6 Things That Could Cause Your Dog to Shake

Do you have a dog who shakes a lot? Or has your dog just recently started shaking? Are you concerned about what might be causing this behavior in your pet? Is there anything you need to do to help?

If you’ve ever found yourself asking questions like these about your pet, you’re not alone. In the article below, you’ll find information about some of the most common causes of shaking behavior in dogs such as fear, anxiety, excitement, pain, fever and more. You can use this information to determine when your dog’s shaking might be nothing to worry about, and when it might be something more serious to bring up with your veterinarian.

1. Fear and Anxiety

Fear and anxiety can cause shaking and trembling in dogs. These causes typically lead to short-term shaking that resolves when the dog feels safe again. If your dog is afraid of fireworks, for example, they may hide and shake when hearing them happening outside, but they will be fine the next day.

If your dog is exceptionally anxious, they may need to be put on a daily anti-anxiety medication. This type of medication can help your dog remain calmer and cut down on shaking as a fear response, too. Talk to your vet if you think anxiety medication can help your pet.

2. Excitement

Many dogs of all sizes and ages tremble and shake when they get excited about something. If your dog’s shaking mostly occurs when greeting you at the door or when waiting for a favorite treat, you don’t have to worry—these are perfectly normal types of shaking and are not a cause for concern.

Dogs may also shake when they’re waiting to be fed, even if they have already been fed once or twice the same day. This type of shaking is still normal, and it is often just part of dog parent!

3. Pain

Pain can typically cause shaking, depending on the source and cause of the pain. However, this type of shaking may be localized to the problem area. For example, a dog with arthritis in their back legs may have trembling legs and hips, but the rest of their body may not shake the same way.

If your dog is shaking all over and whining, they may be in pain or could be feeling very sick. Take your dog to the veterinarian, as these symptoms often indicate that they have eaten something dangerous or toxic. Go to the emergency vet if you feel it is necessary.

4. Fever

Just like humans, dogs may sometimes shake and tremble when they have a fever. If your dog is shaking and seems to be sick, be sure to check their temperature, as they could have a dangerously high fever. If your dog’s fever is very high or if it lasts longer than a day, take them to the emergency vet.

Fever is a symptom, not a condition. Therefore, a dog with a fever should be checked out by the regular vet as soon as possible. They may need treatment for an underlying health problem.

5. Seizure

Seizure is common in dogs, and many dogs are diagnosed regularly with epilepsy. If your dog has a seizure for the first time, or if they have a seizure that lasts longer than five minutes, they need to be seen by an emergency vet right away. However, otherwise, seizures are not too concerning in dogs.

Dogs who are diagnosed with epilepsy may need medication to prevent them from having frequent seizures. In many cases, though, dogs do not need medication at all and may only have one or two seizures per year. Your vet can give you more information specific to your dog if diagnosed with epilepsy.

6. Shaker Syndrome

Although it may sound like something serious, shaker syndrome is nothing to worry about. This condition affects small dogs, typically those that are white in color, and causes them to shake and tremble much of the time.

This condition is the cause of many little dogs trembling even when they have nothing to be shaking about. It is a neurological condition, but it isn’t a cause for concern. Your vet can give you more information about shaker syndrome if your pet is diagnosed with this condition.

Keep an Eye on Your Dog’s Shaking and When it Happens

Based on this information, you can see how many different potential causes of shaking there are in dogs. Although most shaking is nothing to worry about, there is always a chance that your dog could have a serious underlying health problem that needs to be addressed by a professional.

If you suspect your dog may have a serious problem, or if their shaking has just started suddenly, take them to Boston Veterinary Clinic to be checked out right away. Otherwise, however, it is probably okay to wait and see if they develop any other symptoms or if they are just shaking due to specific situations.