Accepted Answer

Hi Opheliaweeps,

Many different things can cause constant panting. Heavy panting can be caused by heart problems, lung problems, fever, or bronchitis. You can read about this here:
http://www.petplace.com/dogs/panting-in-dogs/page1.aspx

Dogs pant for various reasons. They pant to cool down, but they also pant when they are under stress, in pain, or afraid.

Shaking or trembling in toy breeds at a young age could be due to hypoglycemia, liver shunt, or a neurologic response such as a seizure. Trembling can also be a sign of pain, stress and cold.

Hypoglycemia is low blood sugar and frequently causing trembling in small breeds. Feeding your dog smaller meals more frequently can help. If you suspect your dog is having low blood sugar you can put a drop of pancake syrup on your dog's tongue which should raise the level.
http://www.petplace.com/dogs/hypoglycemia-in-dogs/page1.aspx

A liver shunt is usually a genetic condition. It is a condition where instead of the blood going through the liver and being cleansed, part of the blood is diverted around the liver resulting in a toxic buildup in the blood. You can read about these here: http://www.malteseonly.com/shunt2.html

Seizures can manifest as trembling and a dog may not lose conscienceness. You can read more about seizures here: http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_seizure_disorder.html

Given that your dog is exhibiting multiple symptoms of pain and stress, I would have her seen by your vet so the cause can be determined. Buffered aspirin can be given to a dog with a dosage of up to 5 mg per pound every 12 hours for pain until your dog can be seen by your Vet. Keep in mind that a dog's body does not metabolize aspirin in the same way as a human and thus should not be given more than a day or two without contacting your Vet.

Hope this helps.

Expert:	Jane Lefler
Pos. Feedback:	100.0 %
Accepts:	815
Answered:	5/15/2008

Behaviorist, Breeder, See Qual.

15 years Breeding Experience, Former vol. Vet Assistant, Dog Behaviorist