Why is my dog shaking or trembling?
Dogs commonly shake when they’re cold, excited, scared or stressed, and that trembling stops once the trigger is gone. Shaking with no obvious cause, or with vomiting, weakness, pain or wobbliness, can mean pain, poisoning, low blood sugar or a neurological problem and needs a vet.
Harmless reasons dogs shake
- Cold. Small, thin, short-coated, very young and old dogs lose heat fastest. A sweater and a warm bed help.
- Excitement. Many dogs tremble when their person comes home or the leash comes out.
- Fear and stress. Thunderstorms, fireworks and vet visits trigger adrenaline. The trembling usually stops when the stress is over.
- Shaking off. A whole-body shake after something stressful is a way of releasing tension.
- Dreaming. Twitching during sleep is usually normal REM-sleep movement.
Medical reasons dogs shake
- Pain or nausea — from arthritis, back problems, injuries, dental disease or an upset stomach.
- Poisoning — chocolate, xylitol, caffeine, macadamia nuts, mouldy food, some plants, pesticides and human medicines can all cause tremors.
- Low blood sugar — especially in toy breeds and young puppies.
- Low blood calcium — in nursing mothers (eclampsia), a medical emergency.
- Seizures — uncontrollable shaking, often with collapse, paddling, drooling or loss of awareness.
- Infections such as canine distemper in unvaccinated dogs.
- Aging — older dogs can develop leg tremors as they lose muscle.
- Shaker syndrome and other neurological conditions, more common in small white dogs.
- Itchy ears — repeated head shaking often points to an ear infection or allergies.
When shaking is an emergency
Go to a vet now if the shaking comes with collapse, a seizure, vomiting, weakness or wobbliness, pale gums, or if your dog may have eaten something toxic. Call ASPCA Animal Poison Control on (888) 426-4435 if you suspect poisoning — and see what to do if your dog ate something toxic.
When to book a normal vet visit
If the shaking has no clear cause, keeps coming back, is limited to one leg or the head, or comes with limping, whining or reduced appetite. Filming an episode on your phone is very helpful for your vet.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my dog shaking all of a sudden?
Sudden shaking can be fear, cold or pain, but also poisoning or low blood sugar. If there’s no obvious harmless reason, call your vet.
Why is my dog shaking and panting?
It can be stress, heat or pain. If it doesn’t settle quickly once your dog is calm and cool, contact your vet.
Why do small dogs shake so much?
Small dogs lose body heat faster, and toy breeds are more prone to anxiety and low blood sugar.
Is my old dog shaking because of age?
Leg tremors are common in older dogs as they lose muscle, but pain from arthritis is also a frequent cause. A check-up is worthwhile.
Sources
This article is general information, not veterinary advice. Every pet is different — for questions about your own pet’s health, talk to your veterinarian.
