Why Is My Dog Shaking? Understanding the Causes of Shaking in Dogs

Is It Normal for Dogs to Shake?

It can be alarming to see your dog shaking or trembling, especially if the cause isn’t immediately clear. Shaking in dogs can be due to a variety of reasons, ranging from normal reactions to excitement or cold, to more serious health issues that require veterinary attention.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the most common reasons why dogs shake, how to determine if the shaking is a sign of a health issue, and when to seek veterinary care. By understanding the potential causes of your dog’s shaking, you can make informed decisions about their well-being and provide the best care possible.

Common Causes of Shaking in Dogs

Shaking or trembling in dogs can be caused by a range of factors, including environmental triggers, emotional responses, and underlying medical conditions. Here are some of the most common reasons why your dog may be shaking:

• Cold or Chilly Weather

• Like humans, dogs can shiver when they’re cold. If your dog is shaking and it’s a particularly cold day, it could simply be their body’s response to the low temperature. Dogs with short coats, such as Greyhounds or Chihuahuas, are more susceptible to feeling cold and may need extra warmth, such as a dog coat or sweater, when outside in cool weather.

• Excitement or Anxiety

• Dogs often shake when they’re feeling excited, anxious, or stressed. This type of shaking is usually temporary and occurs in situations where your dog is experiencing heightened emotions, such as when meeting new people, visiting the vet, or anticipating a walk. If the shaking is due to excitement, it typically subsides once your dog calms down.

• Fear or Phobias

• Some dogs shake when they are scared, particularly in response to loud noises like thunderstorms or fireworks. This type of fear-induced shaking can be accompanied by other signs of distress, such as panting, whining, or pacing. Dogs with noise phobias may need extra reassurance or calming techniques to help them through stressful situations.

• Pain or Discomfort

• Shaking can be a sign that your dog is in pain or discomfort, particularly if it’s accompanied by other symptoms like whimpering, limping, or reluctance to move. Pain-related shaking is common in older dogs with arthritis or in dogs recovering from an injury or surgery. If your dog is shaking and you suspect they are in pain, it’s important to consult your vet for further evaluation.

• Nausea

• Dogs may shake when they feel nauseous, whether due to motion sickness, a stomach bug, or after eating something that doesn’t agree with them. Nausea-induced shaking may be accompanied by drooling, vomiting, or a lack of appetite. If your dog is shaking and seems nauseous, it’s best to monitor their symptoms and consult your vet if they persist.

• Toxicity or Poisoning

• Exposure to certain toxins can cause shaking or tremors in dogs. Common household items like chocolate, grapes, xylitol (found in sugar-free gum), and cleaning chemicals can be toxic to dogs and may lead to shaking, seizures, or other serious symptoms. If you suspect your dog has ingested something toxic, contact your vet or an emergency pet poison hotline immediately.

• Generalized Tremor Syndrome (GTS)

• Also known as “White Dog Shaker Syndrome,” GTS is a condition that causes full-body tremors in dogs. It is most commonly seen in small, white-coated breeds like Maltese and West Highland Terriers, but it can affect any breed. The cause of GTS is unknown, but it is often treated with corticosteroids and other medications to reduce tremors.

• Distemper

• Canine distemper is a viral disease that can cause shaking or tremors, especially in puppies and unvaccinated dogs. Distemper affects the nervous system and may lead to symptoms like coughing, fever, eye discharge, and seizures. It’s a serious and often fatal condition, so if your dog is showing these symptoms, seek veterinary care immediately.

• Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)

• Small breed puppies, such as Chihuahuas or Yorkies, are particularly prone to hypoglycemia, which can cause shaking, weakness, and lethargy. If left untreated, hypoglycemia can lead to seizures or collapse. If you suspect your dog’s shaking is due to low blood sugar, provide a small amount of food or a sugar solution and contact your vet.

• Old Age and Neurological Conditions

• As dogs age, they may develop neurological conditions that cause shaking or tremors. Senior dogs are more prone to disorders like canine cognitive dysfunction (similar to dementia) or degenerative diseases that affect their motor skills. If your older dog is shaking and showing signs of confusion or weakness, a vet consultation is essential to determine the cause.

How to Determine if Shaking Is a Cause for Concern

While occasional shaking or trembling can be normal, especially in response to cold, excitement, or fear, it’s important to be aware of when shaking might indicate a more serious problem. Here are some factors to consider when evaluating your dog’s shaking:

• Frequency and Duration

• If your dog shakes occasionally or only in specific situations (like during a thunderstorm), it’s likely not a cause for concern. However, if the shaking becomes constant or occurs without an obvious trigger, it may indicate an underlying health issue.

• Other Symptoms

• Take note of any other symptoms that accompany the shaking, such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, limping, coughing, or changes in appetite. Shaking combined with other signs of illness may warrant a visit to the vet.

• Age and Breed

• Some breeds, especially small dogs, are more prone to shaking due to factors like cold weather or low blood sugar. Older dogs may develop tremors as part of the aging process or due to neurological issues. If you’re unsure whether your dog’s breed or age is contributing to the shaking, consult your vet.

• Exposure to Toxins

• If your dog has recently ingested something unusual or has been exposed to potential toxins, shaking may be a sign of poisoning. In these cases, it’s essential to seek emergency veterinary care as soon as possible.

When to See a Vet

While occasional shaking isn’t always a cause for concern, certain situations require immediate veterinary attention. You should contact your vet if:

• Your dog’s shaking is accompanied by other symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, limping, or difficulty breathing.
• The shaking is continuous or seems to be getting worse over time.
• Your dog has ingested something potentially toxic or is showing signs of poisoning.
• Your dog is in obvious pain or distress, especially if they are reluctant to move or are crying out in pain.
• The shaking occurs suddenly and without explanation, especially if it’s combined with seizures or other neurological symptoms.

How to Help a Dog That’s Shaking

If your dog is shaking and you’ve ruled out any serious health issues, there are a few things you can do to help them feel more comfortable:

• Keep Them Warm

• If your dog is cold, provide a blanket, sweater, or coat to help them warm up. Make sure they are in a comfortable and draft-free environment, especially during the winter months.

• Calm Their Anxiety

• For dogs that shake due to excitement, fear, or anxiety, providing a calm and soothing environment can help. Offer comforting reassurance, use calming products like pheromone sprays or anxiety wraps, and try to avoid overstimulating situations.

• Check Their Diet

• If you suspect low blood sugar or a dietary issue, ensure your dog is eating a balanced diet and is getting regular meals. For small breed puppies, providing frequent small meals can help prevent hypoglycemia.

• Consult Your Vet

• If your dog’s shaking is due to an underlying health condition, such as pain, nausea, or a neurological issue, your vet can recommend appropriate treatments or medications to manage their symptoms.

Conclusion: Understanding Why Your Dog Is Shaking

Shaking or trembling in dogs can be caused by a variety of factors, from environmental triggers like cold weather to more serious health concerns like pain, nausea, or neurological issues. While occasional shaking is often harmless, it’s important to monitor your dog’s behavior and seek veterinary advice if the shaking becomes frequent or is accompanied by other symptoms.

By staying attentive to your dog’s needs and understanding the potential causes of their shaking, you can help ensure they remain happy, healthy, and comfortable.