Why Is My Dog Shaking? Common Causes and How to Help

Is your dog trembling or shaking intermittently, and you’re left wondering why? While occasional shaking can be expected for some dogs, it might signal something more serious.

Recognizing the difference between harmless behavior and a possible medical concern is key to ensuring your canine companion stays healthy and happy.

This post will help you understand the common reasons for dog shaking, guide you on when to consult a vet, and provide actionable tips to help your furry friend feel better.

Common Reasons for Dog Shaking

Your Dog Might Be Cold

Just like humans, dogs can feel the chill in colder weather. When your dog’s body senses low temperatures, it may shiver to generate body heat.

This is especially common in smaller breeds, short-haired dogs, and puppies who might struggle to regulate their body temperature.

How to Spot It:

• Trembling mainly occurs during colder mornings, evenings, or after being outside in chilly weather.
• Short-haired or smaller breeds are more prone to it (e.g., Chihuahuas, Greyhounds).

How to Help:

• Provide your dog with a cozy sweater or blanket during cold weather.
• Keep their sleeping area warm and invest in a heated dog bed if needed.

Excitement and Anticipation

Sometimes, shaking isn’t bad—it can be a sign that your dog is excited! Dogs often tremble with anticipation, whether waiting for dinner, heading out on a walk, or encountering their favorite human.

How to Spot It:

• Your dog shakes while wagging their tail, barking, or bounding around energetically.
• Trembling occurs in specific happy situations, like when meeting new dogs or going outside.

How to Help:

• This type of shaking is harmless. You can channel their excitement by rewarding calm behavior with positive reinforcement.

Fear and Anxiety

Dogs are highly emotional creatures, and fear or anxiety can result in trembling. Common triggers include loud noises (like fireworks or thunderstorms), unfamiliar environments, or situations of separation anxiety.

How to Spot It:

• Shaking is accompanied by other signs of fear, such as tucked tails, ears pinned back, panting, and hiding.
• The trembling starts during or after stressful events, like a move or a vet visit.

How to Help:

• Create a safe space where your dog feels secure, such as a quiet room or crate with comforting items.
• Consider using calming dog sprays, anxiety vests, or calming chews to help soothe them.
• Gradually desensitize them to the anxiety trigger through positive reinforcement and exposure therapy.

Medical Reasons Behind Dog Shaking

While environmental factors like cold or excitement might easily explain your dog’s shaking, you should rule out potential health issues. Various medical conditions can cause trembling, including:

Kidney Disease

Kidney issues can lead to weakness and trembling due to toxin buildup in the body.

Neurological Disorders

Diseases like epilepsy or degenerative neurological conditions might manifest through tremors.

Distemper (a Viral Infection)

Affecting mostly unvaccinated dogs, distemper can cause muscle tremors alongside other symptoms like coughing, nasal discharge, and lethargy.

Poisoning

Shaking can also result from exposure to toxic substances such as chocolate, pesticides, or xylitol (found in sugar-free products).

Pain or Injury

Dogs experiencing physical pain, from arthritis to injuries, might shiver as a response to discomfort.

How to Spot It:

• Shaking seems uncontrollable and doesn’t stop after calming measures.
• There are additional symptoms such as vomiting, lethargy, lack of coordination, or changes in behavior.
• You’ve noticed your dog might have ingested something unusual or harmful.

How to Help:

• Contact your vet immediately if you suspect poisoning or observe other serious symptoms.
• Ensure routine vet visits where you can discuss your dog’s shaking behavior. The earlier a medical issue is diagnosed, the better the outcome.

When to See a Vet

It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your furry friend’s health. You should consult a veterinarian if you notice any of the following along with your dog’s shaking:

• Difficulty walking or standing
• Excessive drooling or vomiting
• Lethargy or lack of interest in activities they normally enjoy
• Visible pain or injury
• Rapidly worsening symptoms
• Shaking that continues for an extended period or happens frequently without a clear cause

Early intervention can prevent simple issues from becoming serious.

How to Help Your Shaking Dog

Here are some general tips to help stop your dog’s shaking regardless of the cause:

• Keep Them Warm: Use blankets, heating pads, or pet-safe sweaters when your dog is shivering due to cold weather.
• Provide Calm Environments: For dogs experiencing anxiety, ensure their environment is serene, predictable, and safe. Use relaxing music or white noise machines during periods of stress, like thunderstorms.
• Avoid Exposure to Triggers: Identify any triggers causing stress or fear and work on desensitizing your dog with the help of a trainer or gently remove the trigger.
• Check for Toxins: Always dog-proof your home by keeping harmful substances like chocolate, cleaning products, and pesticides out of reach.
• Visit the Vet Regularly: Keep a record of your dog’s shaking episodes, noting any patterns. Share this information with your vet to aid in diagnosis and treatment.

Paying Attention Matters

Your dog’s shaking could be as simple as excitement for their next adventure or as serious as a sign of an underlying health condition. Observing the context, frequency, and duration of the trembling is the first step to determining whether it requires attention.

Don’t hesitate to contact your vet if you’re concerned. With love, care, and action (when needed), you’ll ensure your furry companion stays happy, healthy, and shake-free!