Why Is My Dog Shaking? 12 Common Causes and When to Call the Vet
Why Is My Dog Shaking? 12 Common Causes and When to Call the Vet
Your dog is curled up on the couch, and you notice they're trembling. Or maybe they shake every time a car door slams, or you've spotted their back legs quivering more as they get older. Seeing your dog shake can be worrying, especially when you're not sure why it's happening.
The truth is that dogs shake for lots of reasons, and many of them are completely normal. A wet dog shaking off water or a small dog shivering on a chilly morning is nothing to worry about. But shaking can also be a sign of pain, fear, illness or poisoning, and those situations need attention.
In this guide, we'll walk through the 12 most common causes of shaking in dogs, how to tell the difference between harmless trembling and something more serious, what you can do at home and exactly when it's time to call your veterinarian.
Shaking, shivering and trembling: what's the difference?
People use these words interchangeably, but they can look a little different. Shivering is usually linked to cold, with small, rapid muscle movements across the body. Trembling often looks finer and may be linked to emotions like fear or excitement, or to weakness. Shaking off is the big, full-body shake dogs do after a bath, a swim or a nap.
Tremors are repetitive, rhythmic movements of part or all of the body that your dog can't control. They may affect one leg, the head or the whole body. Seizures are different. During a seizure, a dog may fall over, paddle their legs, drool, lose bladder control and seem unaware of their surroundings.
If you're not sure what you're seeing, take a short video on your phone. It can be incredibly helpful for your vet, since many dogs stop shaking by the time they arrive at the clinic.
12 common reasons your dog is shaking
Here are the most common causes, from harmless to more serious:
- Cold. Small, thin-coated, young and senior dogs chill quickly.
- Wet fur. Dogs often shiver until they're fully dry.
- Excitement. Many dogs tremble with joy when you come home or before a walk.
- Fear and anxiety. Thunder, fireworks, the vet or new places can trigger shaking.
- Shaking off. A normal reset after baths, naps, stressful moments or play.
- Pain. Dogs often hide pain, and trembling can be one of the few signs.
- Nausea. Dogs may tremble, drool or lick their lips before vomiting.
- Old age. Many senior dogs develop leg tremors as muscles weaken.
- Low blood sugar. Especially in toy breeds and young puppies.
- Toxins. Some poisons cause tremors or seizures.
- Medical conditions. Including Addison's disease, kidney disease and neurological problems.
- Generalized tremor syndrome. Sometimes called shaker syndrome, more common in small white dogs.
Cause 1 and 2: Cold and wet fur
Being cold is the most common reason dogs shiver. Shivering helps the body generate heat. Small breeds like Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers and Italian Greyhounds, as well as thin-coated, young and senior dogs, lose heat faster and may shiver even indoors on cooler days.
Wet fur loses much of its insulating power, so dogs often shiver after a bath, swim or rainy walk until they're completely dry. Towel your dog thoroughly and give them a warm, draft-free place to rest.
A well-fitted sweater or coat can help small and short-coated dogs on chilly days. Our guides to does my dog need a winter coat and how cold is too cold for dogs explain how to keep your dog comfortable.
Cause 3: Excitement
Some dogs shake with pure happiness. You might see trembling when you pick up the leash, come home from work or bring out a favorite toy. This is usually harmless and stops as your dog calms down.
If your dog gets so excited that they jump, nip or can't settle, practice calm greetings: wait for four paws on the floor before giving attention, and keep arrivals low-key. Over time, many dogs learn to channel that excitement in calmer ways.
Cause 4: Fear, stress and anxiety
Fear is one of the most common reasons dogs shake. Thunderstorms, fireworks, car rides, vet visits, loud noises and unfamiliar people or places can all trigger trembling. You may also see panting, pacing, a tucked tail, flattened ears, yawning, lip licking or hiding.
The AKC's guide to stress signals lists many of these signs. Comfort your dog calmly, offer a safe space and avoid forcing them to face the thing they're afraid of.
For specific fears, see our guides to thunderstorm anxiety in dogs, making vet visits less scary and helping a dog with separation anxiety. If your dog's anxiety is severe or frequent, talk to your vet about a behavior plan.
Cause 5: The "shake off"
Have you noticed your dog doing a full-body shake after a stressful moment, even when they're dry? Many dogs shake off after an intense experience, like meeting a new dog, being hugged, visiting the vet or finishing a game. It's thought to help release tension and reset.
This kind of shaking is normal. If your dog shakes off often after interactions with people or other dogs, it may be a sign they found the moment a little stressful, so give them space and watch their body language.
Cause 6: Pain
Dogs are good at hiding pain, and trembling may be one of the few visible signs. Shaking from pain is often accompanied by other changes: limping, stiffness, reluctance to move or jump, a hunched posture, panting, restlessness, licking a specific area or changes in appetite.
Common causes include arthritis, injuries, back or neck problems, dental pain and abdominal pain. Never give your dog human pain medication; many common painkillers are toxic to dogs. Call your vet if you think your dog is in pain.
Senior dogs with arthritis may tremble more in cold weather. Our guide to arthritis in dogs in cold weather has comfort tips.
Cause 7: Nausea and upset stomach
Dogs who feel sick to their stomach may tremble, drool, lick their lips, swallow repeatedly or seem restless before vomiting. Motion sickness, eating something they shouldn't, sudden diet changes or illness can all cause nausea.
If your dog vomits once and then seems fine, monitor them and offer small amounts of water. If vomiting continues, your dog seems lethargic or you notice blood, call your vet. Our guides to dog upset stomach and car sickness in dogs explain more.
Cause 8: Old age and leg tremors
Many senior dogs develop trembling in their back legs, especially when standing for a while or getting up. This is often linked to muscle weakness, arthritis or changes in the nerves, and it's common in large breeds as they age.
While age-related tremors are often not dangerous, they can signal pain or a condition your vet can help manage. Gentle exercise, a healthy weight, supportive bedding and non-slip rugs can make a big difference.
Our guides to caring for a senior dog and choosing the right dog bed cover comfort and mobility tips.
Cause 9: Low blood sugar
Toy breeds and young puppies are prone to low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, especially if they skip meals, get very active or are stressed. Signs include trembling, weakness, wobbling, lethargy and, in severe cases, seizures.
Feeding small, frequent meals helps tiny puppies and toy breeds keep blood sugar steady. If you suspect low blood sugar, contact your vet right away. Diabetic dogs on insulin can also develop low blood sugar if they receive too much insulin or don't eat, so follow your vet's instructions carefully.
Cause 10: Poisoning and toxins
Some toxins cause tremors or seizures. Common culprits include chocolate, caffeine, xylitol, certain human medications, some insecticides and slug bait, moldy food, marijuana and some plants. Shaking may appear within minutes or a few hours of exposure.
If your dog starts shaking and you suspect they've eaten something harmful, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center right away; fees may apply. Have the product packaging handy if possible.
The ASPCA's list of people foods to avoid feeding your pets and our guides to dog ate chocolate and winter toxins for dogs explain the most common risks.
Cause 11: Medical conditions
Several medical conditions can cause trembling or shaking. These include Addison's disease (a hormone disorder), kidney disease, liver problems, distemper, ear problems affecting balance and neurological conditions.
These conditions usually come with other signs, such as changes in appetite, drinking or urination, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, weakness or behavior changes. Your vet may recommend blood tests or other diagnostics to find the cause.
Cause 12: Generalized tremor syndrome
Generalized tremor syndrome, sometimes called shaker syndrome or little white shaker syndrome, causes full-body tremors, often in young adult dogs. It was first described in small white breeds like Maltese and West Highland White Terriers, but it can affect dogs of any color or size.
The tremors may get worse with excitement or stress and improve when the dog is relaxed. It's thought to be related to inflammation in the nervous system and is often treatable. Your vet can diagnose it after ruling out other causes.
Breeds and dogs more likely to shake
Some dogs simply shake more than others. Toy and small breeds, including Chihuahuas, Miniature Pinschers, Toy Poodles, Yorkshire Terriers and Italian Greyhounds, are well known for trembling. Their small bodies lose heat quickly, they have less fat for insulation and many are naturally sensitive or excitable.
Sighthounds such as Whippets and Greyhounds have thin coats and very little body fat, so they often shiver in cool weather. Small white breeds like Maltese and Westies are more often affected by generalized tremor syndrome, though any dog can develop it.
Personality plays a role too. Nervous or sensitive dogs of any size may tremble more in new situations. Knowing what's normal for your individual dog helps you spot when something changes.
Shaking or a seizure? How to tell
It's not always easy to tell the difference. During a tremor, your dog is usually aware of their surroundings and can respond to you. During a seizure, a dog may fall over, stiffen, paddle their legs, chomp or drool, lose bladder or bowel control and seem unresponsive.
If your dog has a seizure, keep them away from stairs and furniture, don't put your hands near their mouth and time how long it lasts. Call your vet right away. Seizures lasting more than a few minutes or several in a row are an emergency.
Twitching and shaking while asleep
Many dogs twitch, paddle their legs, wag their tails or make little woofing sounds while they sleep. This is usually normal dreaming, happening during the deeper stages of sleep, and it's especially common in puppies and senior dogs.
A dreaming dog usually wakes easily when you say their name and seems normal right away. A dog having a seizure in their sleep may be stiff, unresponsive, drooling or confused afterward, and may lose bladder control.
If you're unsure, take a video and show your vet. It's best not to wake a dreaming dog suddenly by touching them, since some dogs startle; call their name softly instead. Our guide to dog sleeping positions and what they mean explores more about how dogs sleep.
What to expect at the vet
If you take your dog to the vet for shaking, bring your video, a list of any medications or supplements and notes about when the shaking started, how often it happens and anything that seems to trigger it. Mention any changes in appetite, drinking, urination, energy or behavior.
Your vet will examine your dog, check their temperature, gums, heart and joints and may recommend blood tests, urine tests or imaging to look for underlying causes. For tremors that seem neurological, they may refer you to a veterinary neurologist.
Treatment depends on the cause. It may be as simple as keeping your dog warmer, adjusting their diet or managing anxiety, or it may involve medication for pain, a hormone condition or tremor syndrome.
What to do when your dog is shaking
If your dog starts shaking, stay calm and look at the situation. Here's a simple approach:
- Check the environment. Is your dog cold, wet or near something frightening?
- Warm and dry them. Towel off wet fur and offer a blanket or warm spot.
- Comfort calmly. Speak softly and give them a safe, quiet place.
- Look for other signs. Vomiting, limping, pale gums, weakness or confusion need attention.
- Think about toxins. Could they have eaten something harmful recently?
- Take a video. It helps your vet see what you saw.
- Call your vet if unsure. It's always okay to ask.
Keep a short note of when shaking happens, how long it lasts and what was going on at the time. A pattern, like shaking only after meals or only during storms, can help your vet narrow down the cause quickly.
A short phone video of an episode is especially useful, since many dogs stop shaking by the time they reach the clinic.
A quick shaking checklist
When your dog starts shaking, run through these questions to decide what to do next:
- Is it cold, or is my dog wet?. Warm and dry them, then see if the shaking stops.
- Is my dog excited or scared?. Shaking that stops when the moment passes is usually emotional.
- Did they eat something unusual?. Toxins can cause tremors. Call your vet or poison control.
- Are they in pain or limping?. Pain often causes trembling.
- Is my dog small, young or senior?. Low blood sugar or age-related tremors are more likely.
- Is my dog responsive?. If not, or if they're stiff, paddling or drooling, treat it as a possible seizure and call your vet right away.
When to call the vet
Contact your veterinarian promptly if your dog's shaking comes with any of these:
- Vomiting, diarrhea or refusing food
- Weakness, wobbling, collapse or confusion
- Limping, stiffness or signs of pain
- Pale, gray or blue gums, or trouble breathing
- Shaking that lasts more than a few hours or keeps coming back
- Possible exposure to a toxin or medication
- Seizure-like movements or loss of awareness
- Shaking in a puppy, toy breed or diabetic dog that won't eat
If you notice collapse, difficulty breathing, a seizure lasting more than a few minutes or suspect poisoning, go to the nearest emergency vet.
Preventing everyday shaking
Many common causes of shaking can be prevented or reduced. Keep small and short-coated dogs warm with sweaters and cozy bedding, dry wet dogs thoroughly and feed toy breeds and puppies regular meals.
Store medications, chocolate, xylitol products and chemicals out of reach. Build your dog's confidence with positive training and gradual exposure to new sounds and places. Keep up with regular vet checkups, especially for seniors, so problems are caught early. Our year-end dog health checklist is a handy reminder.
- Most shaking is harmless. Cold, wet fur, excitement and shaking off are common, normal reasons.
- Fear and pain are common causes too. Watch for other signs like hiding, limping or panting.
- Some causes are urgent. Toxins, low blood sugar and seizures need fast attention.
- Look for the bigger picture. Vomiting, weakness, pale gums or confusion mean call the vet.
- Video helps. Recording an episode can help your vet diagnose the cause.
Trust your instincts
Most of the time, a shaking dog is just cold, wet or excited. But you know your dog best. If the shaking seems unusual, comes with other symptoms or simply doesn't feel right, it's always worth a call to your vet.
From all of us at Happy Yay, here's to warm, calm and happy pups.
Cozy comfort picks
Frequently asked questions
Why is my dog shaking?
Common reasons include being cold, wet, excited, scared or in pain. Less often, shaking can be caused by nausea, toxins, low blood sugar or medical conditions.
Should I be worried if my dog is shaking?
Not always. If your dog is cold, wet or excited, shaking is usually normal. Call your vet if shaking comes with other symptoms or doesn't stop.
Why is my dog shaking and panting?
This can be a sign of fear, stress, pain, overheating or nausea. If it happens suddenly or doesn't settle, call your vet.
Why do my old dog's back legs shake?
Leg tremors are common in senior dogs and are often linked to muscle weakness or arthritis. Your vet can help with pain relief and support.
Why is my dog shaking after a bath?
Wet fur makes dogs cold. Towel them dry and give them a warm spot to rest.
Can anxiety make a dog shake?
Yes. Fear and anxiety are common causes of trembling, along with panting, hiding and a tucked tail.
Is my dog shaking because they're in pain?
It's possible. Watch for limping, stiffness, a hunched posture or reluctance to move, and call your vet.
What toxins cause shaking in dogs?
Chocolate, caffeine, xylitol, some medications, insecticides, slug bait, moldy food and marijuana can cause tremors. Call your vet or poison control right away.
What is shaker syndrome in dogs?
Generalized tremor syndrome causes full-body tremors, often in young adult dogs. It's often treatable once diagnosed by your vet.
How do I tell if my dog is having a seizure?
During a seizure, dogs may fall over, paddle their legs, drool and seem unaware. Call your vet right away.