Dog

In addition to regular vet care, there are many ways you can modify your home environment and daily routine to help your older dog feel his best:

• Provide a soft, supportive bed in a quiet, draft-free area of your home
• Place rugs or yoga mats on slippery floors for traction
• Use ramps or stairs to help your dog navigate furniture or access vehicles
• Raise food and water bowls to a comfortable height to avoid neck strain
• Keep your home well-lit and free of clutter to prevent confusion and injury
• Maintain a predictable daily routine for meals, potty breaks, and exercise
• Break up meals into smaller, more frequent portions to aid digestion
• Take shorter, more frequent walks and provide mental stimulation with puzzle toys
• Use positive reinforcement and patience when managing any behavior changes
• Give plenty of TLC – your presence and gentle touch provide immeasurable comfort

As dog lovers, we share a special bond with our senior companions. They‘ve been by our side through life‘s ups and downs, and now it‘s our turn to support them through the challenges of aging. By staying alert to signs of excessive panting and shaking, partnering with our veterinarian, and providing a comfortable, enriching home environment, we can ensure our senior dogs live out their golden years with the dignity and joy they so deserve.