When your dog is shaking in their boots, you may wonder the reason behind their quivering. From frigid temperatures to neurological issues, many issues can trigger a case of the shakes in your pup.
Dogs can shake for various reasons, ranging from mild concerns to severe health issues. If you notice your pup shivering, quivering, or trembling, find out the cause to determine if you need to be concerned. Here are seven reasons why your dog is shaking and what you should do about it.
1. Your dog is shaking because they are cold
One of the most common reasons dogs shake is due to feeling cold. A drop in core body temperature or outdoor conditions can spur shivering in your dog in an attempt to generate body heat. Dogs of all sizes, breeds, and ages can shiver when faced with blustery weather, but small, thin-coated puppies and senior dogs are most likely to experience chills. Additionally, dogs with endocrine disorders, such as Cushing’s disease (i.e., hyperadrenocorticism), Addison’s disease (i.e., hypoadrenocorticism), diabetes, and hypothyroidism, struggle to regulate their body temperature and are more prone to becoming chilled in cold weather.
As your dog tries to stay warm, shivering caused by involuntary muscle contractions will produce warmth. However, shivering alone is not enough to ward off hypothermia in dogs. Instead, take the sign that your dog is shivering as an indicator that they need more heat.
So, outfit your pup in a cosy waterproof coat before heading outside to play in a winter wonderland. Keep in mind that if your dog gets wet, they will feel the chill much more strongly, so waterproof gear is best for maintaining their body temperature.
2. Your dog is experiencing strong emotions
Any heightened emotion, whether negative or positive, can trigger an adrenaline rush in your dog that leaves them shaking. Most likely, you’ve seen your four-legged friend quivering in excitement when you return home after a long day at work, as their intense happiness leaks out as a case of the shakes.
Dogs experiencing fear, anxiety, or stress can also tremble. Shaking is one of the hallmark signs of a worried dog, especially if they also have a tucked or cowering body posture and widened eyes. Dogs most commonly become stressed by loud noises, veterinary visits, or unfamiliar environments, so engage in positive lifelong socialization to “vaccinate” your pup against stressful situations.
Dogs will also shake when playing to deescalate tension or shake away stress. If play is becoming too rough, or one dog is trying to tell the other they would like a break, a full-body shake similar to emerging from a bathtub is an effective stress-relief mechanism for dogs.
If you notice your dog shaking out of anxiety or fear, determine the trigger and remove the source of their distress. This may require leaving the area, cutting a play session short, or working on behavioural modification techniques to reduce noise aversion.
3. Your dog is shaking because they are ill or in pain
Shaking and shivering are physiological responses to pain and illness, so you may notice your pup trembling if they are uncomfortable or unwell.
When you feel unwell, you may shake and shiver in bed, praying for a quick recovery. Fever, nausea, and the feeling of being unwell can also cause your canine companion to shake. Illnesses that can trigger a bout of shaking in your dog are varied and numerous, but some of the most common health problems include:
- Toxicity
- Hypoglycemia
- Nausea
- Electrolyte imbalances
- Viral or bacterial infections
- Musculoskeletal conditions
- Neurological disorders
Common causes of pain in dogs include:
- Arthritis
- Orthopaedic conditions (e.g., hip and elbow dysplasia, cranial cruciate ligament injuries)
- Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)
- Dental disease
- Ear, urinary, or skin infections
- Pancreatitis
Research has shown that your dog’s breed and size will influence the level of pain they can withstand before displaying obvious signs. Small breeds tend to have a lower pain tolerance than large breeds, but there are always exceptions to the rule.
4. Your dog is having a seizure
Shaking is a hallmark sign of seizure activity in dogs. Whether your dog is experiencing a mild focal seizure or a severe grand mal seizure, the associated trembling can be scary to witness. Dogs with focal seizures display localized muscle tremors, such as the twitching of a lip, ear, or eye, or they may demonstrate “fly-biting” behaviour. Dogs experiencing grand mal seizures may suddenly fall over, paddle and jerk their limbs, and lose control of their bowels, bladder, and consciousness.
Any seizure activity is cause for concern, especially if they last a long time or occur back-to-back. If your dog has a seizure, attempt to video the episode in addition to timing how long it takes for them to return to normal. During the seizure, remain calm, dim the lights, and minimize sound to reduce stimulation. Do not hold your dog down, as you can become injured while trying to restrain them, but prevent them from falling down stairs or off furniture if you can do so safely.
5. Your dog is growing older
Senior dogs can shake for a multitude of age-related conditions, ranging from behavioural to physical reasons. Common causes of shaking in older dogs include:
- Pain (e.g., arthritis, dental disease, orthopaedic problems)
- Muscle weakness
- Anxiety and stress due to cognitive dysfunction
- Inability to regulate body temperature
- Acute or chronic illness
Identifying the underlying cause of your senior dog’s shaking is key for effective treatment and ensuring their health and happiness throughout their golden years.
6. Your dog has shaker syndrome
Often called “white shaker syndrome,” this condition most commonly appears in small white dogs. Affected dogs experience generalized head or body tremors that can range in severity from mild twitching to incapacitation. Tremors often worsen with excitement and exercise, but your dog will likely improve while resting or sleeping. Shaker syndrome can typically be controlled with a low dose of lifelong prednisone.
What to Do if Your Dog Is Shaking
While shaking may not seem like a major health concern, identifying the underlying cause of your pup’s quivering is important to ensure they are healthy and happy. Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian if you notice the following issues along with your shaking:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy or weakness
- Incoordination
- Limping
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
- Pain
- Confusion
- Loss of consciousness
Additionally, if your dog’s shaking does not resolve, despite your attempts to keep them warm, calm, and quiet, seek veterinary attention. By identifying the source of your dog’s shaking, you can administer proper treatment and put preventive measures in place.