A dog’s body language is the only way they have to tell you that something is wrong. So, anytime they’re acting abnormal, it can be alarming, especially if they’re trembling or shaking. Why is my dog shaking is a common question at the veterinary clinic because shaking can signal a number of issues, including being cold, scared, in pain, or something even more severe. It's important to understand why dogs shake so that you know what to do and when to worry.
Why Do Dogs Shake?
Shaking, shivering, and trembling are involuntary muscle movements in response to an emotional, physical, or medical issue. The movements may range from minor to severe and be localized to one area or generalized, encompassing the whole body. Shaking is different from seizures in that dogs are conscious, alert, and responsive with shaking or trembling and often unconscious and unresponsive with a true seizure.
Shaking is often seen as a concern in dogs, but it can be due to nothing more than the body’s natural response to a stimulus, which can be simply excitement, cold temperatures, or drying off their hair coat.
On the other hand, shaking can also stem from more serious issues, so it’s important to evaluate your shaking dog for other signs or symptoms.
Common Reasons Why Dogs Shake
Let’s kick this section off with unproblematic causes for dog shaking before we move into the worrisome issues. Most benign causes can be explained by checking out your dog’s environment or emotional state—did you just pick up their leash or is there fresh snow on the ground?
Cold or wet: Shivering or shaking when cold is the body’s way of increasing muscle activity to generate heat. Being wet can elicit the same response, especially in cooler temperatures.
Excitement: Overstimulation from you coming home or the anticipation of a playdate can have dogs trembling or shaking along with bouncing around.
Drying off: We’re all aware of a dog’s drying mechanism. Shaking their body helps to remove excess water.
Dreaming: Flinching, trembling, twitching, or shaking can all happen in response to a dream when your dog is asleep.
Breed predisposition: Some small breeds, mainly Chihuahuas and Miniature Pinschers, naturally shake or tremble more due to having a high metabolism, thin hair coat, and potentially an excitable personality.
Old age: This one kind of straddles the boundary between benign and worrisome as dogs may shake from age related muscle weakness, but also from arthritic pain or cognitive dysfunction.
When Dog Shaking is a Warning Sign
Worrisome dog shaking often has other signs associated, so be on the lookout for other warnings.
Pain: Pain creates a stress response in the body, complete with shaking. Your dog may also whine, cry out, have difficulty moving, not want to eat, or show swelling or lameness.
Anxiety: Dog anxiety or fear may show up as trembling, pacing, whining, panting, or hiding. Dogs may also become extra clingy. Anxiety may be sparked by changes in the environment, loud noises, strangers, or new situations.
Nausea: Nausea usually presents with drooling, licking lips, and not eating, and is often followed by vomiting. Your dog may also tremble or shake out of discomfort.
Toxin ingestion: Chocolate, grape, and xylitol toxicity in dogs, along with ingesting certain plants, chemicals, or medications can cause trembling due to nausea, discomfort, or neuromuscular effects.
Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, can cause trembling, especially in small breeds. You may also see lethargy, a decreased appetite, and disorientation.
Distemper: One of the many signs of distemper in dogs in the severe form is trembling or shaking. There may also be incoordination and seizures. Milder infections may show coughing, nasal and ocular discharge, and vomiting and diarrhea.
Generalized Tremor Syndrome (GTS): Also known as Shaker Syndrome, GTS is characterized by whole-body shaking that gets worse with stress or excitement.
Neurological conditions: Any issue that affects the muscles or nerves can lead to shaking or tremors. Dogs may also be uncoordinated, weak, and not want to exercise.
Systemic diseases: Diseases that affect the whole body can also lead to shaking. Kidney disease and Addison’s disease may cause trembling due to electrolyte imbalances, muscle weakness, nausea, and discomfort.
Heatstroke: Overheating and dehydration related to heatstroke may cause a dog to tremble or shake. Excessive panting, lethargy, sticky gums, and disorientation is usually present as well.
Sudden Onset Shaking with Behavior Changes
When shaking is combined with behavior changes such as panting, pacing, whining, lethargy, or uneasiness, it may be related to anxiety, fear, pain, toxin ingestion, or an acute illness.
Should I Be Worried If My Dog is Shaking?
Any change in your dog’s behavior or movements can be alarming, but let’s remember that not all forms of shaking are necessarily worrisome. Shaking can be completely normal when a dog is cold, anxious, or excited. So, assess the situation and look for other signs.
Monitor Dog Shaking at Home if:
Shaking stops on its own within a few minutes
There are no other symptoms
There’s an obvious trigger: being cold, wet, excited, or anxious
Everything is otherwise normal
Call Your Vet for Dog Shaking if:
Shaking is persistent or getting worse over time
Your dog is panting, vomiting, lethargic, uncomfortable, drooling, or anything else abnormal
Your dog isn’t eating or drinking
There’s a known injury or toxin exposure
Your dog is in pain
Shaking is localized to one part of the body
Seek Emergency Care if:
You suspect toxin ingestion (grapes, chocolate, xylitol, chemicals, or medication)
There are signs of heatstroke
There’s seizure-like activity
There’s loss of consciousness
Your dog collapses or is in extreme distress
Dog Shaking: When to Monitor vs Call the Vet
Because shaking can signal anything from mild discomfort to a medical emergency, this chart can help you quickly assess the situation.
What You See | Likely Cause | What to Do |
Shaking after bath, cold, or excitement | Normal response | Warm up or let them settle |
Shaking during sleep (twitching) | Dreaming | No action needed |
Mild shaking, otherwise normal behavior | Minor issue | Monitor closely |
Shaking + panting or pacing | Anxiety, pain, nausea | Call your vet |
Shaking + vomiting or lethargy | Illness or toxin | Vet visit ASAP |
Sudden shaking + disorientation | Neurological issue or hypoglycemia | Urgent vet care |
Collapse, seizures, or extreme distress | Emergency | Go to ER immediately |
What to Expect at the Vet
Your dog’s veterinary visit is going to start by assessing their state. Dogs that need emergency care will be stabilized before further diagnostics and treatment can begin. Dogs that are stable will start with an exam and full history to check for things like toxins, environmental changes, and other signs of illness.
This is your chance to provide insight into what your dog’s shaking looks like, how long it’s been going on, what triggers it, and if anything makes it better/worse. The information you provide can be invaluable because your vet may not be able to witness a shaking episode in person. In these cases, videos may be helpful.
Your veterinarian may then decide to do bloodwork to check organ function and blood sugar, urinalysis for kidney health, and imaging like X-rays to look for injury or internal issues. Treatment will start depending on what the diagnosis is.
Depending on the cause, costs can vary widely. A mild issue like nausea or minor pain may cost $150 to $750 to diagnose and treat, while more serious conditions such as toxin ingestion or heatstroke can range from $1,000 to $5,000 or more. Advanced diagnostics for neurological conditions, like an MRI, can exceed $4,000.
Some causes of shaking in dogs can be difficult to track down, and others may take extensive or life-long treatment. Either way, having a dog health insurance policy can help cover these unexpected costs related to illnesses or injuries that result in shaking, allowing you peace of mind while you help quiet your trembling pup.
If you’re looking for additional coverage for your pet, a dog wellness plan can help you budget for the costs associated with preventative medications, vaccinations, and wellness exams to help uncover some of the causes of shaking before they get out of hand.
How to Help a Shaking Dog at Home
You don’t have to feel helpless when your dog is shaking. Whether you’re keeping a close eye on them or preparing for a vet visit, there are several steps you can take to help your dog feel more comfortable.
Cold-related shaking will likely respond to warming your dog up. Take them into a warm area, make sure they are dry, and offer them warm blankets and a cozy bed.
Anxiety-related shaking usually subsides when a dog calms down. Remove your dog from the stressful situation, give them a safe and quiet space with familiar toys, blankets, or a bed. Consider playing calm music or just sitting and petting them until they are calmer.
Post-excitement shaking can be treated similar to anxiety. If the shaking has become excessive, take your dog to a quiet space with familiar items, quietly pet them, and avoid stimulation.
What NOT to do for dog shaking
Don’t punish your dog for being stressed or overly excited. This may make them fearful and make the shaking worse.
Don’t use a hot pad or other electronic heating device for a cold dog. They may burn them.
Don’t give food or treats to a dog that is vomiting or having difficulty swallowing. While a treat may help calm anxious dogs, it may be aspirated if a dog is having trouble swallowing due to a neurological issue.
Above all, don’t panic! Dogs feed off your emotions, and the more upset you get, the more upset they will be as well.
Why Is My Dog Shaking?
Shaking or trembling is the involuntary movement of muscles brought on by emotional, physical, or medical issues. Shaking may be completely normal for a dog that is cold or scared, or it may be a sign of an illness or injury. If your dog is shaking, look for other concerning signs and see a veterinarian if shaking is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms.