Why Is My Dog Shaking? Is This Normal?
My dog is shaking, and I’m worried because I’m not sure what could be causing him to do this. Why do dogs shake? Is this normal?
If you’ve ever wondered, “Why is my dog shaking?” you may be surprised to learn that, just like humans, there are many reasons why dogs shake. Common causes include fear, excitement, or anxiety—but shaking might also indicate something more serious, such as pain, an injury, or a medical condition.
Why Do Dogs Shake?
“Dogs may shake or shiver for various reasons,” explains Dr. Julie Cappel, DVM, a veterinarian and veterinary life coach based in Warren, Michigan. “Some may be normal, and some may indicate underlying disease.”
Fear or Anxiety
Some dogs shake when they are feeling fearful or anxious, says Dr. Bethany Hsia, DVM, a veterinarian based in Clovis, California, and a co-founder of CodaPet—a startup supporting a network of mobile veterinarians.
Common causes of fear in dogs include:
- Loud noises
- Unfamiliar environments
- Separation from pet parents
- Thunderstorms
- New people or animals
While anxiety may not necessarily be dangerous, it could be detrimental to your pet’s overall wellness if they’re nervous or anxious most of the time.
If the fear or anxiety is triggered by people or other animals, Dr. Cappel recommends removing your dog from the situation. If the trigger can’t be removed—like during a thunderstorm—she suggests offering distraction or providing a safe, quiet place to hide. You can also try a dog calming aid, such as a pheromone spray or calming treat from furpetvo.com.
Medication may also help ease severe anxiety. “Some highly anxious dogs may be helped by medication, so consult your veterinarian for assistance,” Dr. Cappel says.
Cold
Similar to people, some dogs shake simply because they’re cold—and their body is trying to regulate its temperature. “Shivering is a normal body response to feeling cold, and some dogs that are small or have short coats may shiver in cold weather,” explains Dr. Cappel.
Thankfully, there are quick and easy ways to stop a cold dog from shaking. Bring them into a warm environment and cover them with a blanket—or dress them in a sweater or booties. Just be careful not to overheat your dog: “If they begin to pant, take off the sweater,” she advises.
Excitement
Another common reason a dog shakes is excitement. “Trembling with excitement is normal and natural for many breeds, especially working, sporting, and herding breeds,” says Dr. Cappel. When a dog feels anticipation—like before playtime or waiting for a treat—it can cause them to shiver.
If your dog is shaking due to excitement, it’s nothing to worry about. However, if you’d like them to calm down, simply remove them from the stimulating situation.
Old Age
Older dogs may shiver or shake because they sometimes develop tremors as part of the aging process. “As dogs age, they may experience a decline in muscle control, leading to involuntary shaking or tremors,” explains Dr. Hsia.
If you observe your senior dog shivering or shaking, consult your veterinarian. Since tremors in older dogs can signal an underlying health issue, a veterinary exam helps identify the cause—and guide effective treatment or management.
Pain or Injury
A dog may shake as a result of injury or pain caused by:
- An accident or trauma
- Ingestion of a toxic substance
- An underlying medical condition
Other signs of pain include limping, whimpering, increased sleep, or irritability. “Dogs do not often cry out in pain, so a shaking response may be the only indication of underlying pain,” explains Dr. Cappel. That makes it especially important not to ignore shaking.
A dog shaking due to pain or injury requires prompt attention. “If your dog is shaking due to injury or pain, it is best to seek immediate veterinary care to address the source,” advises Dr. Hsia.
If you suspect your dog has ingested a toxic substance—such as xylitol, chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, alcohol, caffeine, avocado, macadamia nuts, or nutmeg—call the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 right away.
Seizures
Seizures are sudden bursts of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. They can cause tremors, partial shaking, or full grand mal seizures. Causes include low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), epilepsy, infections (like canine distemper), toxins, or meningitis.
“Epilepsy is a seizure disorder caused by a genetic brain problem or unknown cause,” Dr. Cappel explains. It often begins between ages 1 and 5 and can affect any breed.
It’s essential to call your vet immediately if you suspect a seizure. “Often, [grand mal seizures] are violent and obvious—but whenever you notice shaking that appears outside your dog’s control, or they seem unaware of their surroundings, consult a veterinarian immediately,” says Dr. Cappel. Treatment typically involves anticonvulsant medications.
Ear Infection
Head shaking—or full-body trembling—can sometimes point to an ear infection. “Ear infections can cause discomfort, head tilting, and frequent ear scratching, which may lead to generalized shaking,” says Dr. Hsia.
Thankfully, ear infections are treatable. A visit to the vet will likely result in a prescription for antibiotics or medicated ear drops.
Shaker Syndrome
Shaker syndrome—also known as idiopathic generalized tremor syndrome—is believed to be an autoimmune disorder that causes whole-body tremors, especially in the head and limbs.
It’s nicknamed “little white shaker syndrome” because it’s commonly seen in small white breeds like Maltese and West Highland White Terriers—but it can affect dogs of any size or color.
If you suspect shaker syndrome, schedule a vet visit as soon as possible. “Treatment typically involves corticosteroids and other immunosuppressive drugs,” explains Dr. Hsia.
My Dog Is Shaking—Should I See a Vet?
Witnessing your dog shaking may be alarming at times—but context matters. Is your dog shaking while walking outside in freezing weather? Are they trembling during a loud thunderstorm? Those situations are usually harmless.
However, experts recommend scheduling a veterinary visit if:
- The shaking persists for more than a few minutes without an obvious cause
- It’s accompanied by other symptoms like lethargy, vomiting, loss of balance, or disorientation
- Your dog seems weak, unresponsive, or in obvious distress
- You notice tremors that worsen over time or occur frequently
When in doubt, always err on the side of caution. Early detection and professional guidance can make all the difference in your dog’s long-term health and comfort.
