Is your furry best friend suddenly shaking or acting out of the ordinary? Watching your beloved pet display strange behaviors can be incredibly unsettling as a dog owner. But don’t panic just yet—sometimes a little shiver or a quirky change in behavior is simply your dog being, well, a dog. However, it’s also possible that those shaking and weird behaviors could signal something more serious, such as poisoning or illness, reasons your dog may be shaking.
HighlightsExcitement, fear, or cold could cause a dog’s shaking, ruling out serious medical issues.Medical conditions like pain, distemper, and poisoning can lead to more serious shaking.Attention-seeking behavior may manifest as shaking if the dog learns it garners owner’s attention.
Determining the root cause of your dog’s sudden shaking or unusual behavior can be tricky, as shaking can also be a sign of various concerns. It may be due to temporary nervousness, an underlying health condition, or some other factor that needs to be identified. This article will explore potential reasons for your dog’s strange behavior and shaking. We’ll also guide you on when to seek veterinary attention.
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Table of ContentsBenign Causes of Shaking in DogsExcitement and HappinessFear or AnxietyColdAttention SeekingHow to Tell If the Shivering is NormalMedical Reasons Why Your Dog is ShakingPainDistemperPoisoningGeneralized Tremor Syndrome (GTS)Neurological DisordersEndocrine/Metabolic IssuesOther Potential Reasons for Dog ShakingOld AgeMedication Side EffectsNever Underestimate the Power of ObservationHow Vets Diagnose the Cause of ShiveringTreatment OptionsPain ManagementMedication for Neurological DisordersTreating Underlying IllnessesAntidotes for PoisoningBehavioral ModificationFAQHow do you calm a trembling dog at home?Is my dog shaking or having a seizure?What toxins cause tremors in dogs?How long do dog tremors last?
Benign Causes of Shaking in Dogs
I see countless worried pet parents rushing in because their dog suddenly started shaking or acting unusually. Unusual tremors or behavioral changes can sometimes also indicate an underlying issue. But often, a dog’s odd behavior is nothing more than your furry friend experiencing the full range of doggie emotions or responding to their environment, though shaking can also signal stress or anxiety.
Here are some common reasons you might catch them shaking or acting weirdly.
Excitement and Happiness
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Fear or Anxiety
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Unfortunately, our canine companions can get anxious just like we do. Fear is a natural response; many dogs tremble or shake in situations that make them feel anxious or threatened. Common causes include:
If your dog is fearful or anxious, providing them with a safe space to retreat can help them feel more secure. Working with acertified dog trainermight sometimes be necessary to address severe anxieties.
Cold
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Just like humans, dogs shiver to increase body temperature when cold. If your dog is shaking and it’s cold outside or in your home,warming them up(blanket, cuddles, warm place) should make the shaking subside.
Attention Seeking
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Some clever pups learn that shaking, whining, or acting strangely gets them attention from their owners. When your dog reacts concernedly and gets extra love when they shake, they may use the behavior to gain those responses. If you suspect your dog is using these behaviors to gain attention, consider changing your reactions when they happen, but remember, shaking can also be a sign of distress.
How to Tell If the Shivering is Normal
Here’s an excellent way to tell if your dog’s shaking is within the normal range.
Medical Reasons Why Your Dog is Shaking
Sadly, sometimes shaking and odd behavior can be a red flag that your pup isn’t feeling its best. Here are some of the medical conditions that could be a sign of these symptoms:
Pain
Dogs may shake or tremble when they are experiencing pain. This could be due to:
Pain-related tremors and shaking often accompany other signs, such as limping, reluctance to move, whimpering, changes in posture, or aggression when touched.Seek medical attention if you suspect your dog is in pain.
Distemper
Canine distemper is a highly contagious viral disease primarily affectingpuppiesand unvaccinated dogs. This disease attacks a dog’s respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. Shaking, tremors, and seizures are potential symptoms, along with fever, nasal discharge, coughing, and vomiting. The best protection against distemper is through routine vaccinations.
Poisoning
Many substances are toxic to dogs, including chocolate, antifreeze, xylitol (artificial sweetener),grapes, raisins,onions,garlic,macadamia nuts, avocado, alcohol, human medications, cleaning products, insecticides, rodenticides, garden fertilizers, and certain plants can lead to shaking and should be considered as possible causes.
Ingestion of such toxins leads to tremors, shaking, and strange behavior. Poisoning is an emergency; immediate veterinary care is essential. Additional symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, disorientation, seizures, or collapse.
If you have reason to believe your dog has ingested something dangerous, don’t delay!Contact your veterinarianor ananimal poison control centerimmediately and consult a vet if you notice your dog shaking unexpectedly, as it can be a sign of serious health issues.
Generalized Tremor Syndrome (GTS)
Also known as “shaker syndrome” or “white shaker dog syndrome,” this condition causes full-body tremors primarily in small dog breeds like Maltese and West Highland White Terriers, but it can occur in other dogs too. The exact cause is unknown, but it is potentially linked to inflammation of the cerebellum. Episodes of full-body shaking, usually beginning between9 months and two yearsof age, cause your dog to shake uncontrollably. Treatment typically involves corticosteroids.
Neurological Disorders
Epilepsy, brain tumors, encephalitis, and otherneurological issueslike degenerative disorders and vestibular disease (affecting balance) can disrupt normal brain function and lead to seizures, tremors, unusual behavior, and disorientation.
Endocrine/Metabolic Issues
Important Note.Other concerning symptoms often accompany medical causes of shaking. Pay attention to changes in your dog’s appetite, thirst, energy level, bathroom habits, and other behavioral abnormalities, as these could be reasons why your dog may be shaking.
Other Potential Reasons for Dog Shaking
Sometimes, the reasons behind a dog’s shaking and odd behaviors are harder to pinpoint. Here are a couple of other factors to consider:
Old Age
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Senior dogs may experience muscle weakness or develop tremors as a natural part of the aging process. Arthritis pain and cognitive decline can further contribute to strange behaviors or disorientation.
Medication Side Effects
Tremors can sometimes be an unfortunate side effect of medications, both prescription and over-the-counter. If this is a possibility, it’s essential to consult your veterinarian. Medications commonly implicated in tremors include certain steroids, some deworming medications, and evenflea/tickpreventatives.
Never discontinue a prescribed medication without first talking to your vet. They can help determine if the medication might be the cause and assess whether the benefits outweigh the side effects or if alternative treatments are available.
Never Underestimate the Power of Observation
How Vets Diagnose the Cause of Shivering
Your vet will carefully examine your furry friend, paying attention to areas like reflexes, movement, heart rate, temperature, and any signs of pain or discomfort. They will ask questions about your dog’s behavior when the shaking started, potential triggers, existing health conditions, medications, and any other recent changes in your dog’s life.
Depending on your dog’s symptoms and the suspected cause, your vet might recommend:
Treatment Options
Remember, successfully treating your dog’s condition depends on an accurate diagnosis. Here are some possible treatment strategies your veterinarian might recommend:
Pain Management
If pain is the culprit, your veterinarian will prescribe appropriatepain relief medications (NSAIDs, etc.)and address the source of the pain (injury treatment, dental care, or management of chronic conditions like arthritis).
Medication for Neurological Disorders
Conditions like epilepsy or other seizure disorders may requireanticonvulsant medicationsfor long-term management.
Treating Underlying Illnesses
Antidotes for Poisoning
In cases of toxin ingestion, prompt action is crucial. Your vet may induce vomiting, administeractivated charcoal,providespecific antidotes, and give supportive care.
Behavioral Modification
For anxiety-based shaking or attention-seeking behaviors, try:
FAQ
How do you calm a trembling dog at home?
First, figure out why your dog is shaking. If you think it’s a medical issue, always talk to your vet — they might suggest medications to help. If your dog is cold, keep them warm withjackets, boots, heated beds, and blankets.
Is my dog shaking or having a seizure?
Whileseizuresstart from abnormal brain activity, look for loss of consciousness, stiffening, uncontrolled muscle movements (jerking/paddling), drooling, or loss of bladder/bowel control. Seizures require immediate veterinary attention.
What toxins cause tremors in dogs?
Many toxins can induce tremors in dogs; here are some common culprits.
How long do dog tremors last?
The duration of tremors in dogs varies widely depending on the cause. They can last anywhere from afew minutes to hours.The severity of the condition and how quickly treatment is administered will play a role in the duration of the symptoms.
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