Why Is My Dog Shaking? What You Need to Know
Dogs are just like humans and can shake for several reasons. For example, it might be a natural response to fear or it may indicate an underlying health issue.
Understanding why will allow us to to take the right steps in ensuring their comfort.
Reasons Why Your Dog May Be Shaking
1. They’re In Pain
Dogs will hide their pain for as long as possible; it’s an evolutionary trait that they picked up from their ancestors.
Unfortunately, it’s only when the pain becomes unbearable that their facade cracks and we start to notice something is off.
One of these tell-tale signs is shaking. You might also notice changes in their everyday behavior. For example, they might start whining, limping, or refuse to move from a spot in the house.
If you suspect your dog is in pain, don’t wait – bring them to the vet right away. It can be anything from a sprained paw to an internal injury and there’s just no way to know without proper testing.
The longer you wait, the more painful it will be for them. Depending on the cause, it can also affect the treatment outcomes.
2. They’re Cold
Dogs can get cold if they’re exposed to cold temperatures for long periods.
This is especially true for breeds with shorter coats. Take chihuahuas, for example, they get cold easily due to their short fur and small size.
On the other hand, there are dogs like huskies, which are resilient to low temperatures due to their thick double-layered coats. Having said that, they can still get cold if they’re left in extreme temperatures for too long.
Aside from shaking, a dog that’s cold may also whine and bark. If they’re walking on a cold surface, they might try to lift their paws from the ground. Another indicator is if your dog is refusing to move.
If walks in the snow are common where you live, we recommend investing in a pair of doggy booties.
3. They May Have Epilepsy
Some neurological conditions such as epilepsy can cause a dog to shake involuntarily.
Unlike the shaking that comes from excitement or fear, this type of shaking is due to abnormal electrical activity in the brain and is usually much more intense.
This happens if the nerve cells in the brain send signals too quickly, which overloads the system and causes seizures.
These seizures will not only cause shaking but can also cause other symptoms such as muscle contractions, abnormal movement, drooling, or stiffness in the legs. Some dogs may also whine or lose bladder control.
Depending on the type of seizure, symptoms can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. Once they recover, they may also appear weak, disoriented, or confused.
If you suspect your dog has epilepsy, take them to the vet right away. If you can, try to record the seizures so you can show the vet; that’ll help them better diagnose your pup as different seizures may require different types of treatment.
4. They’re Super Excited
You can usually tell when a dog is excited by looking at their tail. But tail-wagging isn’t the only way they show their excitement; some dogs will also start shaking and it’ll usually be accompanied by other signs such as jumping or licking.
The shaking itself is usually involuntary and due to a surge of adrenaline – the same hormone that triggers the flight-or-fight response.
If the shaking is accompanied by pacing, whining, or hiding, however, it may be due to anxiety, in which case, you may want to bring your dog to the vet for an assessment.
5. They’re Scared or Stressed
If your dog is shaking and panting, it may be due to fear, stress, or anxiety. For example, it’s not uncommon for some dogs to shake when going to the vet. Some may even try to get away.
Fireworks and loud noises are another common trigger. Unlike us, dogs don’t understand where the noises are coming from and can find them startling; this can cause a surge of adrenaline, which can lead to shaking and trembling.
Their bodies may also release cortisol, a stress hormone that can cause further shaking.
In the case of fireworks, the best way to calm your dog is to give them a safe space. Set up a quiet area in the house with their favorite blankets and bed and make use of their crate if they’re comfortable with it.
In situations where the trigger is inevitable (e.g. going to the vet), they may benefit from taking anti-anxiety medications.
This is the case for our dog, who takes both trazodone and gabapentin before his vet appointments. While the drugs don’t ‘knock him out’, they do make him drowsy and thus a lot calmer.
6. They Have Hypothyroidism
Dogs have a small butterfly-shaped gland called the thyroid behind their neck. It produces important hormones that manage bodily functions such as heart rate and metabolism.
Not only that but they also play a crucial role in regulating body temperature.
If the thyroid isn’t able to produce enough hormones, the dog’s metabolism will drop, causing their core temperature to go down. This can make a dog – even one that used to love running in the snow – shiver in the cold.
This was true for our dog, who developed hypothyroidism when he was four years old.
As a puppy, he loved frolicking in the snow but that year, he started shivering in the house and became reluctant to go outside, even if it was just to the backyard. He also gained a lot of weight, which is another classic symptom of hypothyroidism.
Fortunately, he was able to get diagnosed and is now doing great – he just needs to take a pill in the morning and go for regular blood tests.
For those who are wondering, an effective dog hypothyroidism natural treatment does not exist; they will need medications from the vet.
7. They Ate Something Poisonous
Dogs are notorious for eating things that aren’t edible. While some things will only cause stomach upset, others such as chocolate or xylitol can result in serious poisoning. This can cause seizures, which can result in visible shaking.
They may also exhibit symptoms such as lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, and drooling. Without prompt medical attention, it can cause organ failure and even death.
Given that, it’s crucial to take them to the vet right away. The longer you wait, the more it will wreak havoc on their body
To ensure proper treatment, make sure to let your vet know what your dog ate. If you can, bring it with you to the vet office. This is particularly true for mushrooms as they will need to be identified since some can be extremely toxic.
8. They’re Dreaming
Don’t worry if your dog is shaking in their sleep, they are likely just dreaming. For example, it’s not uncommon for some dogs to twitch and shake their legs while catching a snooze.
While we’ll never know for sure, some evidence suggests that dogs act out their dreams, meaning they may try to ‘run’ or ‘jump’ while sleeping and that to us, can appear as twitching or shaking.
