Why is My Dog Shaking?

Our four-legged friends can’t speak for themselves, so they often express emotions and problems through certain behaviours, such as shaking. As an owner, it’s important to take notice of this body language, understanding what it means and if it’s an indicator of a more serious problem.

Common causes of shaking

Excitement

There’s no better feeling than seeing your pooch after a long day and they are often even more excited to see you. Excitement can cause shaking, especially when you first come in the door. Your dog can grow out of this behaviour, but you can help calm them down by keeping greetings brief and relaxed.

Fear and anxiety

Anxiety in dogs can cause them to shake and can be triggered by things like thunder, fireworks and visits to the vet. Your pet could also suffer from separation anxiety which too can cause shaking. Your vet can prescribe anti-anxiety medication if this becomes a recurring and harmful problem.

Environmental factors

Many dogs love a muddy puddle but being wet and cold can be the source of their shaking. They shiver to tighten and relax their muscles which generates heat and raises their body temperature. This is commonly seen in slim and smaller dogs. Buying your pooch a coat or booties can help with this.

Nausea

Your pet can feel nauseous for a number of reasons including motion sickness, medications, over-eating, or eating something toxic. Shaking can be a sign that your pooch is feeling a bit sick. Other symptoms of nausea in dogs include: lip smacking, swallowing, fatigue, salivating, hiding, yawning and vomiting. Treatment for nausea depends on the cause which your vet can help with.

Poisoning

There are many things that we love to eat as humans that can be extremely harmful to your canine companion. Chocolate, cigarettes, caffeine, and macadamia nuts, among other things, are all poisonous to dogs. They are also extremely sensitive to xylitol which is the sugar substitute found in chewing gum, some types of peanut butter and many ‘low sugar’ foods, and metaldehyde which is found in snail bait. Symptoms of poisoning can include convulsions, tremors, weakness, drooling, depression, disorientation, nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, and seizures. If you believe your dog has ingested anything poisonous or is exhibiting serious symptoms, contact your vet immediately.

Old age and pain

Aging dogs can exhibit tremors in their hind legs due to muscle weakness. This can happen in their front legs too but shouldn’t affect their walking ability. These tremors could also indicate pain so consult your vet if your older pooch develops a tremor.

Arthritis

Older dogs can also develop arthritis which can cause shaking or tremors. This painful affliction can be treated by your vet with different supplements, medications and therapies.

Distemper

Distemper is caused by a virus in puppies and adolescent dogs that haven’t been fully vaccinated. It’s a common cause of tremors and can also cause eye and nose discharge, fevers, and coughing. Your vet can advise how best to treat this. Treatment usually includes antibiotics and fluids. It’s important that you support your four-legged friend whilst their immune system fights off the virus.

Generalised tremor syndrome (GTS)

This syndrome was first noticed in small white dogs such as West Highland White Terriers; however, it can occur in dogs of any size, colour, or breed. It’s also known as steroid-responsive tremor syndrome or white shaker dog syndrome. Unfortunately, we don’t know what causes it however there are treatments available. This syndrome occurs in dogs between 9 months and 2 years old.

Low blood sugar

When a dog’s blood sugar level drops too low (also known as hypoglycaemia), it can cause shaking, tremors, and even seizures. It isn’t too common and mostly affects young and small dogs. However, it can be serious, so consult your vet if you believe your dog has low blood sugar. Rubbing honey or jam on their tongue or gums can help until you can get to the vets. Feeding your pet high-quality food at a similar time every day can help prevent this from happening.

Shaking vs seizures

Like humans, dogs can also be affected by neurological disorders such as epilepsy. Symptoms of this include jerking, stiffening, collapsing, muscle twitching, loss of consciousness, drooling, chomping, tongue chewing and foaming at the mouth. They can also fall to the side and make a swimming motion with their legs. Your vet can provide treatment for this but it’s important to be aware of the signs. Shaking on its own doesn’t necessarily mean they are having a seizure but make sure to stay vigilant and if you notice any of these symptoms then contact your vet immediately.

When to consult a vet

If your dog is trembling or shivering without an apparent reason, or they’ve ingested something toxic, then take them to the vet as soon as you can. Take note of their other symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhoea to give your vet the best picture of the problem.

As well as this, if they’re shaking a lot and for a while then consult your vet to make sure there are no underlying issues.

Managing and preventing shaking

One of the most common reasons for shaking is fear and anxiety. As an owner, it’s important to know how to help manage this behaviour or prevent your pooch from developing it.

Looking out for the early signs of anxiety and discomfort can stop anxiety before it develops further. Early symptoms include excessively yawning and licking their lips, as well as pulling back their ears. If you notice these behaviours, then quickly remove them from the situation that is causing anxiety or distract them with play or petting.

You can also train your pooch to associate their bed, mat, or cage with positivity and comfort – creating a safe space for them. Do this by leaving toys and treats in these spaces and allowing them uninterrupted sleep there. By creating this safe space, you can then help them in anxiety-inducing situations. You could bring their mat to the vet with them or encourage them to lie in their cage when there’s fireworks or thunder.

Distracting your dog with toys, treats, and games can also help calm them. Most dogs calm themselves down by chewing and licking things, so giving them long lasting treats or chewable toys will help with shaking and anxiety.

Keeping a strict routine reduces stress and helps your pet feel comfortable and in control. By having walks, meals, play, and rest at the same time each day you can help prevent shaking.

Which breeds are most prone to shaking?

Smaller dogs such as toy breeds and terriers are more prone to shaking behaviours, especially when cold or wet due to their lack of body mass and insulation.

Generalised tremor syndrome, which we’ve just covered, is a hereditary tremor condition that often affects Maltese Terriers, West Highland White Terriers, and Chihuahuas, causing shaking. Other breeds that can have this condition include male Welsh Springer Spaniels, Samoyeds, Dalmatians and Golden Retrievers.

That’s all the common reasons your dog might be shaking

We hope this advice helps you understand why your pooch might be shaking and whether you need to consult your vet.

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