Why is my dog panting really hard and really tense?

Question

Today is Tuesday and last Saturday I let my 7 year old beagle out to use the bathroom. She has been acting strange every since. She has been panting really bad and she is shaking or shivering, she also looks like she is having a hard time walking around. I thought maybe she pulled a muscle or something so I was giving it a couple days to see if she would get better before taking her to the vet. Yesterday she seemed to feel better, but then last night when it was time for bed she started panting again really loudly and shaking and kept walking around, but this morning she seems better again. Anyone have any idea what could be wrong?

Update:

Also I forgot to add her belly and back gets really hard and tensed up when this is going on.

Anonymous · Answer

Why didn't you treat the heartworms to start with? What else is going on that your vet didn't think it was safe to treat the dog's heartworms. It could be many things. The heartworm disease could be progressing into it's final stages. The fluid in the vessels could be leaking into the dog's abdomen and the abdomen is filling with fluid, making breathing more difficult for your dog. Panting is not a sign of fever. Dog's run fevers usually only for infections. And for many other reasons different than humans. The dog could have a twisted stomache and could be in life threatening danger if surgery is not performed very very soon. It could be many many many other things. Either way personally i'd load up my car and head on out. But at the very least if your vet does not take after hours calls, i would call that ER clinic and tell them what's going on and follow their advice. Again i'd take a road trip to the fastest vet care i could get. Your dog could be in serious trouble and need vet care now.

Chaoscleaner · Answer

Even an online Vet could not give you an answer.   Sounds like your dog is in PAIN  (panting in a relaxed state can indicate pain along with shaking)
It's JUST a guess that it might be related to her back - but take your dog to the VET!

Pangur Bán · Answer

it sounds like your beagle might be traumatized , maybe she got scared of something she saw , a bigger dog perhaps

I think it's best to call the vet and ask whats going on or make an appointment at the vet

Anonymous · Answer

no, but there is a person that could know, try calling the nice vet.

Kathleen · Answer

I don't but I bet your vet would.

Why is my dog panting really hard and really tense?

5 Answers