Seeing your dog shaking or trembling can be concerning, especially if it happens unexpectedly. While some trembling can be completely normal, in other cases, it may indicate an underlying issue. As a responsible pet owner, it’s important to understand why your dog might be shaking so you can assess the situation and take the appropriate steps to help them feel better.

In this article, we’ll explore the most common reasons why dogs shake, the signs to watch for, and when you should be concerned enough to consult a veterinarian.

1. Excitement or Anticipation

One of the most common reasons for a dog to shake is simply because they’re excited or anticipating something. This type of shaking is usually harmless and temporary.

• Playtime: If your dog shakes before or during play, it’s likely because they’re excited to have fun. You might notice them shaking as they eagerly wait for a game of fetch or when they see you grab their leash for a walk.
• Mealtime: Some dogs shake when they’re hungry or anticipating food. If your dog shakes when they see you preparing their meal, it’s likely a response to the excitement of getting food.
• Meeting New People or Dogs: Dogs that are particularly social may shake when meeting new people or animals, even if they’re friendly. This kind of shaking can also be a sign of their eagerness or nervous energy.

2. Fear or Anxiety

Fear and anxiety are common causes of shaking in dogs. It’s not unusual for dogs to shake when they’re stressed or frightened.

• Thunderstorms or Fireworks: Many dogs are sensitive to loud noises like thunder or fireworks. The sudden noise can startle them, leading to trembling or shaking. This is often accompanied by other signs of distress, like pacing, drooling, or hiding.
• Separation Anxiety: Some dogs experience anxiety when left alone, which can manifest as shaking, whining, or destructive behavior. If your dog shakes when you leave the house or when they’re confined to a crate, they may be experiencing separation anxiety.
• Visits to the Vet or Groomer: If your dog is shaking during a trip to the vet or groomer, it could be a sign of fear. Many dogs associate these visits with discomfort or unfamiliar environments, leading to nervous shaking.

3. Cold or Chills

Dogs, like humans, can experience physical reactions to temperature changes. If your dog is shaking and seems cold, it could simply be that they’re chilled or cold-blooded.

• Cold Weather: If the temperature is low, especially for smaller breeds or dogs with short coats, they may start shaking to generate body heat. This is most common when they’re outside in cold weather or after coming back inside from the cold.
• Wet or Damp Coat: Dogs that get wet in the rain or from swimming may shake as a way of drying off and warming up their body temperature. This type of shaking typically stops once they’re dry and warm.

4. Pain or Discomfort

Shaking can sometimes be a sign that your dog is experiencing pain or discomfort. Dogs may shake in response to physical pain, whether it’s due to an injury, illness, or medical condition.

• Injury: If your dog has been hurt or injured, they might shake in pain or distress. You may notice them favoring a leg, limping, or having difficulty moving. If your dog is shaking and showing signs of injury, you should have them examined by a vet.
• Arthritis or Joint Pain: Older dogs or dogs with arthritis may shake due to joint pain, especially in colder weather when joints tend to stiffen. This shaking might be accompanied by difficulty walking, limping, or reluctance to move.
• Internal Pain: Dogs may also shake if they are experiencing pain from internal issues like stomach problems, digestive upset, or other organ-related issues. If the shaking persists or is accompanied by other symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy, it’s important to consult your vet.

5. Nausea or Upset Stomach

Shaking can be a sign that your dog is feeling nauseous or has an upset stomach. Just like humans, dogs can experience digestive issues that make them feel unwell.

• Motion Sickness: Some dogs get motion sickness during car rides or other forms of travel. This can cause shaking, drooling, and vomiting. If your dog shakes during trips, it’s likely due to motion sickness.
• Gastrointestinal Issues: Dogs with nausea from eating something that disagreed with them or from gastrointestinal upset may also tremble. If you suspect your dog is shaking due to stomach problems, monitor them for other signs like vomiting, diarrhea, or changes in appetite.

6. Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)

Small dog breeds, particularly puppies, are more susceptible to hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. When a dog’s blood sugar drops too low, it can lead to symptoms such as shaking, weakness, and disorientation.

• Symptoms of Hypoglycemia: If your dog’s shaking is accompanied by lethargy, weakness, or confusion, it may be a sign of hypoglycemia. Small dogs, puppies, and older dogs are more likely to experience this, especially if they haven’t eaten in a while or if they’re suffering from an underlying health issue.

7. Toxins or Poisoning

Ingesting something toxic or poisonous can lead to a wide variety of symptoms, including shaking or trembling. Common household items like chocolate, grapes, xylitol (found in sugar-free gum), and certain medications can be toxic to dogs.

• Symptoms of Poisoning: If your dog has ingested something harmful, you may notice shaking alongside other symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, or difficulty breathing. In this case, it’s crucial to seek immediate veterinary care.

8. Neurological Issues

Shaking or tremors could also be linked to neurological conditions or disorders that affect your dog’s nervous system.

• Seizures: If the shaking is more severe and accompanied by uncontrollable jerking movements, it may be a sign of a seizure. Seizures can cause temporary shaking, confusion, and loss of consciousness, and they can result from underlying conditions like epilepsy, brain injury, or toxins.
• Tremors and Shaking Disorders: Some dogs suffer from idiopathic tremors, which is a condition where they experience uncontrollable shaking or tremors for no apparent reason. These tremors can affect any part of the body and are often seen in certain breeds like terriers.

9. Old Age and General Weakness

As dogs age, they may experience general weakness or a loss of muscle coordination, which can cause shaking. Older dogs are more prone to conditions like arthritis, joint pain, and reduced mobility, all of which can lead to trembling.

• General Weakness: If your dog is older and shaking without a clear cause, it may be a sign that their body is simply not as strong as it used to be. In such cases, a vet check-up is advisable to rule out any underlying medical conditions.

What Should You Do If Your Dog Is Shaking?

If your dog is shaking and you're not sure why, there are a few steps you can take to help them:

1. Assess the Environment: Is your dog cold? Are there any loud noises or stressful situations around? Try to remove any potential stressors (like loud noises or discomfort from temperature) to see if the shaking subsides.
2. Monitor for Other Symptoms: Pay attention to any other signs that accompany the shaking, such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or difficulty moving. These symptoms can help you determine whether your dog needs immediate medical attention.
3. Keep Them Comfortable: If your dog is shaking due to cold or anxiety, provide a warm blanket or a comfortable space where they can relax. For stress or fear, try calming techniques like speaking gently, petting them, or offering a favorite toy.
4. Contact a Veterinarian: If your dog’s shaking persists for an extended period of time, is accompanied by severe symptoms, or is due to a potential medical issue like injury, poisoning, or neurological disorder, contact your vet as soon as possible.

When to See the Vet

While most cases of shaking are harmless, there are situations where veterinary care is needed. You should contact your vet if:

• The shaking is persistent and doesn’t stop after a few minutes.
• It’s accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty walking, or other signs of distress.
• Your dog has experienced an injury, or you suspect poisoning.
• The shaking seems to occur without any clear cause or happens frequently.

Conclusion

Shaking in dogs can be caused by a wide range of factors, from excitement and anxiety to medical conditions like pain, nausea, or poisoning. While some forms of shaking are harmless and temporary, others may require medical attention. Understanding the context of your dog’s shaking, monitoring their behavior, and knowing when to seek veterinary help can help ensure your dog stays happy and healthy. If you’re ever unsure, don’t hesitate to reach out to your vet for guidance.