Symptom · Dogs
Dog shaking or trembling: what it means and when to call the vet
Dogs shake when cold, excited or frightened. Shaking with other signs — vomiting, weakness, pain, wobbliness — or trembling that doesn’t stop, may mean pain, poisoning or illness and needs a vet.
By Maya HartCommon causes
- Cold — especially small, thin-coated breeds
- Fear, anxiety or excitement
- Pain, often from the back or belly
- Nausea
- Poisoning
- Low blood sugar, particularly in toy-breed puppies
- Generalised tremor syndrome ("shaker syndrome")
- Old age weakness in the back legs
What you can do at home
- Warm up a cold dog with a blanket or coat
- Remove triggers of fear and offer a quiet space
- Offer a little honey on the gums for a weak toy puppy and call the vet
- Note when the shaking happens and film it
What the vet may do
- Examine for pain and fever
- Blood tests including sugar and calcium
- Decontamination and treatment if poisoning is suspected
- Pain relief or anxiety management
Prevention
- Coats for small or thin dogs in cold weather
- Keep toxins out of reach
- Frequent meals for toy-breed puppies
The details
Chihuahuas and Italian Greyhounds shiver in weather other dogs barely notice, and some dogs tremble with excitement before a walk. That normal shaking stops when the cause does. Trembling that appears along with a hunched back, reluctance to move, panting or hiding is often a sign of pain.
Many poisons cause tremors, including mouldy food, slug pellets and some human medicines, so think about what your dog could have eaten.
Questions owners ask
Is dog shaking or trembling an emergency?
Usually it is not an emergency, but your pet should see a vet within 24 hours. Go now if you see: tremors after possible exposure to chocolate, xylitol, mouldy food, slug pellets or medicines; muscle tremors that won’t stop, or seizures; shaking with collapse, pale gums or a swollen belly; high temperature or heatstroke.
What causes dog shaking or trembling?
Cold — especially small, thin-coated breeds; Fear, anxiety or excitement; Pain, often from the back or belly; Nausea; Poisoning; Low blood sugar, particularly in toy-breed puppies; Generalised tremor syndrome ("shaker syndrome"); Old age weakness in the back legs.
What can I do at home?
Warm up a cold dog with a blanket or coat. Remove triggers of fear and offer a quiet space. Offer a little honey on the gums for a weak toy puppy and call the vet. Note when the shaking happens and film it.
Sources
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts