Have you observed a sudden change in your pet's behavior and found yourself asking, "Why is my dog shaking and acting strangely all of a sudden?" Trembling in dogs can be concerning, and while it might seem alarming, shaking is often a common sign with various causes. Dogs shiver or shake for many reasons, ranging from ear infections and ear problems to more serious conditions like control seizures. Some dogs may shake as a way of seeking attention, while others may experience symptoms related to their dog's body temperature, or an infected dog might be suffering from common signs of illness.
Ensuring your dog is fully vaccinated and maintains a healthy weight is important, but visiting a veterinarian's office is always a good step if you're unsure about your pet's behavior. In this article, we will share some of the potential reasons why many dogs shake, from medical conditions to environmental factors and when it’s time for a pet parent to seek veterinary care.
Common Causes of Shaking
Cold Temperatures
Dogs, especially smaller dogs or those with short fur, may shiver when exposed to cold weather. This kind of shaking in dogs is a typical response to help regulate their body temperature. Dog shivering in such conditions can be addressed by keeping the dog warm with blankets or jackets. Pet parents should know that certain dog breeds, particularly those not well-insulated, are more prone to cold-related muscle tremors.
Anxiety and Fear
Anxiety-induced shaking is common in dogs, particularly during stressful situations such as thunderstorms, fireworks, or trips to the vet. When a dog shakes due to anxiety, it may also show other symptoms such as pacing, panting, or even signs of an ear infection. Additionally, trembling can sometimes be related to more serious conditions, such as the need to control seizures. Identifying these symptoms early is crucial for comprehending your pet’s health and overall well-being.
Excitement
It’s not always negative emotions that cause shaking. Sometimes, dogs shake out of sheer excitement, like when you return home after a long day or during playtime.
Pain or Injury
Shaking in dogs can also signal that they are experiencing pain or discomfort. Pain dogs experience from injuries, arthritis, or other medical conditions can lead to muscle tremors or twitching. This is especially common in older dogs experiencing muscle weakness in the hind legs. In some severe cases, dog shaking can also be linked to conditions like canine distemper, motion sickness, or seizure disorders. If your dog begins to shake unexpectedly or acts weird suddenly, consult your vet immediately to address the dog’s health.
Old Age
As dogs age, they can develop conditions that lead to muscle weakness, especially in their hind legs. This can cause them to shake more frequently, particularly during physical activity.
Medical Conditions That Cause Shaking
Neurological Disorders
Certain neurological conditions like epilepsy or cerebellar hypoplasia can result in tremors or even full seizures in dogs. These conditions may be hereditary or can develop later in life.
Shaker Syndrome
Shaker Syndrome, or Generalized Tremor Syndrome (GTS), commonly affects small-breed dogs, particularly white dogs. This condition causes full-body shaking or trembling in dogs and requires proper management through veterinary medicine. Pet parents need to seek veterinary care if they notice their dogs shaking or trembling, as supportive care and physical therapy might be necessary in some cases. Affected dogs may also benefit from treatments to control their tremors.
Seizure Disorders
Canine epilepsy is another common cause of shaking in your pet. During a seizure, dogs may experience mild tremors or more violent convulsions, often accompanied by other signs such as disorientation or confusion. This condition requires ongoing medical treatment to help manage symptoms.
Canine Distemper
This extremely contagious viral illness can lead to fever, muscle tremors, coughing, and eye and nose discharge. Staying up-to-date with your dog’s vaccinations is crucial for prevention.
Hypoglycemia
This highly contagious viral disease can cause fever, muscle tremors, coughing, and eye and nose discharge. Other signs of distemper may include lethargy and a loss of appetite. Maintaining your dog’s vaccination schedule is crucial for preventing disease.
Addison’s Disease
This endocrine disorder causes dogs to tremble and other symptoms like lethargy and vomiting. Treatment for Addison typically involves hormone replacement therapy.
Ear Infections
Dogs with ear infections frequently shake their heads to ease the discomfort. Long-eared breeds are particularly prone to these infections, which can cause inflammation and require veterinary care.
Environmental and Behavioral Causes
Attention-Seeking Behavior
Sometimes, dogs shake as a way to get attention from their owners. While this may seem like normal shaking, pet parents must address the underlying cause rather than reinforce the behavior. In some cases, dogs' shivering or tremors might be an involuntary response related to a more serious medical condition or even a neurological disorder. If your dog is shaking and acting weird suddenly, consult your vet to rule out any other signs of a health issue.
Fear-Induced Shaking
Fear is a common trigger for shaking in dogs, especially when they’re exposed to loud noises, unfamiliar environments, or new people. Young dogs or certain breeds may be more prone to this involuntary response. Dog's shivering or muscle twitching might accompany other anxiety-related symptoms. Creating a safe and calm space is important to help reduce dog shivering and tremors. However, if fear-induced shaking persists, especially with jerking movements or tremors, consult a veterinarian immediately to rule out more serious issues with the nervous system or potential seizure disorder.
Separation Anxiety
Dogs with separation anxiety often shake when their owner leaves or even when they anticipate being left alone. Behavior modification and desensitization can help manage this anxiety.
Post-Bath Shakes
Dogs naturally shake off water after a bath or swim to dry themselves off and regulate their body temperature. This behavior is normal and helps them shed excess moisture.
Signs of Serious Issues
While normal shaking can be common, persistent or severe dog shaking might signal a serious medical condition. If your dog's shaking is accompanied by other signs such as vomiting, lethargy, or jerking movements, it’s time to consult your veterinarian immediately. Certain dog breeds or young puppies may be more prone to develop tremors, and these episodes should not be ignored.
Shaking Accompanied by Vomiting
When a dog is shaking and vomiting simultaneously, it can indicate a serious underlying health issue that requires immediate attention. This combination of symptoms may point to conditions such as poisoning, pancreatitis, or severe gastrointestinal distress. Poisoning can occur if your dog ingests toxic substances like chemicals, plants, or human foods like chocolate, leading to tremors and vomiting as the body reacts. Pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas, can cause severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and shaking due to discomfort and fever. Ingesting foreign objects or suffering from bloat can also result in similar symptoms.
Other possible causes include heatstroke, severe infections, or neurological disorders. In any case, if your dog is exhibiting shaking accompanied by vomiting, it’s essential to seek veterinary care immediately to determine the cause and prevent further complications. Early intervention can be life-saving, especially if the issue involves poisoning or an acute medical emergency.
Muscle Weakness and Fatigue
When a dog is shaking alongside muscle weakness or lethargy, it can signal a serious underlying health issue. These symptoms may indicate conditions such as hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), neurological disorders, or severe infections. Hypoglycemia, particularly common in small breeds or puppies, can cause tremors, weakness, and lethargy due to the lack of glucose needed for energy. Neurological disorders, such as seizures or nerve damage, can also lead to shaking and muscle weakness, affecting your dog’s ability to move normally.
Additionally, severe infections, such as distemper or tick-borne diseases, can result in these symptoms as the body fights off illness. Toxin ingestion is another potential cause, as certain poisons can disrupt muscle function and cause trembling, weakness, or even collapse. If your dog shows shaking, weakness, or lethargy, it’s crucial to consult a veterinarian immediately. These signs often indicate a medical emergency; early diagnosis and treatment can prevent further complications and improve your dog’s prognosis.
Continuous Shaking Without Rest
Continuous, uncontrollable shaking in a dog without rest periods can be a sign of a serious medical issue. This constant trembling might indicate conditions such as a seizure, severe pain, or a neurological disorder. Seizures, for example, can manifest as sustained shaking or twitching, often caused by epilepsy, toxins, or trauma. Another possible cause is pain due to injury, arthritis, or internal issues like pancreatitis, where the discomfort triggers continuous shaking as the dog’s body struggles to cope.
Additionally, heatstroke can cause uncontrollable shaking as the body overheats, leading to potential organ damage if untreated. Neurological disorders, such as tremor syndromes, also cause persistent shaking as the nervous system malfunctions. In some cases, poisoning from substances like insecticides or certain foods (such as xylitol or chocolate) may lead to relentless tremors or muscle spasms.
