It’s a moment that stops every dog owner’s heart: you look over, and your best friend is trembling, shaking, or shivering. Their body is betraying them, and you can see the confusion or fear in their eyes. It’s distressing, and your first thought is a panicked search: why is my dog trembling and shaking?
You’ve come to the right place. While seeing your dog shake is scary, it’s not always a five-alarm fire. Shaking can range from a simple “I’m cold” to a symptom of a serious medical emergency.
The key is to play detective. By observing other symptoms and understanding the context, you can decipher what your dog is trying to tell you. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the common (and uncommon) causes, what you can do at home, and the critical signs that mean “go to the vet right now.”
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes. You are your dog’s most important advocate. If you are concerned about your dog’s health, please consult your veterinarian immediately.
Part 1: Common, Non-Emergency Causes of Dog Shakin
Before we jump to the scariest conclusions, let’s cover the most common reasons for trembling. More often than not, the cause is behavioral or environmental.
1. They Are Simply Cold
This is the most straightforward answer. Just like humans, dogs shiver to generate body heat. Small breeds (like Chihuahuas, Italian Greyhounds, or Miniature Pinschers) and dogs with thin or short coats are especially prone to getting cold. If it’s a chilly morning, they’ve just had a bath, or they got wet in the rain, their trembling is likely just an attempt to warm up.
- Solution: A warm, dry towel, a cozy doggy sweater, or a blanket to burrow into will usually solve this in minutes.
2. Strong Emotions: Fear, Anxiety, or Stress
This is arguably the number one cause of trembling in dogs that aren’t physically ill. Shaking is a major physiological response to stress. Think about what was happening right before the shaking started.
Common triggers include:
- Loud Noises: Thunderstorms, fireworks, construction, or even a vacuum cleaner.
- Vet Visits: The car ride, the smell of the clinic, and the memory of past pokes and prods can send a dog into a fit of anxious shakes.
- Separation Anxiety: Some dogs tremble when they know you’re about to leave, or they may shake from the residual stress after you’ve returned.
- Phobias: Fear of new people, other dogs, or unfamiliar environments.
When a dog is anxious, their body enters “fight or flight” mode, flooding them with adrenaline. This hormonal surge directly causes trembling.
3. Excitement and Anticipation
On the opposite end of the emotional spectrum, some dogs tremble with pure, unadulterated joy. Does your dog start to vibrate the moment you pick up their leash or say the magic “W-A-L-K” or “T-R-E-A-T” word? This is a normal, harmless release of pent-up energy and excitement. It’s their body’s way of saying, “Hurry up, let’s go!”
4. Nausea or Motion Sickness
Just like some people get queasy in a car, dogs do too. Motion sickness is common, especially in puppies. The nausea can cause drooling, lip-licking, and, you guessed it—trembling. This can also happen if your dog ate something that didn’t agree with them (like a new food or a non-food item).
Part 2: Pain: The Hidden Culprit Behind Shaking
This category is a step up in seriousness. Shaking is one of the most common and overlooked signs that a dog is in pain. Dogs are biologically wired to hide their pain to avoid showing weakness. When the pain becomes too much to hide, trembling is often the result.
If your dog is shaking for no obvious environmental or emotional reason, pain should be your primary suspicion.
5. Arthritis and Joint Pain
This is a very frequent cause of trembling in middle-aged and senior dogs. The chronic pain from arthritis or hip dysplasia can cause their legs, particularly the hind legs, to shake after standing for too long or after exercise. It’s a sign of muscle fatigue and discomfort.
6. Injury or Muscular Strain
A hidden injury is a major possibility. Your dog could have:
- Pulled a muscle running in the yard.
- Landed awkwardly jumping off the couch.
- A thorn or shard of glass stuck in their paw pad.
- Back Problems: Breeds with long backs like Dachshunds are prone to Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), which is extremely painful and often presents with shaking and a reluctance to move.
7. Abdominal Pain (Pancreatitis, GI Upset)
A dog with a severe stomach ache will often tremble. This can be caused by pancreatitis (a painful inflammation of the pancreas, often after eating a fatty meal), a gastrointestinal blockage, or severe gas. This shaking is usually accompanied by a “hunched” posture, reluctance to lie down, or a “praying” position (front end down, back end up).
Part 3: Serious Medical Reasons: When to Call the Vet Immediately
This is the section that answers the most urgent part of the question, “why is my dog trembling and shaking?” These conditions are emergencies or serious illnesses that require prompt veterinary attention.
8. Poisoning and Toxicity
This is a top-tier emergency. Many common household items are toxic to dogs, and muscle tremors or shaking are a primary neurological symptom.
If your dog is shaking AND you suspect they ate any of the following, go to an emergency vet immediately:
- Xylitol: A sugar substitute found in gum, peanut butter, and “sugar-free” baked goods.
- Chocolate: Especially dark chocolate or baker’s chocolate.
- Caffeine: Pills, coffee grounds, tea bags.
- Human Medications: Antidepressants, ADHD medication, etc.
- Pesticides: Snail bait (metaldehyde) or rodenticides.
- Toxic Plants: Such as Sago Palms.
Source: Do not wait. Call the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 or your emergency vet on the way. [External Link: https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com]
9. Seizures vs. Tremors
This is a critical distinction. While tremors and seizures both involve involuntary muscle movement, they are not the same.
- Tremors: The dog is awake, alert, and responsive. They may be scared, but they can hear you and see you.
- Seizures (Focal or Grand Mal): The dog is not responsive or “with it.” They may fall over, paddle their legs, drool, or lose control of their bladder or bowels.
However, some “focal seizures” can look like localized trembling in one part of the body (like the face or one leg). If you are unsure, take a video of the episode to show your vet. It is one of the most helpful diagnostic tools you can provide.
10. Generalized Tremor Syndrome (GTS)
Also known as “White Shaker Dog Syndrome,” this condition causes full-body tremors in small, white dogs like the Maltese, West Highland White Terrier, and Poodle. However, it can occur in any breed or color. It’s thought to be an autoimmune condition affecting the cerebellum. The tremors often get worse with stress and better with rest.
Source: According to VCA Animal Hospitals, GTS is not painful, but it is stressful for the dog. The good news is that it’s highly treatable with steroids. [External Link: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/generalized-tremor-syndrome-gts-in-dogs]
11. Systemic Illness (Kidney, Liver, or Addison’s Disease)
When a dog’s organs aren’t functioning properly, it can lead to tremors.
- Kidney Disease: A buildup of urea and other toxins in the blood can affect the nervous system.
- Liver Failure: The liver is responsible for detoxifying the blood; when it fails, toxins can cause neurological symptoms.
- Addison’s Disease: This occurs when the adrenal glands don’t produce enough cortisol (the stress hormone). It’s called “the great pretender” because its symptoms are vague, but it can cause shaking, weakness, and collapse, especially during times of stress.
12. Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)
Just as in humans, low blood sugar robs the brain and muscles of their primary energy source. This leads to weakness, confusion, a “drunken” gait, and shaking. This is most common in:
- Toy breeds and small puppies: They have very little fat reserves.
- Diabetic dogs: An overdose of insulin can be life-threatening.
- Hunting dogs: After extreme exertion.
If you have a toy breed puppy who is shaking and lethargic, rub some Karo syrup or honey on their gums and get to a vet.
13. Canine Distemper
This is a highly contagious and very serious virus, primarily affecting puppies and unvaccinated dogs. One of the classic signs of the later stages of distemper is muscle twitching and tremors, particularly of the jaw (“chewing gum fit”).
Source: The American Kennel Club (AKC) emphasizes that vaccination is the key to preventing this devastating disease. [External Link: https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/distemper-in-dogs/]
Part 4: “My Old Dog is Shaking”: Trembling in Senior Dogs
It’s especially heartbreaking to see our senior companions tremble. While you should never write it off as “just old age,” some conditions are far more common in older dogs.
As mentioned in Part 2, arthritis pain is a leading cause. But there are two other big ones.
14. Muscle Atrophy and Weakness
As dogs age, they lose muscle mass (atrophy), particularly in their hind legs. Simply standing still requires a lot of effort, and their legs may begin to shake from fatigue. This is different from the shaking of pain, but it’s a sign that they may need help with mobility.
15. Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CDS)
This is essentially “doggy Alzheimer’s.” As dogs’ brains age, they can experience confusion, disorientation, and anxiety. This confusion can lead to trembling, especially at night. They may get “stuck” in corners, forget which side of the door to go out, or seem lost in their own home.
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual notes that this anxiety and confusion are a direct result of the neurological changes from CDS. [External Link: https://www.merckvetmanual.com/behavior/cognitive-dysfunction-in-dogs-and-cats/cognitive-dysfunction-in-dogs]
What to Do When You See Your Dog Shaking: A Step-by-Step Plan
Okay, your dog is shaking. Don’t panic. Here’s your plan.
Step 1: Assess the Situation (Be a Detective) Look for other clues.
- Context: What is happening? Are there fireworks? Is it dinner time?
- Other Symptoms: Is there also vomiting, diarrhea, pale gums, or lethargy?
- Responsiveness: Is your dog aware of you? Or are they “checked out”?
- Pain: Do they yelp when you try to touch a certain spot? Are they hunched over?
Step 2: Provide Immediate Comfort (for Benign Causes) If you suspect the cause is cold, fear, or excitement:
- For Cold: Provide a warm, dry blanket or sweater.
- For Fear/Anxiety: Speak in a calm, soothing voice. Don’t “baby” them or say “It’s okay!” in a high-pitched, worried tone; this can reinforce their fear. Act normal and calm. Remove them from the scary situation. A compression wrap (like a Thundershirt) or a
[Link to your article on calming dog beds]can work wonders. - For Excitement: Engage in a short, calm training session (like “sit” or “stay”) to redirect their brain.
Step 3: When to Call the Vet IMMEDIATELY This is the “red flag” list. Go to an ER vet if your dog’s shaking is paired with any of the following:
- Suspected poison ingestion. (Don’t wait!)
- Shaking turns into a full-blown seizure (loss of consciousness, paddling legs).
- Extreme lethargy or inability to stand up.
- Pale or blue-tinged gums.
- Difficulty breathing.
- A very hard, swollen, or painful abdomen.
- Profuse vomiting or diarrhea.
Conclusion: Your Best Friend’s Best Advocate
So, why is my dog trembling and shaking? As we’ve seen, the answer is complicated. It could be anything from “I’m excited!” to “I’m in pain” to “I’m having a medical emergency.”
Your job as their owner isn’t to be a veterinarian, but to be a great observer. By understanding the potential causes, you can separate a simple shiver from a serious symptom.
Never feel bad about “bothering” your vet. That’s what they are there for. If your dog is shaking and your gut tells you something is wrong, trust that instinct. It’s always, always better to be safe than sorry.
