Why Is My Dog Shaking? Find Out the Causes

Why Is My Dog Shaking? Understanding the Causes Behind Trembling

Seeing your dog shake can be concerning—but is it a harmless quirk or a sign of something serious? Shaking in dogs can stem from simple causes like cold weather or excitement, but it may also indicate underlying health issues such as pain, anxiety, or even neurological disorders.

While occasional trembling is normal, persistent or severe shaking warrants closer attention. To determine the cause, observe your dog’s environment, recent behavior, and any accompanying symptoms. In this guide, we’ll explore the common triggers, medical conditions, and warning signs to help you decide when it’s time to consult a vet.

Understanding Dog Shaking: Common Triggers

Shaking in dogs can range from everyday reactions to signs of deeper issues. While some trembles are harmless—like excitement over a treat or a chilly breeze—others may signal anxiety, pain, or illness. Paying attention to context and accompanying symptoms helps you determine whether your dog’s shaking is normal or needs intervention.

The Impact of Cold Weather on Dogs

Just like humans, dogs shiver when cold—especially short-haired breeds (e.g., Greyhounds, Chihuahuas) and puppies. Shivering generates heat through rapid muscle contractions, but prolonged exposure can lead to hypothermia (dangerously low body temperature).

What to do:

• Bring your dog indoors or provide a warm shelter.
• Use a dog sweater or insulated coat during winter walks.
• Watch for signs of hypothermia: lethargy, pale gums, or stiff muscles.

Tip: Small or senior dogs lose body heat faster. Limit their time outdoors in freezing weather.

Identifying Signs of Anxiety and Stress

Dogs often shake when stressed by loud noises (thunderstorms, fireworks), unfamiliar environments, or routine changes. Anxiety-related shaking may be paired with:

• Excessive panting or drooling
• Pacing, hiding, or clinginess
• “Whale eye” (showing the whites of their eyes) or flattened ears

How to help:

• Create a safe space (e.g., a quiet room with their bed).
• Try calming aids: anxiety wraps, pheromone diffusers, or white noise.
• For severe cases, consult a vet or behaviorist—they may recommend training or medication.

Did You Know? Chronic stress weakens the immune system. Addressing anxiety early improves your dog’s long-term health.

Medical Conditions That Cause Shaking in Dogs

While shivering from cold or excitement is harmless, persistent shaking could signal an underlying health issue. Pain, infections, and metabolic disorders often manifest as tremors—and recognizing accompanying symptoms is key to getting your dog timely care.

Recognizing Symptoms of Pain and Injury

Dogs instinctively hide pain, but shaking can be a telltale sign—especially with injuries, arthritis, or post-surgery discomfort.

Watch for these red flags:

• Limping or reluctance to move
• Whimpering, growling, or aggression when touched
• Excessive licking of a specific area
• Loss of appetite or lethargy

What to do:
→ Restrict activity to prevent further injury.
→ Note when shaking occurs (e.g., after exercise or at night).
→ Vet urgency: High. Pain rarely resolves without treatment. Early intervention prevents chronic issues.

Did You Know? Senior dogs with arthritis often shake upon standing due to joint stiffness. Orthopedic beds and joint supplements can help.

How Ear Infections Trigger Shaking

Ear infections are a top cause of localized shaking—dogs aggressively shake their heads to relieve itchiness or pain.

Common culprits:

• Allergies (food or environmental)
• Moisture buildup (common in floppy-eared breeds like Cocker Spaniels)
• Bacteria/yeast overgrowth

Symptoms beyond head shaking:
✔️ Dark, smelly discharge
✔️ Red, swollen ear canals
✔️ Scratching or pawing at ears

Treatment:

• Vet-prescribed meds (antibiotics/antifungals)
• Weekly ear cleaning with a pH-balanced solution (avoid cotton swabs!)
• Prevention: Dry ears thoroughly after swimming/baths.

Hypoglycemia & Kidney Disease: Silent Shaking Triggers

Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)

Common in toy breeds (Chihuahuas, Yorkies) and puppies, hypoglycemia causes:

• Weakness, tremors, or seizures
• Disorientation or collapse

Emergency action:

1. Rub honey on their gums (for immediate sugar boost).
2. Vet alert: Requires bloodwork to diagnose underlying causes (e.g., diabetes, liver disease).

Kidney Disease

Primarily affects older dogs. Toxin buildup disrupts nerve function, leading to:

• Excessive thirst/urination
• Vomiting, weight loss, and muscle tremors

Critical: Early blood tests can slow progression. Look for high creatinine/BUN levels.

Behavioral and Neurological Causes of Dog Shaking

While some shaking is harmless—like the full-body wiggles of an excited pup—other tremors may signal neurological or behavioral concerns. Recognizing the difference helps you respond appropriately, whether it’s managing stress or seeking urgent veterinary care.

Decoding Excitement Shakes vs. Fear Tremors

Happy Wiggles: Excitement Shaking

• Triggers: Greeting owners, anticipating walks or treats.
• Body language: Loose, wiggly body; wagging tail; relaxed ears and eyes.
• Action needed: None! This is normal (and adorable).

Fear or Anxiety Shaking

• Triggers: Loud noises (thunder, fireworks), vet visits, or unfamiliar people.
• Warning signs:
  • Tucked tail, flattened ears
  • Whale eye (showing whites of eyes)
  • Lip licking, yawning, or panting
• How to help:
  • Provide a quiet, safe space (like a crate with a blanket).
  • Avoid forcing interaction—let them approach you.
  • Ask your vet about anxiety aids (e.g., Adaptil pheromones, Thundershirts).

Tip: Dogs with chronic anxiety may benefit from behavior modification training or anti-anxiety medication.

Generalized Tremor Syndrome (GTS) in Dogs

GTS causes full-body tremors without a clear trigger (unlike excitement or cold). It’s most common in small, white dog breeds like Maltese and West Highland Terriers (“White Shaker Syndrome”).

Key Signs of GTS:

✔️ Shaking worsens with stress or activity.
✔️ No loss of consciousness or coordination.
✔️ Symptoms often start between 9 months–2 years old.

Treatment:

• Steroids (e.g., prednisone) to reduce inflammation.
• Most dogs improve within 1–2 weeks of starting medication.

Note: GTS is not painful, but always rule out toxins or neurological diseases with your vet.

Seizures and Neurological Disorders

Seizures are uncontrolled electrical bursts in the brain, leading to:

• Violent shaking, drooling, or collapse.
• “Paddling” limbs or loss of bladder control.
• Post-seizure confusion (pacing, disorientation).

Common Causes:

• Epilepsy (genetic; often starts at 1–5 years old).
• Brain tumors (more likely in older dogs).
• Infections (e.g., distemper) or toxins (e.g., snail bait, xylitol).

Emergency Response:

1. Time the seizure (if >2 minutes, go to the vet immediately).
2. Keep your dog safe (move away from stairs/hard objects).
3. Record details (duration, triggers, behavior afterward) for your vet.

Diagnosis: Blood tests, MRI, or spinal fluid analysis may be needed.

When to Worry:

🚨 Seek emergency care if your dog:

• Has multiple seizures in 24 hours.
• Can’t stand or walk after a seizure.
• Shows tremors with vomiting/diarrhea (possible poisoning).

Did You Know? Some dogs have “fly-biting” seizures—snapping at invisible flies. This requires neurological testing.

Environmental and Poisoning Concerns: When Shaking Signals Danger

While some tremors are harmless, sudden shaking—especially when paired with other symptoms—can indicate toxin exposure or age-related decline. Knowing the risks and acting quickly could save your dog’s life.

Poison Exposure: Symptoms and Emergency Response

Common Household Toxins

Dogs are curious creatures, and many everyday items can be deadly:

🚨 Top Poisoning Culprits:

• Human Medications (ibuprofen, acetaminophen, antidepressants)
• Foods (chocolate, grapes/raisins, xylitol in gum/sugar-free treats)
• Household Products (antifreeze, rodenticides, cleaning chemicals)
• Plants (lilies, sago palms, azaleas)

Symptoms of Poisoning

Poisoning symptoms vary but often include:
✔️ Sudden shaking or seizures
✔️ Vomiting, diarrhea, or drooling
✔️ Lethargy, confusion, or collapse
✔️ Rapid breathing or irregular heartbeat

Xylitol Alert: This sugar substitute (found in gum, peanut butter, and baked goods) causes life-threatening hypoglycemia and liver failure within hours.

What to Do Immediately

1. Call for Help:
   • ASPCA Poison Control: (888) 426-4435
   • Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661
2. Do NOT induce vomiting unless instructed (some toxins cause more damage coming back up).
3. Bring the toxin’s packaging to the vet for faster treatment.

Prevention Tip: Dog-proof your home like you would for a toddler—keep medications, cleaners, and toxic foods out of reach.

Senior Dogs: Understanding Age-Related Shaking

Why Older Dogs Shake

Aging affects muscles, joints, and nerves, leading to tremors from:

• Arthritis: Painful joints cause stiffness and shaking when standing.
• Cognitive Decline: Canine dementia (CCD) may trigger anxiety tremors.
• Degenerative Myelopathy: A spinal cord disease that weakens hind legs.
• Sensory Loss: Blindness/deafness increases disorientation and stress.

How to Help Your Senior Dog

🏥 Veterinary Care:

• Blood tests to rule out kidney disease, diabetes, or thyroid issues.
• Pain management (e.g., galliprant, CBD, or physical therapy).

🏡 Home Support:

• Orthopedic beds for joint relief.
• Non-slip rugs to prevent falls.
• Adaptive harnesses for mobility support.

Tip: Gentle massage and warm compresses can ease muscle stiffness in arthritic dogs.

When to Rush to the Vet

🚨 Seek emergency care if your dog has:

• Shaking + vomiting/diarrhea (possible poisoning).
• Inability to stand or walk (could indicate stroke or neurological issue).
• Sudden behavior changes (e.g., pacing, confusion).

Did You Know? Small breeds (like Chihuahuas) are prone to geriatric tremors, which may not be painful but still warrant a vet check.

Why Is My Dog Shaking? Key Takeaways & When to Act

Understanding your dog’s shaking starts with recognizing context:

• Normal shaking = brief, stops when warm/excitement passes, no other symptoms.
• Concerning shaking = persistent, severe, or paired with vomiting, lethargy, or confusion.

Emergency Red Flags

Seek immediate vet care if shaking accompanies:
✔️ Difficulty breathing or collapse
✔️ Seizures or loss of coordination
✔️ Vomiting/diarrhea (especially with suspected toxin exposure)
✔️ Sudden behavior changes (disorientation, aggression)

For Non-Urgent Cases:

• Anxiety/Fear: Create a calm space; consider calming aids.
• Age-Related Tremors: Schedule a vet check for pain management.
• Ear Infections: Look for head shaking + redness/discharge.

Final Advice

1. When in doubt, call your vet. Even mild shaking that persists warrants a check-up.
2. Prevention matters: Dog-proof your home, keep up with senior wellness exams, and monitor stress triggers.
3. Trust your instincts. You know your dog best—unexplained changes in behavior always deserve attention.

By staying observant and proactive, you can ensure your pup gets the care they need—whether it’s a cozy blanket for chilly days or emergency treatment for something more serious.

Dog Shaking FAQ’s

What immediate steps should I take if my dog starts shaking?

Follow this quick-action checklist:
Assess urgency – If shaking is severe OR paired with vomiting, collapse, or difficulty breathing, go to the vet immediately.
Check for triggers – Is your dog cold, stressed (e.g., fireworks), or recovering from exertion? Remove the trigger if possible.
Offer warmth/comfort – Wrap them in a blanket (for chills) or move them to a quiet space (for anxiety).
Hydrate – Provide water in case of low blood sugar or overheating.
Document details – Note shaking duration, body parts affected, and any other symptoms for your vet.
When in doubt, call 

Can anxiety cause my dog to shake even when nothing scary happens?

Yes! Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in dogs can trigger shaking without an obvious trigger. Chronic stress alters brain chemistry—talk to your vet about behavioral therapy or medication.

My old dog’s hind legs shake when standing. Is this normal?

Not necessarily. While mild tremors can occur with age, hind-leg weakness may signal arthritis, nerve degeneration, or pain. A vet can prescribe joint supplements or pain relief.

Are certain dog breeds prone to shaking?

Yes. Small breeds (Chihuahuas, Yorkies) often shiver due to cold sensitivity or excitement. White dogs like Maltese are predisposed to Generalized Tremor Syndrome (GTS).

Can ear infections cause full-body shaking, or just head tremors?

Usually just head shaking, but severe pain/discomfort may lead to full-body trembling. Treat infections early to prevent complications.