Dog shaking and trembling explained. 10 causes from cold to poisoning. When to rush to the vet.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only. Always consult your veterinarian. Furli is not a veterinary service.
A dog that is "shaking" could be experiencing anything from a perfectly normal post-bath body shake to a neurological emergency. The word covers a wide range of movements, and the cause depends entirely on context. Before you panic, observe the details: Is the whole body shaking or just one limb? Is it constant or intermittent? Did it start suddenly or develop over time? Are there other symptoms? These observations will help your vet enormously—and will help you decide whether this is a wait-and-see situation or a drive-to-the-ER-right-now situation.
The most straightforward explanation. Dogs shiver to generate body heat, just like humans. Small dogs, lean breeds (Greyhounds, Whippets), short-coated breeds, puppies, and senior dogs are especially susceptible. If the shaking stops when the dog warms up (blanket, heater, coming indoors), cold was the cause.
When to act: Prolonged cold exposure can lead to hypothermia. If your dog's gums are pale, they are lethargic, and shivering becomes violent or stops suddenly, get them warm and to a vet immediately. Hypothermia is a medical emergency.
Thunderstorms, fireworks, vet visits, car rides, separation—stress triggers body-wide trembling in many dogs. This is driven by adrenaline and cortisol release. You will typically see other stress signs alongside shaking: panting, pacing, whining, tucked tail, flattened ears, and dilated pupils.
Management: Create a safe space (covered crate, interior room). Anxiety wraps (ThunderShirt) provide gentle pressure that calms many dogs. For severe noise phobia or separation anxiety, veterinary behaviorists can prescribe situational medications like trazodone or sileo. Long-term management involves desensitization training.
Some dogs tremble when they are extremely excited—when you come home, when the leash comes out, when dinner is being prepared. This is an adrenaline response and is completely benign. It is especially common in small breeds and high-energy dogs. The shaking stops once the excitement subsides.
Dogs are evolutionarily wired to hide pain (a survival mechanism from their wild ancestor days). Shaking is one of the subtle ways pain manifests. A dog shaking from pain often shows these accompanying signs:
Common pain sources: Abdominal pain (pancreatitis, GI obstruction, bloat), joint pain (arthritis, injury), back pain (IVDD in Dachshunds, Corgis), dental pain, ear infections, urinary tract infections.
Tremors and shaking are hallmark symptoms of many types of poisoning. The tremors from toxin exposure tend to be whole-body, uncontrollable, and may progress to seizures. Key toxins that cause shaking include:
Emergency action: If you suspect poisoning, do not wait for symptoms to worsen. Call your vet or the ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) immediately. Time is critical with most toxins.
This condition, formally called steroid-responsive tremor syndrome, causes diffuse, fine tremors of the entire body. Despite its nickname, it affects dogs of all colors, though it was first described in small white breeds (Maltese, West Highland White Terrier, Bichon Frise). The cause is believed to be mild, immune-mediated inflammation of the cerebellum.
Characteristics: Tremors worsen with stress or excitement and diminish during sleep. The dog is otherwise alert and healthy. Onset is usually between 1–5 years of age. Treatment with corticosteroids (prednisone) typically resolves symptoms within days, with gradual tapering over weeks.
Canine distemper is a serious viral disease that attacks the respiratory, GI, and nervous systems. In the neurological phase, dogs develop rhythmic muscle twitching ("chewing gum fits"), head bobbing, and generalized tremors. Other symptoms include nasal and eye discharge, coughing, fever, and lethargy. Distemper is most common in unvaccinated puppies and dogs. There is no cure—treatment is supportive. This is one of the core reasons puppy vaccination is non-negotiable.
Small breed puppies (Chihuahuas, Yorkies, Toy Poodles) and diabetic dogs on insulin are most susceptible. Hypoglycemia causes shaking, weakness, disorientation, and in severe cases, seizures and collapse. If you suspect low blood sugar, rub a small amount of honey or corn syrup on the gums and get to the vet. Do not try to force food or liquid into the mouth of a dog that is seizing or unconscious.
Dogs that are nauseated often tremble or shiver before vomiting. You may also notice lip-licking, excessive swallowing, drooling, and restlessness. Motion sickness, dietary indiscretion (eating garbage or spoiled food), kidney disease, liver disease, and certain medications can all trigger nausea. If the shaking stops after the dog vomits and they return to normal, the episode is likely over. Repeated nausea warrants investigation.
Seizures range from subtle focal events (a single trembling limb, facial twitching, "fly-biting" at the air) to full grand mal convulsions (loss of consciousness, rigid body, paddling limbs, drooling, urination). Post-seizure, dogs enter a "postictal" phase where they may appear confused, blind, or uncoordinated for minutes to hours.
During a seizure: Do not restrain the dog or put your hands near its mouth. Move nearby objects to prevent injury. Time the seizure—any seizure lasting more than 5 minutes or clusters of seizures without full recovery between them is a life-threatening emergency (status epilepticus). Record a video if possible; it is extremely valuable for your veterinarian.
Causes: Epilepsy (idiopathic, genetic), brain tumors, liver shunts, metabolic disease, toxin exposure. Dogs with a first-time seizure always need veterinary evaluation, including bloodwork and potentially an MRI.
| Breed | Common Shaking Cause | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chihuahua | Cold, hypoglycemia, excitement | High metabolic rate and low body fat make them chronic shiverers |
| Maltese / Bichon | White Dog Shaker Syndrome | Usually steroid-responsive; excellent prognosis |
| Dachshund | Pain (IVDD back disease) | Shaking + reluctance to jump = urgent vet visit |
| Labrador Retriever | Excitement, cold (after swimming) | Post-swim shaking is normal; check for prolonged shivering |
| Greyhound / Whippet | Cold, anxiety | Very low body fat and thin coat; need jackets in cool weather |
| Doberman Pinscher | Wobbler syndrome | Cervical vertebral instability causes shaking/wobbling gait |
| English Bulldog | Head tremors (idiopathic) | Episodic head bobbing; usually benign but should be evaluated |
| Go to the ER Now | Call Your Vet Tomorrow | Monitor at Home |
|---|---|---|
| Seizure lasting > 5 minutes | New onset tremors without obvious cause | Shaking from cold that stops when warmed |
| Suspected poisoning | Frequent shaking episodes over several days | Excitement-related shaking that stops quickly |
| Shaking + collapse or inability to stand | Shaking + mild appetite loss | Post-bath or post-swim body shake |
| Shaking + pale/blue gums | Shaking only during storms or loud events | Mild shivering in a known anxious dog |
| Shaking + bloated/hard abdomen | Shaking + limping or stiffness | Trembling during vet visit or car ride |
| Shaking + bloody vomit/diarrhea | Shaking in a senior dog (new symptom) | Brief shaking after waking from sleep |
When your dog is shaking and you are not sure why, having a detailed health history can make all the difference at the vet's office. Furli lets you log symptoms, track when episodes happen, and record videos—all tied to your dog's health timeline. The next time your vet asks "how long has this been going on?", you will have a precise answer ready.
