Your fur baby starts to shake or tremble out of nowhere. It may have been happening for a long time, and you may not have noticed. Well, dog shaking and trembling happen due to various reasons.
Sometimes, the reasons are harmless. All you need is to give them the extra attention they wish you would give them. Although the, persistent shaking means there is something wrong with your beloved pets.
As a pet parent, it is a must to understand the aspects of pets to help you make sure about their health. So take some moments to be with us as we dive into the reasons for and prevention of dog shaking and trembling. Let us get right into it.
Why is my dog shaking and trembling all of a sudden?
Dog shaking and trembling can stem from various reasons, some of which may necessitate urgent medical attention. It’s crucial to be vigilant about these potential health issues, especially if the shaking persists.
It would be better if we exposed all the real causes of your dog’s shaking to help you get a clear picture of the situation.
Behavioral Factors
Sometimes, dogs experience different emotional states, like anxiety, fear, and excitement. These can cause the dog to shake suddenly as a response to these emotions.
Anxiety and Fear
The sudden shaking of dogs is the response to triggers like thunderstorms, fireworks, or even seeing their parents after a long time. It is the answer to those anxiety or fear-inducing situations. The release of adrenaline in the body causes the dog to shake as it responds to perceived threats. In addition to that, adrenaline causes physiological changes, such as increased heart rate and blood flow to muscles. The good part about this is it is temporary and subsides as the dog gets comfortable.
Likewise, shaking occurs due to intense excitement. For instance, if you bring your fur baby the toys they have wanted for a long time, then their body releases adrenaline in anticipation, just as they would with anxiety. Although, the type of shaking is a bit brief and may be accompanied by other signs of excitement, such as wagging tails, barking, or jumping up
Old Age
As your dog ages, it experiences different changes, which can cause your dog to shake and experience increased anxiety. One of the issues due to your dog’s aging is canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome. In human terms, it is similar to dementia. The condition affects cognitive functions such as memory, learning, and awareness.
Research indicates that approximately 35% of dogs over the age of eight exhibit signs of CCDS, with the prevalence increasing significantly in older dogs.
Some symptoms are disorientation, confusion, and altered interaction with familiar people or pets. These exhibit tremors as part of their anxiety response or due to neurological changes in the brain. Moreover, physical ailments such as arthritis can cause pain and discomfort, fueling feelings of anxiety.
Consequently, shaking in older dogs is a blend of cognitive decline and physical discomfort. Every pet parent should have a gentle reminder for regular vet checkups for elderly dogs to monitor their health.

Environmental Factors
Aside from the behaviour, some environmental factors influence the dog’s shaking and trembling. These happen due to the discomfort your fur baby experiences.
Temperature Sensitivity
Similar to humans, dogs experience discomfort and shaking when exposed to cold temperatures. But this applies to smaller breed dogs or those with thin coats like Chihuahuas, Dachshunds, and Greyhounds because they lack the insulation provided by thicker fur. When temperatures drop, these dogs may begin to shake as a natural response to generate body heat and maintain their core temperature.
Shaking is an instinctive behaviour that helps them cope with the cold, as it promotes muscle movement and increases warmth. As a pet owner, you must be mindful of your dogs’ comfort in chilly conditions and give them extra layers.
Wet Fur
The next common reason dogs shake is their wet fur, which they get from swimming, bathing, or being caught in the rain. After getting wet, dogs instinctively shake their bodies to remove excess water from their fur.
Interestingly, this behaviour is done for a practical purpose: by shaking off water quickly to prevent hypothermia and dry off faster. The shaking motion helps dislodge water droplets from their coats and stimulates blood circulation to help warm them up. Besides, the behaviour is deeply ingrained in canine nature and is seen immediately after a dog emerges from the water. While this shaking is entirely normal and harmless, pet owners should make sure that dogs are dried properly after baths to prevent any potential health issues related to prolonged wetness.
Diseases Factors
If your dog has been shaking for a long period of time, then it might be the ultimate sign of disease in your dog.
Pain
The pain stems from injuries, surgeries, or chronic health conditions like arthritis causes dogs to shake. Apart from that, your dogs show additional signs such as vocalizations (whining or yelping), reluctance to move, changes in appetite, and altered behavior.
Besides, pain can manifest physically through shaking or trembling as the dog’s body reacts to discomfort. You should recognise these signs to help you understand the underlying causes of pain and improve the dog’s quality of life.
Medical Conditions
Similarly, there are different medical conditions, and each requires specific attention:
- Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar levels can cause shaking and are particularly common in small breeds or puppies. The condition requires immediate veterinary care as it can become more severe if left untreated.
- Seizures: Tremors are also part of seizure activity arising from epilepsy or other neurological disorders. The intensity and duration of the seizures differ. The condition requires a proper veterinarian’s assessment for diagnosis and management.
- Toxins: Eating poisonous substances such as chocolate or xylitol (a common sugar substitute) causes severe muscle tremors. Vomiting and lethargy are other symptoms that occur. If poisoning is suspected, it is critical to seek immediate veterinary assistance.
- Generalized Tremor Syndrome (GTS): The condition affects young dogs and causes persistent tremors thought to be inflammatory in nature. GTS is responsive to corticosteroid treatment and requires veterinary evaluation for an accurate diagnosis.
How do you prevent a shivering dog?
For any pet parent, your dog shaking can be a problem. In such a case, you want to do your best to address the underlying causes, which range from environmental factors to emotional triggers and health issues. There are different ways to prevent these conditions.
Address Cold Sensitivity
Smaller breeds of dogs or those with thin coats shake when exposed to cold temperatures. To prevent this, make sure your dog is protected from the extreme temperatures. During cold weather, you should take proactive measures to keep the animals warm.
Manage Excitement
Dog shaking suddenly is seen commonly when they are excited. While this behavior is harmless, it can be managed to prevent excessive shaking. You should redirect the dog’s energy and engage them in calming activities before anticipating exciting events. Besides, train your dog to respond to cues for calmness. Reinforce calm behavior with treats and praise will encourage your dog to remain composed during high-energy moments.

Reducing Anxiety and Stress
Anxiety and stress are contributors to shaking in dogs. To deal with these feelings, it is essential to create a stable environment. Establish a consistent daily routine that includes regular feeding times, walks, and play sessions. The predictability can help reduce anxiety levels. Moreover, consider using calming aids such as pheromone diffusers or sprays. During stressful situations (like thunderstorms), provide a safe space where your dog can retreat.
Prepare for New Experiences
New experiences can trigger shaking due to elevated alertness or fear. To prevent this reaction, gradually expose your dog to new environments and experiences in a controlled manner. Desensitization techniques can be effective; introduce new stimuli slowly while rewarding calm behavior with treats. For example, if your dog is nervous about meeting new people or animals, arrange controlled introductions where they can observe from a distance before getting closer.
Health Monitoring
Regular veterinary check-ups are essential to prevent health-related causes of shaking. Conditions such as pain from arthritis cause trembling as a symptom of discomfort. Ensure your dog receives routine vaccinations and preventive care to avoid diseases that could cause shaking. If your dog exhibits signs of pain or discomfort, consult your veterinarian for treatment options.
Avoiding Toxins
Prevent exposure to toxins is crucial for keeping your dog healthy. Be vigilant about what your dog has access to; keep harmful substances like chocolate, xylitol (found in sugar-free products), and certain plants out of reach. Educate yourself about common household items that are toxic to dogs and store the potentially harmful substances away.
Conclusion
Dog shaking can range from simple excitement to signs of medical issues. While mild shaking is generally harmless, persistent or severe trembling could indicate a health concern that needs veterinary attention. As a pet parent, creating a comfortable and stress-free environment helps your dog feel secure and thrive. Regular vet check-ups are essential for catching any health issues early and keeping your pet in top shape. For more insights on understanding and caring for your furry friends, stay connected with Little Furr!
FAQs
- Why does my dog shake?
Dogs can shake for various reasons, including being cold, excited, anxious, or in pain. Environmental factors like temperature sensitivity and wet fur can also cause shaking. Additionally, certain medical conditions, such as seizures or toxin ingestion, may lead to trembling.
- Is shaking a sign of a serious problem?
Not always. While shaking can indicate a serious issue, such as pain or illness, it is often due to benign causes like excitement or cold weather. If the shaking is new, severe, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms (like vomiting or lethargy), it’s essential to consult a veterinarian.
- How can I prevent my dog from shaking due to cold?
To prevent shaking from cold temperatures, limit your dog’s exposure to chilly weather. When outside, especially in temperatures below 5°C (41°F), consider dressing your dog in warm clothing like jackets or sweaters. Ensure they have a warm and cozy place indoors to retreat to.
- What should I do if my dog shakes due to anxiety or fear?
To help alleviate anxiety-related shaking, create a calming environment for your dog. Use calming pheromones, provide a safe space for them to retreat, and engage in desensitization training for specific triggers. Regular exercise and mental stimulation can also reduce overall anxiety levels.
- Can excitement cause my dog to shake?
Yes, dogs often shake when they are overly excited—such as greeting you after being away or anticipating playtime. This behavior is typically harmless and can be managed by redirecting their energy through calming activities or training them to respond to cues for calmness.
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