Why Do Dogs Shake?

Dogs shake for many reasons, including fear or anxiety, cold, excitement, itching, being wet, pain, aging, medication side effects, medical conditions, and poisoning.

Shaking can be voluntary or involuntary and range from minor muscle spasms to intense tremors affecting one body part or the entire body. Understanding what triggers your dog’s shaking and watching for other symptoms can help you determine when veterinary care is needed.

Why Do Dogs Shake? 10 Possible Reasons

Dogs may shake because of fear or anxiety, cold, excitement, itching, being wet, pain, aging, medication side effects, medical conditions, or poisoning.

Some causes of dog shaking are harmless, normal responses, while others can be signs of something potentially serious and may require consulting a veterinarian or an animal behaviorist.

Here are 10 potential causes of dog shaking:

1. Fear and Anxiety

Fear and anxiety can cause dogs to shake or tremble. You might notice your dog shaking during thunderstorms or when they’re in an unfamiliar place.

Stress-related shaking typically causes trembling of the whole body and generally stops when the stressor is gone, says Daniel Dixon, DVM, veterinarian and founder of North Keller Animal Hospital in Keller, Texas.

For example, a dog may shake when an unfamiliar dog or person is nearby and stop once the stranger leaves.

“Dogs go through physiological reactions when they feel frightened or uneasy,” says Nicole Kohanski, certified dog behavior consultant, head trainer, and owner at Wiggle Butt Academy in Plano, Texas.

“Their bodies release adrenaline in response to these triggers, which readies them for either fighting or running away. Shaking can stem from the adrenaline release or from shaking off the stress.”

When trying to determine whether your dog’s shaking is related to fear, anxiety, or distress, watch for additional signs and what might be triggering the response.

If your dog is shaking due to anxiety from certain triggers, such as thunderstorms, talk with your veterinarian about options such as ThunderShirts, calming supplements, or medication.

2. Cold

Dogs may shake and shiver when they’re cold as a warming response. Depending on a dog’s tolerance for the cold, their entire body may shake.

This response is more common in dogs who are thin or have no coat, Dr. Dixon says. Shaking can also be more prevalent in smaller dog breeds.

Once your dog has slowly warmed up with layers of blankets or with your body warmth, the shaking will slow and stop.

You may also consider putting a dog sweater on your dog if they frequently shake during the colder months.

3. Excitement

Dogs can shake when they’re excited or overwhelmed with positive emotions. This may happen when they see their favorite person, engage in their favorite activity, or anticipate their favorite treat.

“Shaking isn’t always about being scared—it can also be about feeling happy,” Kohanski says. “Dogs frequently have big, happy emotions when their family arrives home or gets out the leash.”

4. Itching

Itching can cause shaking in dogs. This type of shaking is typically localized rather than a full-body shake, such as when a dog shakes their head because of an ear infection, Dr. Dixon says.

Common causes of itching include allergies and ectoparasites, such as fleas. Pet parents can use soothing shampoos for temporary relief and work with a veterinarian to treat the underlying issue, Dr. Dixon says.

5. Water

It’s normal for dogs to shake after getting out of the water, such as after a bath or a swim. Shaking helps their coat dry by moving water from their fur into the air, Kohanski says.

You can use a towel to help your dog dry off after they shake.

6. Pain

Body tremors can be a sign of pain or discomfort in dogs. The shaking can be localized or generalized depending on the cause, Dr. Dixon says.

Common causes of pain in dogs include:

• Arthritis
• Back problems
• Sprains, strains, or bruising
• Damage to bones or joints
• Ear infections
• Skin infections
• Dental disease
• Surgeries
• Urinary tract infections
• Severe stomach upset
• Cancer

Schedule a veterinarian visit if your dog is shaking and showing additional signs such as whining, limping, or changes in appetite.

7. Aging

Dogs may shake as they reach their senior years. Certain breeds are also predisposed to shaking, including Bernese Mountain Dogs, Chow Chows, and English Springer Spaniels.

“As individuals grow older, they may experience a condition known as ‘the Senior Shake,’ which is often associated with aging and neurological challenges,” Kohanski says.

The supplied article associates this symptom with canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CCD or CDS).

8. Medication Side Effects

Shaking can be a side effect of medications in dogs.

Medication side effects can be influenced by:

• The type of medication
• The dosage of medication
• How the medication is administered
• A dog’s health status and age

If your dog is experiencing an adverse reaction to medication, monitor them and consult your veterinarian to learn more about how to best manage or treat the condition.

9. Medical Conditions

Shaking or trembling can be a symptom of medical conditions, including seizures. Seizure-related shaking can vary in intensity and duration compared with a normal shake-off or trembling caused by excitement, cold, or anxiety.

Signs of Seizures in Dogs

Other symptoms of seizures in dogs can include:

• Loss of consciousness
• Paddling limbs
• Loss of bladder and bowel control

“Occasionally, focal seizures can happen that aren’t obvious to the pet parent,” Dr. Dixon says.

Other Medical Conditions That Can Cause Shaking

Shaking or trembling can also be a symptom of other health conditions, including:

• Corticosteroid-responsive tremor syndrome (CRTS) or idiopathic cerebellitis, also known as “shaker syndrome” or “white shaker dog syndrome”
• Addison’s disease
• Cerebellar disease
• Hypoglycemia
• Tremorgenic mycotoxicosis

Seek veterinary advice when your dog’s shaking can’t be clearly attributed to an obvious cause and doesn’t improve quickly with appropriate intervention.

10. Poisoning

Poisoning can cause shaking in dogs. Depending on the toxicity of the substance and the amount ingested, a toxin can affect the nervous system and cause severe symptoms such as shaking, shortness of breath, and decreased coordination.

Common poisons for dogs include:

• Certain human foods, such as xylitol, chocolate, grapes and raisins, garlic and onions, and macadamia nuts
• Plants and flowers, such as azalea, tulip, sago palm, foxglove, and oleander
• Household products
• Alcohol
• Marijuana
• Human over-the-counter and prescription medications

Poisoning is a medical emergency that requires immediate veterinary care. If you suspect your dog has ingested a potentially dangerous item, call your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661. A consultation fee applies.

Should I Be Worried if My Dog Is Shaking?

Occasional shaking from excitement, stress relief, or cold may not be concerning. However, sudden-onset shaking with no obvious cause or shaking accompanied by concerning signs of pain, aging, seizures, or poisoning should be evaluated by a veterinarian.

“Anything that appears to be causing stress or pain to a patient should always have veterinary involvement,” Dr. Dixon says. “Any time a pet isn’t responsive or otherwise acting themselves, the pet should always be seen ASAP.”

A veterinary professional can determine the underlying cause of your dog’s shaking and create a treatment plan based on your dog’s individual needs.