If your dog is shaking, shivering, trembling, or panting, you might be worried and want to know why. A dog that is shaking can be a sign of anxiety, feeling cold, or could be a sign that there is something wrong with your pet’s health. Some breeds of dogs naturally shake more than others, adding to the confusion that owners have about shaking in dogs.
6 REASONS WHY YOUR DOG IS SHAKING OR SHIVERING
While you might not be sure of the reasons that your dog is shaking, it can be important to know the difference between anxiety and shaking, which is related to things like pain. You will need to pay attention to your pet’s behavior if you think that they are not acting like they normally do. Shaking in dogs can be a sign of bigger issues, and you will be able to spot other symptoms in most cases once you start watching your pet closely.
Listed below are the main 6 reasons why your dog is doing this:
1. YOUR DOG IS COLD
Dogs can get cold, just like people, despite their fur coats. Animals that are outside too long in the cold can start to shiver if they are not able to get inside to warm up. Smaller dogs are more susceptible to becoming chilled in the cold than big dogs, but any size dog can get too cold if they are outside when the temperatures are not very high. Dogs can wear jackets and dog booties when they go outside in the snow or the cold to play, but they should never be left outdoors long-term when the weather is quite cold.
2. DOG IS IN PAIN OR HAS AN ILLNESS
Dogs that are in pain can shake as an expression of the discomfort that they are in. These animals might also be lethargic, act disinterested in food or water, and seem to generally just not feel well. You will need to consider taking your pet to see your veterinarian right away when they stop eating and drinking, even if the shaking is mild.
3. DOG HAS A FEVER
Dogs can get fevers just like people. Some illnesses or even some pain conditions can lead to a fever that can make your dog feel chilled and thus start to shiver. Usually, only very high fevers cause shivering in dogs, so this is often a warning sign of a major problem that might need emergency attention from a vet.
4. DOG IS FEELING STRESS OR FEAR AND ANXIETY
Dogs that are stressed, scared, or anxious can shake as well. This can be related to a change of scenery, moving to a new place, or even meeting new animals at the dog park.
Stress in dogs may also arise with a visit to the vet, or any other unfamiliar location. Dogs that are fearful by nature might shake often, but that does not mean that this kind of shaking is a sign of a medical condition. Anxiety in dogs is another common problem and cause of shaking. You can still take your dog to the vet for help with their anxiety, as they are some medications that can keep animals from being so upset when their environment changes.
5. DOG IS EXCITED ABOUT SOMETHING
As any dog parent has witnessed their dog getting the zoomies or whirling in circles, dogs do feel excitement. And yes,dogs can also shake when they feel excited.
This is more common in breeds that are hunting dogs, like Beagles, Brittany Spaniels, English Pointers, and others. But it can happen to any dog that is excited. The more intense a dog’s excitement, often the more intense their shaking. This can make people think that their pet is sick when in reality, they just need to be allowed to release some of their nervous energy through play or exercise.
6. DOG IS IN OLD AGE
It is very common for older dogs to shake as they can develop tremors or weakness as they age. This can be related to weakening joints, arthritic pain, or even just general old age. Your vet can help you to assess and treat the symptoms of old age, but tremors can be part of the aging process for some dogs. Certain breeds are more prone to this symptom than others as well, meaning that you might need to expect this to be part of your dog’s aging process, depending upon their breed.
WHY IS MY DOG SHAKING WHILE SLEEPING?
Ah, snoozing away…but you might notice your dog making twitchy movements when he or she is sleeping. This could indicate that your dog is dreaming. Yes! Scientists believe that dogs do dream! Unless they’re causing harm to themselves or others while sleeping, there is no need to jolt them out of their slumber.
Another reason your dog may be shivering while sleeping is simply because he or she is cold. See if your cuddles stop the shaking. Your dog’s skin may need your body warmth to stop the shivers. Check the room temperature to see if that would be a logical reason for your dog’s shaking.
When your dog is shaking or shivering during sleep, it could be a sign of something serious like:
Distemper
Generalized Tremor Syndrome
Your dog is in pain
These could all be reasons why your dog is shaking while sleeping, which is why you’ll need to take your dog to be seen by a VEG vet. One of our experienced ER vets will diagnose your dog and provide proper treatment options on the spot.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY DOG IS SHAKING?
If your dog is shaking, you might not be sure what to do for them. In most cases, a trip to the vet is a good idea, just to rule out health conditions that might be causing your dog to be in pain or feel anxious. If your dog is shaking from excitement only, exercise and proper management of its environment can make a big impact on this behavior. Fearful or high-drive animals might also benefit from some medication provided by a vet to help with their anxious feelings.
Shaking in dogs can also be a precursor to more serious conditions that have to do with seizures, so you could need to have your primary care vet look at your dog to be sure that the shaking that you are seeing is not a warning sign of seizures.
If your pet ever becomes unconscious and you’re unable to get their attention while they are shaking, please contact a VEG emergency vet immediately, as it may be a more serious condition that needs prompt treatment.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY DOG IS SHAKING AND THROWING UP?
If your dog is shaking and starts to have other symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or urinates themselves, it’s time to see an emergency veterinarian at VEG. Vomiting and diarrhea can cause dehydration if it continues, so don’t delay. The sooner your dog is examined and diagnosed, the sooner he or she can receive proper treatment.
SHOULD I BE WORRIED IF MY DOG IS SHAKING?
You may be wondering if you should go to the vet if your dog is shaking. As discussed, shaking in dogs can be caused by many different things. While excitement and anxiety can be the reason for your dog’s shaking, you should never assume that your dog is not in pain or that they are not experiencing other kinds of health conditions. Contacting an emergency veterinarian at VEG can assist you in determining if your dog is experiencing an emergency and you should seek prompt treatment.
VEG ER FOR PETS - 24-HOUR EMERGENCY VET HOSPITAL
No matter the reason for your dog’s shaking behavior, you will want to ensure that you pay attention to the issue and seek a resolution. Contact your nearest VEG location if you have any questions about your dog shaking. You will always speak directly to an ER-trained veterinarian who has your dog’s health and best interest in mind.
