Dogs shiver or tremble for many reasons: some are harmless, while others require immediate medical attention. Read on to find out common reasons dogs tremble and when you should see a vet.
14 Reasons Why Dogs Tremble or Tremble
Wagging is a common behavior in dogs. Dogs may shiver for behavioral reasons (they are cold, anxious, excited, or stressed) or for medical reasons (they are in pain, have an injury, have a medical condition, or have ingested something poisonous).
Here are the most common causes why a dog shivers or shivers.
1. Cold
Cold weather is a very common reason why dogs shiver or shiver. Small dog breeds, such as Chihuahuas and Yorkies, are more prone to colds. You can have your dog wear a sweater or wrap him in a blanket to keep him warm. You may also need to limit the time spent outside during cold weather.
2. Anxiety, fear or stress
Dogs can experience anxiety, fear and stress in certain situations. Their anxiety can be triggered by fear (loud noises, thunderstorms or unfamiliar situations), separation from owners, health problems or old age.
Some signs of dog anxiety include the following:
- Panting
- rhythm
- Shake
- Drooling
- Hide
- Irritability
- Aggression
- Acting overly friendly or needy
- Avoidant behavior
- Urinate or defecate inside
- Destructive behavior
- Excessive barking, howling, or yelping
Professionals treat anxiety with behavioral modifications and medications. Make an appointment with your dog’s veterinarian to discuss your options. They can help you develop a treatment plan based on your dog’s type of anxiety and what triggers his symptoms.
3. Excitement
Do you notice that your dog trembles when he waits for a treat, when he goes somewhere or when someone comes to your house? Your dog may be shaking because he is excited. The reason for this may be the release of happy emotions.
4. Pain or injury
Pain or discomfort, in general, can make your dog tremble. Also, look for other signs of pain, such as crying, limping, licking, changes in appetite, and trouble walking or moving. If you suspect he is in pain, take your dog to the vet as soon as possible.
5. Stomach pain
Some dogs tremble when they feel nauseous and don’t feel well. If your dog has severe vomiting or diarrhea, contact your vet immediately.
6. Ear infection
An ear infection can cause your dog to shake his head or rub and scratch his ear because he is uncomfortable. Other signs include ear redness, swelling, discharge, bad odor and droopy ear.
7. Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia is low blood sugar or low blood glucose. It can cause tremors, weakness and disorientation. There are many different causes of hypoglycemia, including nutritional inadequacies, bacterial infections, xylitol ingestion, liver disease, hypoadrenocorticism (Addison’s disease), and more. Your dog’s veterinarian can perform a physical exam and blood test to help uncover this problem.
8. Kidney disease
Dogs with chronic kidney disease or kidney failure may experience tremors, drink more water, urinate more, lethargy and more. Toxic substances, trauma, cancer and other diseases, genetic factors, or old age can cause kidney problems. It may be sudden (acute kidney disease) or develop slowly over time (chronic kidney disease). Furthermore, the disease can progress to kidney failure.
Your vet can perform a urinalysis and blood test to diagnose this problem. If your dog has kidney disease, it is essential to keep up with regular exams and wellness tests.
9. Distemper
Distemper is a serious and highly contagious disease that affects the dog’s respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous systems. The most common symptoms include cough, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, loss of appetite, lethargy, muscle twitching, eye and nasal discharge, seizures and paralysis.
Distemper can be prevented with a vaccine, which the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) recommends for all dogs unless there is a medical reason not to administer it.
10. Generalized Tremor Syndrome (GTS)
Generalized tremor syndrome (GTS), also called shaker syndrome or steroid-sensitive tremors, is a condition in which dogs experience head tremors and body tremors.
According to VCA Animal Hospitals, the condition is most common in small white dogs weighing less than 30 pounds, such as white Maltese or West Highland terriers, which is why it is sometimes called “little white shaker syndrome.” However, any dog can contract GTS.
The cause of the disease is unknown, but it can be treated with a corticosteroid such as prednisone.
11. Seizure
Dogs may experience isolated seizures or be diagnosed with seizure disorders or epilepsy. Although some seizures are not life-threatening, contact your veterinarian immediately if your dog has seizures, especially in cases of status epilepticus (SE) or cluster seizures.
Status epilepticus is a medical emergency that can occur if the seizure lasts more than five minutes or if the dog has more than one seizure within five minutes without returning to normal in the meantime. Your dog needs immediate veterinary care if status epilepticus occurs because it can lead to death or brain damage.
Cluster seizures – two or more seizures in 24 hours – can also be life-threatening.
12. Other neurological disorders and problems
An inflammatory brain disease, a brain tumor, and other neurological conditions that can affect the brain, nerves, and spinal cord can cause tremors or tremors.
13. Poisoning
Some things can be very dangerous if your dog ingests them, such as foods that dogs shouldn’t eat, pesticides, rat poison, some medications, some plants, and more. Some signs of poisoning include trembling, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, behavioral changes, drooling, difficulty breathing, high body temperature, and seizures.
If your dog may have ingested something poisonous or toxic, contact your vet or poison control center immediately. The poison helpline telephone numbers are listed below:
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC): (888) 426-4435
- Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661
14. Old age
Older dogs often suffer from muscle weakness, arthritis and joint pain, which causes their hind legs to shake. This is very common for older dogs. However, you can ask your vet about your dog’s muscle tremors to rule out any other medical problems.
When to see a vet if your dog is shaking
In some cases, your dog may need to go to the vet because he is shaking. In particular, they may need to be examined if a medical problem or anxiety is causing their tremor. A veterinarian can provide your dog with a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. If in doubt, always contact your veterinarian.
Your dog needs immediate medical attention for any emergency that causes tremors, including:
- Convulsions
- Poisoning
- Injuries
- Signs of pain or distress
- Bleeding that won’t stop
- Vomiting or severe diarrhea
You most likely won’t need to see a vet if your dog is shivering from cold, excitement, or normal stress.
Why is my dog shaking? Frequent questions
Should I worry if my dog is shaking?
The causes of dog tremors can range from normal and harmless to serious ones that require veterinary care. If your dog is shaking because he is cold or excited, you may not need to call the vet. However, if you suspect a more serious medical problem such as pain, injury, poisoning, seizures, persistent bleeding, or severe vomiting or diarrhea, you should contact your veterinarian immediately. If you’re not sure what’s causing your dog to tremble, it’s best to call your vet to see if your dog needs to be seen.
Why is my 12 year old dog shaking so much?
Old age can cause dogs to tremble due to muscle pain and weakness, arthritis, or joint pain. If your senior dog is shaking a lot, contact your vet to see if there are treatments to make him more comfortable.
What does it mean when your dog shakes while sleeping?
Dogs may tremble or twitch in their sleep. Many professionals think this could be related to dream activity in their brain. While this is usually not a cause for concern, you may need to see a vet if you suspect a different problem is causing the tremor.
Summary of Money’s guide to why dogs tremble
Dogs tremble for many reasons, including both harmless and worrisome matters. Your dog may be shaking for the following reasons:
- Cold
- Anxiety, fear or stress
- Excitement
- Pain or injury
- Upset stomach
- Ear infection
- Hypoglycemia
- Nephropathy
- Distemper
- Generalized tremor syndrome
- Confiscation
- Other neurological problems
- Poisoning
- Old age
If a medical problem may be causing your dog’s tremors, you need to take your pet to the vet for a diagnosis and treatment plan. Seizures, poisoning, injuries, signs of pain or distress, continued bleeding, and severe vomiting or diarrhea are medical emergencies that require immediate veterinary care.