Canine Quakes: Unraveling the Mystery of Why Dogs Shake

You notice your beloved companion start to shiver out of nowhere, leaving you worried: is it a sign that your dog is in pain, anxious, or something more serious?

Some older dogs might tremble, and younger dogs may also show bizarre tremors. You wonder if it’s just a chill or if you should rush to the vet.

Don’t panic. We’re here to explore why a dog may shake or tremble, from normal daily shakes to conditions like white shaker dog syndrome.

Together, we’ll figure out when to simply comfort them and when to speak to your vet.

Key takeaways

• Shaking in dogs can be normal, like when they shake off water

• Trembling or shivering can point to medical or emotional causes

• Dogs often shake due to fear, cold, or arthritis

• If the dog is in pain, it may shiver or show other distress signs

• If your dog has separation anxiety, it might lead to trembling when left alone

• A sudden, unexplained type of shaking could be a seizure or tremor syndrome

• If you suspect your dog ingested toxins, take your dog to the vet right away

An evolutionary shake

Most of us have noticed our dogs do a quick full-body shake after a bath. This is partly a survival mechanism to dry off fast.

However, dogs shiver for many reasons beyond water. Smaller dogs like Chihuahuas are more prone to shivering, but it can occur in dogs of any build and age.

To better understand these issues such as your pet’s vocal signals, explore What Your Dog’s Barks Mean. In combination with ear or body language, barks can reveal if a dog is anxious or simply excited.

Remember, when in doubt, take your dog to a professional, especially if other odd symptoms - like vomiting show up.

Temperature changes

Dogs tend to shake if they’re chilly—particularly if they have short coats. If you live in a cold climate, provide a snug sweater or warm bedding.

Shivering or shaking can also be your dog’s way to generate body heat.

Fear or anxiety

From thunderstorms to the dreaded vacuum cleaner, everyday events can frighten your pup, triggering trembling in dogs.

This might happen in dogs of any size, though some are more sensitive than others. If you see ears back, a tucked tail, or wide eyes, anxiety could be the cause.

Check out Dog Panting at Night: Reasons Why to see if your companion’s nighttime panting could also be a sign of stress.

Medical conditions

If your dog is shaking constantly, it could mean something more serious. Distemper, an infection linked to a lack of vaccination, can cause tremors.

Arthritis pain in older dogs might also prompt trembling. Another culprit is shaker dog syndrome (or tremor syndrome), often seen in small white dogs like Maltese or West Highland Terriers.

If your dog’s behaviour changes drastically, contact a vet as soon as possible.

Some pups develop tummy troubles from eating something toxic. For more on potential harm from certain foods, see Can Dogs Eat Radishes?.

Being aware of safe and unsafe treats helps you keep your dog safe.

Emotional states & old age

Dogs have emotional ups and downs, just like us. Dog training methods focusing on positive reinforcement can ease stress-induced shakes.

Meanwhile, old age sometimes leads to trembling due to declining muscle tone or health issues. Muscle tremors might happen more often in seniors.

• Dog is nauseous: If trembling and vomiting occur together, it could be a sign of toxicity or serious illness.

• Accompanied by other signs: Laboured breathing, drooling, or fainting require immediate help.

• Dog shakes uncontrollably: If they can’t stop or are disoriented, it might be a seizure or generalised tremor syndrome.

• Shaking may worsen over time: Progressive or painful trembling means your pup could be experiencing pain.

• Eaten something suspicious: Common items that are toxic to dogs include chocolate or certain plants. If you suspect that your dog ingested poison, see a vet right away.

Waggel’s resident vet expert Aimee Warner says:

Recognising severe symptoms

Trembling and shaking could be normal if your pup is just excited, but it’s time to worry if the shaking is violent or continuous, or if your dog might shiver in tandem with whining, pacing, or refusing food.

Don’t wait to see your vet if you think your dog is in real discomfort.

• Stay calm: If your dog senses your panic, it may worsen their anxiety. Offer soothing words.

• Create a safe space: A cosy bed or an open crate can keep them warm and secure.

• Keep notes: Jot down when the shaking started, how long it lasted, and any triggers (food, environment).

• Avoid toxins: Keep chocolate, xylitol, grapes, and certain houseplants out of reach—these can be highly toxic and could cause trembling.

• Consult a professional: If your dog’s shaking is excessive or ongoing, a vet can also run tests to rule out issues like arthritis or infection.

To learn more about ensuring your dog’s daily care, read How to Make Your Dog Happy. A content pup often experiences fewer occurrences of random trembling.

We know how much you cherish your pet. When unexpected shivering and muscle tremors appear, medical costs can climb quickly if there is a specific health issue causing it. That’s where Waggel Pet Insurance has you covered—from routine check-ups to emergencies. Our goal is to help you enjoy every tail wag without worry.

Shaking in dogs can stem from a variety of causes—some as benign as a quick shake-off after a bath, others hinting at serious conditions like distemper, seizures or generalised tremor syndrome. The reasons why dogs shake might also include anxiety, pain, or even toxins.

It’s essential to keep an eye on the symptoms your dog displays and remember the reasons why your dog trembles might change over time. When in doubt, see a vet promptly.

We’re all in this together, so trust your instincts, keep your pup warm, and protect them with Waggel Pet Insurance.

With the right support, you can handle any canine quake—big or small—and ensure your furry friend bounces back to their normal tail-wagging self.