- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Shaking refers to voluntary or involuntary muscle movements. In dogs, these movements may resemble trembling, shivering, twitching, or a full-body shake.
Some shaking is perfectly natural—dogs might tremble with excitement when you come home or do a full-body shake after a bath. In some cases, though, shaking can be a sign that something’s wrong.
Emotional distress and underlying medical conditions can cause dogs to tremble or shake more than usual. It’s always best to check in with your vet about shaking that’s ongoing, doesn’t seem seem tied to a specific trigger, or happens with other symptoms.
Read on to discover possible causes of your dog’s shaking and learn how to tell the difference between harmless shaking and shaking that could point to an underlying concern.
Medical Reasons Why Dogs Shake
Sometimes, shaking can be your dog’s way of telling you something isn’t right with their health. If your dog shows any of the signs below, you’ll want to take them to a vet right away.
Pain
Dogs in pain may shake in response to discomfort,” says Dr. Jamie Richardson, head of veterinary medicine at Small Door Vet. She adds that they might also limp, whine, avoid your touch, or show changes in their usual posture.
Metabolic imbalances
“Fluctuations in electrolytes or blood sugar levels can disrupt nerve function and lead to tremors or shaking in dogs,” says Dr. Lauren Witter, veterinarian at
Dogs experiencing these imbalances might also seem weak, disoriented, or unusually lethargic. The shaking may occur off and on, but if it keeps happening, it’s best to take your dog to the vet—especially if you notice any other symptoms.
Exposure to poison or toxins
“Ingesting toxic substances, like chocolate, xylitol, or certain plants, can affect a dog’s nervous system, leading to muscle tremors or full-body shaking as the body reacts to the toxin,” Dr. Richardson says.
This kind of shaking usually happens suddenly, along with other symptoms like vomiting, restlessness, or muscle stiffness.
Poisoning is a medical emergency, and it’s important to take your dog to the emergency vet right away.
Infection
According to Dr. Witter, bacterial, fungal, or viral infections can cause fever and discomfort, which may lead a dog to shake as their body tries to regulate its temperature and fight off the illness.
Other possible symptoms include loss of appetite, nasal discharge, or fatigue. Shaking caused by an infection tends to get worse over time, so take your dog to the vet if their symptoms don’t improve.
Epilepsy
Epileptic dogs may experience tremors or full seizures. These often involve sudden, rhythmic muscle movements, along with drooling, stiffness, and sometimes, loss of consciousness.
If your dog seems spaced out before or after shaking, make an appointment with your vet to rule out seizures. A single, short seizure may not be an emergency, but seizures lasting longer than five minutes or occurring in clusters require immediate veterinary care.
Distemper
Canine distemper is a serious and potentially fatal viral illness that affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems.
Symptoms include eye and nose discharge, coughing, stomach issues, and fever. Tremors and other neurological symptoms can occur in more advanced stages of the disease.
Ear infections
“Ear discomfort can lead to head shaking or body tremors as the dog tries to ease the irritation or pain,” Dr. Richardson explains, adding that this discomfort can be caused by infection, mites, or foreign objects.
Dogs with an ear infection may also paw at their ears or have visible discharge. Untreated ear infections can lead to ongoing pain, balance problems, or even permanent ear damage and hearing loss.
Allergies
An allergic reaction can trigger histamine release, and dogs may shake or itch to help ease the irritation, Dr. Witter says.
Shaking is especially common with ear or skin allergies. If you suspect your dog may have allergies, ask your vet about testing and treatment options.
Generalized tremor syndrome (GTS)
GTS, also called “white shaker dog syndrome,” causes full-body tremors, typically in young to middle-aged small breeds. It’s often idiopathic, which means the cause is unknown, but it can be treated with medications.
Dogs with this condition may shake continuously but otherwise appear alert.
Another rare tremor disorder, sometimes called shaky puppy syndrome, is caused by a genetic mutation and may cause shaking in Weimaraner puppies.
Normal Reasons a Dog Shakes and Trembles
Many dogs tremble for reasons tied to their personality, physical condition, or environment. Most of the causes below aren’t serious—but a few are worth paying attention to, just to make sure they don’t get worse.
Excitement
“Some dogs shake when they’re overly excited or stimulated, like during playtime or when greeting their favorite people,” Dr. Richardson says. “This type of shaking is typically harmless and stops once the dog calms down.”
Cold
Dogs can shiver when cold as a way to generate body heat through muscle activity, just like people do, Dr. Richardson explains. This is especially common in small or short-haired breeds.
If temperatures fall below 45°F, it’s best to limit outdoor time or outfit your dog with a jacket. Inside, make sure they have plenty of blankets and a warm bed.
Water
Dogs often shake instinctively after getting wet in the bath, after swimming, or during a walk in the rain. Shaking helps dry their fur and regulate their body temperature, so a wet dog shaking is nothing to worry about.
Breed disposition
Some breeds, particularly small or high-energy ones like Chihuahuas or Terriers, are more prone to trembling. These dogs may shake when excited, nervous, or even when resting. It’s just a natural part of their behavior and nothing to worry about, unless it suddenly changes or intensifies.
Age
Senior dogs may shake more frequently due to muscle weakness, joint pain, or age-related neurological decline. While some age-related shaking is natural, it’s best to talk to your vet about any frequent or worsening tremors.
Overexercise
Dogs may tremble after intense play or long walks due to muscle fatigue or overheating. If your dog has been very active, make sure they drink plenty of water, get some rest, and stay cool.
Behavioral Reasons a Dog Shakes and Trembles
Certain types of shaking may point to underlying behavioral issues, like fear, anxiety, or difficulty coping with stress.
While these behaviors may not require immediate attention from a vet, they’re worth monitoring, especially if the shaking happens often or continues over time. Consistent, long-term support and training can help improve this type of shaking.
Fear or anxiety
“Stressful situations like thunderstorms, vet visits, or separation anxiety can trigger the release of stress hormones, causing the dog to tremble or shake as part of the fight-or-flight response,” Dr. Richardson says.
This type of shaking is usually temporary, but it may get worse over time if unaddressed. If your dog seems stressed often, helpful approaches include behavioral training, calming treats, or anxiety treatments.
Destressing or calming
A shake can act as a “reset” for dogs after a period of tension. In short, it acts as a way for them to release built-up energy.
If your dog seems to have trouble calming down after the shake-off or appears to be stuck in a heightened state, it may help to work with a trainer or behaviorist who can help support your dog with emotion regulation.
FAQs About Shaking and Trembling in Dogs
What’s the difference between shaking and seizures?
Seizures are sudden, involuntary electrical disturbances in the brain that can cause rhythmic shaking, jerking movements, drooling, and loss of consciousness.
Shaking can be voluntary or involuntary and may happen due to pain, low blood sugar, cold, fear, anxiety, or excitement. In these cases, the dog will generally stay conscious and responsive to their surroundings.
Is it common for dogs to suddenly start shaking?
It depends on the situation. Sudden shaking can happen from fear, cold, or excitement, but it can also signal a medical issue or emergency, especially if your dog has other symptoms.
What does it mean if my dog is shaking and panting?
A combination of shaking and panting can suggest stress, anxiety, pain, or overheating. If these symptoms continue or get worse, you’ll want to schedule an appointment with your vet.
Why is my dog shaking and not leaving my side?
Clinginess paired with shaking can mean your dog is scared, sick, or in pain. If this behavior continues, it’s generally best to check in with your vet.
What if my dog is shaking and not eating?
Loss of appetite along with shaking shaking is a red flag for illness or pain, so you’ll want to make an appointment with your vet as soon as possible.
Do dogs ever shake for no reason?
Shaking in dogs will typically have some trigger, even if this cause isn’t clear right away. That said, the trigger isn’t necessarily serious, though—your dog might be excited or trying to dry off after a walk in the rain.
Why is my dog shaking in his sleep?
Twitching or shaking during sleep is often a sign your dog is dreaming. However, if the movements seem intense or seizure-like, consult your vet.
