Okay, let’s cut to the chase—your dog’s trembling, and you’re freaking out a little. Been there. I remember when my Labrador, Max, started shaking like he’d just watched a horror movie. I panicked, Googled like a maniac, and called the vet twice (yep, twice). So if you’re asking yourself, “Why is my dog trembling?”, you’re not alone—and you’re definitely not overreacting.
Whether it’s a subtle shiver or full-on tremors, dog shaking can mean a bunch of things. Some are harmless (like excitement), and others? Not so much. So let’s break it down together—no jargon, no fluff, just real talk.
Why Do Dogs Tremble?
Dogs can tremble for a variety of reasons, ranging from normal eccentricities (such as excitement) to severe medical conditions (like poisoning or seizures). Trembling is basically their body saying: “Hey, pay attention to me!”
Why is my dog trembling all of a sudden?
If your dog suddenly starts shaking out of nowhere, it could mean:
· He’s cold—yes, dogs shiver just like people do.
· He is afraid (canine nightmares include fireworks, thunderstorms, and vacuum cleaners).
· He is experiencing pain due to hidden health issues, sore joints, or injuries.
· Or he’s responding to something more severe, such as a disease or poisoning.
Quick tip: Don’t wait if lethargy, drooling, vomiting, or limping accompany your trembling. Give your veterinarian a call right away.
How to Calm a Trembling Dog
First things first—don’t panic. Your dog picks up on your energy faster than you pick up your phone to Google symptoms.
What you can do is as follows:
- Provide a warm spot or a cozy blanket.
- Keep your cool and murmur;
- Get rid of any stressors, such as loud noises or strangers.
- Use toys or treats to divert their attention, and keep a careful eye on their behavior.
Contact your veterinarian if the shaking continues or gets worse. I mean, it’s better safe than sorry.
Common Causes for Dog Shaking
Fear and Anxiety
It’s the big one. It’s a common fear if your dog trembles during thunderstorms, fireworks, car rides, or veterinarian visits. They shake because their body is full of adrenaline, preparing for a fight-or-flight response, even though they’re stuck on your lap.
What Should You Do?
Determine the trigger and make an effort to limit your dog’s exposure. If you can’t avoid it (like the postal carrier showing up), try counter-conditioning: pair the scary thing with something amazing, like a piece of steak. Eventually, they might think, “Loud boom! Steak time! Score!”
Cold
Dogs don’t exactly get goosebumps, but they definitely shiver when chilly. Small breeds like Chihuahuas practically live in sweaters for this reason.
What Should You Do?
- Provide warm bedding
- Use dog sweaters or jackets (bonus: they look adorable)
- Keep them indoors during chilly weather.
Excitement
Ever notice your dog tremble when you grab the leash? That’s excitement overload. Totally normal, slightly dramatic.
What Should You Do?
- Ignore the trembling until he calms down.
- Train them to sit before playtime
- Use positive reinforcement to manage excitement
- Reward calm behavior so he learns to chill.
Itching
A dog’s reaction to intense itching (perhaps caused by allergies or fleas) may occasionally resemble a frantic shake or shiver, particularly if the itch is in an area that is difficult to reach. Their entire body is attempting to scratch that one wretched area.
What Should You Do?
Check for fleas and dry skin. If you suspect an allergy, a vet visit is in order to figure out the source—is it food or environmental? Don’t let your dog suffer in silent, itchy misery.
Shaking off Excess Water
Okay, this is technically not “trembling,” but it’s a huge, whole-body shake that can look a little concerning if you don’t know what’s happening. After a bath, a swim, or even just walking through dew-covered grass, dogs have a reflexive need to violently shake water out of their coats.
What Should You Do?
- Nothing—it’s natural.
- Just stand back unless you want a shower.
Pain
If your dog is in pain, they might tremble. The shaking is often localized to the area of discomfort, or it can be a full-body reaction to severe chronic or acute pain. This is a big red flag, especially if the shaking is isolated to a limb.
What Should You Do?
Look for other signs of distress: limping, yelping when touched, hiding, or panting. Never try to medicate your dog yourself with human pain relievers (like Tylenol—it’s toxic!). For an accurate diagnosis and a safe pain management strategy, see your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Old Age
Due to nerve degeneration, arthritis, or muscle weakness, older dogs shake more.
What Should You Do?
- Provide orthopedic bedding
- Use ramps or stairs for easier movement
- Ask your vet about supplements or pain relief
Muscle Weakness
Muscle weakness brought on by certain conditions can make it difficult for your dog to support their weight, particularly when they are motionless. Quick muscle fatigue causes a noticeable quiver as the muscles strain.
What Should You Do?
- Limit strenuous activity
- Provide a balanced diet with protein
- Consider physical therapy or vet-recommended exercises.
Medication Side Effects
Some meds cause tremors. If your dog started shaking after a new prescription, that’s a clue.
What Should You Do?
- Call your vet immediately
- Never stop meds without professional advice
- Ask about alternative treatments.
Medical Conditions
Chronic trembling can be brought on by illnesses like hypoglycemia, kidney disease, or neurological issues.
What Should You Do?
- Watch for other symptoms (vomiting, lethargy, etc.)
- Schedule regular vet checkups
- Follow treatment plans closely
Poisoning
Chocolate, xylitol, grapes, antifreeze—lots of everyday stuff is toxic for dogs. Trembling can be an early sign.
What Should You Do?
GET TO THE VET NOW. Do not pass GO, do not collect $200. If you know what they ate, bring the packaging with you. Time is absolutely of the essence here.
Canine Distemper
This is a serious, highly contagious viral disease that can cause tremors or involuntary muscle twitching, especially in the head and limbs. It’s most common in puppies or unvaccinated dogs. The twitching is sometimes called “chewing gum fits.”
What Should You Do?
This is a life-threatening illness. Ensure your dog is up-to-date on their vaccinations (which you should be doing anyway!). If you suspect distemper, isolate your dog and consult your vet for supportive care immediately.
Seizures
Seizures look like trembling on steroids—full-body shakes, loss of control, sometimes foaming at the mouth.
What Should You Do?
- Stay calm and keep your dog safe
- Keep your dog safe during the episode.
- Call your vet right after.
Generalized Tremor Syndrome
Also called “Shaker Syndrome,” it mostly affects small white breeds (like Maltese). The cause? Still a mystery.
What Should You Do?
- Vets often prescribe steroids.
- Regular monitoring is key.
Why Do Dogs Tremble While Sleeping?
Ever seen your dog twitch or shake during a nap? That’s usually REM sleep. They’re dreaming—probably about chasing squirrels or stealing your sandwich.
But if the trembling looks intense or lasts too long, it could be:
- Seizures
- Pain
- Fever
Keep a close eye on it and see your veterinarian if something seems strange.
Why Is My Dog Trembling in the Morning?
Morning shakes can be due to low blood sugar, cold temperatures, or arthritis stiffness. If it happens daily, get your pup checked.
Do Small Dogs Shake More Than Large Dogs?
Yes. Small breeds have faster metabolisms and less fat, so they lose heat quickly and shake more. Plus, let’s be real—Chihuahuas just love drama.
Why?
- Fast metabolism
- Thin coats
- High sensitivity to cold and stress
So if your tiny pup shakes like a leaf, it’s probably normal—but still worth checking.
Is Shaking a Sign of Pain?
Yes, sometimes. If trembling comes with whining, hiding, or limping, assume pain and seek veterinary advice.
Shaking vs. Seizures
This is a key distinction every dog owner needs to grasp.
Feature | Shaking/Trembling (Non-Seizure) | Seizure (Medical Emergency) |
Consciousness | Alert and fully aware of their surroundings. | Often unconscious or mentally absent. |
Control | Usually stops if you successfully distract them or change the environment (e.g., move them away from thunder). | Cannot be stopped or interrupted by calling their name or petting them. |
Movement | More like fine tremors or whole-body shivers. | Often involves paddling, chomping, drooling, or rigidity. |
Aftermath | They recover quickly and immediately return to normal. | Post-ictal phase: Often seems disoriented, dizzy, or exhausted for minutes or hours after. |
Export to Sheets
If you ever see a dog lose consciousness and have uncontrolled, rhythmic, full-body movement, you are witnessing a seizure, and you should call a vet immediately.
Should I Be Worried if My Dog Is Shaking?
Not always. Trembling from excitement, cold, or brief fear is harmless. But trembling with vomiting, confusion, drooling, or lethargy = red flag.
When to See a Vet About Dog Shaking?
Call your vet if:
- Trembling lasts more than a few minutes
- It’s paired with vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy
- Your dog seems in pain or confused
- You suspect poisoning
Better to be the “paranoid pet parent” than the one who waits too long.
Form the Perfect Feeding Plan
Nutrition plays a huge role in your dog’s health. A poor diet can lead to:
- Muscle weakness
- Low energy
- Shaking from low blood sugar
Here’s what to include:
- High-quality protein
- Healthy fats
- Complex carbs
- Vitamins and minerals
FYI: I switched Max to a vet-recommended kibble with omega-3s, and his random tremors disappeared. Coincidence? I think not 🙂
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my dog shaking when he breathes in while sleeping?
Likely dreaming or experiencing sleep twitches. If it looks labored or happens often, see a vet.
What should I do if my dog is shaking?
First, stay calm. Check for obvious causes (cold, fear, excitement). If you can’t identify a reason—or if other symptoms show—call your vet.
Can stress make dogs shake?
Yes. Stress and anxiety are huge tremor triggers. Separation anxiety is a common culprit.
Do dogs shake when they’re happy?
Absolutely. Trembling often comes with tail wags, whining, and wiggles. It’s just excitement overload.
Final Words
So, why is my dog trembling? It could be something as simple as excitement or cold—or something serious like poisoning or pain. Your job is to play detective. Look at the context, check for other symptoms, and when in doubt—call your vet.
And remember: dogs can be drama queens (looking at you, Chihuahuas), so not every shake is a crisis. But hey, better safe than sorry, right? 🙂
