Why Is My Dog Shaking or Trembling?

Call your vet now if

• Your dog is shaking and may have eaten something toxic, such as chocolate, xylitol (found in some sugar-free gum, sweets and peanut butter) or slug pellets
• Shaking comes with vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling or not eating
• Your dog is wobbly, falling over, or cannot stand properly
• Your dog collapses, or has a seizure-like episode with paddling legs, stiffness or loss of awareness
• Your dog seems to be in pain — hunched, crying out, reluctant to move, or protective of part of the body
• The trembling is severe, getting worse, or does not stop when your dog is warm and calm
• Your dog seems weak, confused or very lethargic

Common, harmless reasons for shaking

Many causes of shaking are part of normal life and settle quickly.

Feeling cold. Shivering is the body's way of making heat. Small dogs, young puppies, older dogs, and dogs with thin coats or little body fat feel the cold more. Coming in from a wet walk, a cold floor or a draughty room can all set off shivering. A warm towel, a cosy bed and a coat for walks in winter can help. Our guide to cold weather care has more ideas.

Excitement. Some dogs tremble with excitement when you come home, when the lead comes out or when they see a favourite person. This tends to come with a waggy body and stops once they calm down.

Small breeds. Some small and toy breeds seem to shake more readily than larger dogs, both from cold and from excitement or nerves. If your small dog has always done this and is otherwise well, it may simply be how they are, but any change in the pattern is worth noting.

After exercise or a bath. Tired muscles can twitch, and a damp coat can make a dog feel chilly.

Fear, stress and anxiety

Fear is a very common reason for trembling. Fireworks, thunderstorms, car journeys, the vet's waiting room and unfamiliar places can all trigger it. A frightened dog may also pant, pace, hide, tuck their tail, flatten their ears, or try to escape.

To help a frightened dog:

• Stay calm and offer gentle reassurance if your dog wants it. Comforting a scared dog does not "reward" the fear.
• Provide a safe, den-like space where they can retreat.
• Close curtains and play background sound to muffle loud noises.
• Never punish fearful behaviour.

If your dog is regularly very frightened, speak to your vet. There are behavioural approaches and other support that can make a real difference. Our guide to fireworks and noise fear explains how to prepare ahead of the season, and our guide to understanding dog body language can help you spot early signs of stress.

When shaking can be more serious

Shaking is a general sign, not a diagnosis, and it can be linked to conditions that need prompt attention.

Pain. Dogs often hide pain, and trembling may be one of the few clues. Back or neck pain, tummy pain and joint pain can all cause shaking. You might also notice your dog standing hunched, being reluctant to jump or climb stairs, or not wanting to be touched in a certain place.

Poisoning. Several common toxins can cause trembling, twitching or seizures. These include chocolate, xylitol, slug pellets, some human medicines, certain plants and some mouldy foods. If there is any chance your dog has eaten something harmful, call your vet or a pet poison helpline straight away, even if your dog seems otherwise well. Take the packaging with you if you can. Our toxic foods page lists common dangers, and if chocolate is the concern, see my dog ate chocolate.

Feeling unwell. Nausea, a high temperature, or a general illness can cause shivering. A dog who is shaking and also vomiting, off their food or very quiet should be seen by a vet.

Weakness or neurological problems. Trembling that comes with wobbliness, a head tilt, unusual eye movements or difficulty standing can point to a problem with the nervous system or balance, and needs prompt veterinary attention.

Older dogs. Some older dogs develop a mild tremor, often in the back legs, which can be related to muscle weakness or joint discomfort. It is still worth mentioning to your vet so they can check whether anything is causing pain.

If you think your dog is having a seizure

A seizure can look like violent shaking, but your dog will usually seem unaware of their surroundings. They may fall onto their side, paddle their legs, go stiff, drool, chomp their jaws, or lose control of their bladder or bowels. It is frightening to watch, but try to stay calm.

• Keep them safe. Move furniture or objects away so they cannot hurt themselves, and keep them away from stairs and water. Do not try to hold them down.
• Keep your hands away from their mouth. Dogs do not swallow their tongues, and you could be bitten without your dog meaning to.
• Time it. Note when it started and when it stopped. Seizures often feel much longer than they are.
• Keep the room quiet and dim if you can, and keep other pets and children away.
• Call your vet as soon as it is safe to do so. If a seizure lasts more than a few minutes, or your dog has one seizure after another without recovering in between, this is an emergency and they need to be seen straight away.

After a seizure, many dogs are confused, wobbly, restless or temporarily blind for a while. Stay with them, speak softly and let them recover in a safe place. If you can, take a short video of any episode, as it can be very helpful to your vet.

Keeping a record

Whether shaking is occasional or frequent, a record helps. Note when it happens, how long it lasts, what was going on at the time, and any other signs you noticed. Logging these details in Petopedia helps you give your vet a clear picture, which can be especially useful if episodes come and go.

The key takeaway

Shaking from cold, excitement or a loud noise usually passes once your dog is warm and settled. Shaking that comes with other signs of illness, pain, wobbliness or possible poisoning needs a vet's advice straight away. When in doubt, call your vet.