Why Is My Dog Quivering?

Noticing that your dog is shaking, trembling, or quivering can be quite upsetting. It’ll not only make you worry that something is wrong with your pooch, but it’ll also break your heart—trembling dogs look so helpless and vulnerable it could make you cry!

Unfortunately, there are a litany of reasons that dogs may quiver, so it can be difficult to figure out the cause. Further complicating matters, some reasons that dog quiver are pretty harmless, while others signal a potentially serious problem.  

Nine Reasons Your Dog May Be Quivering (and What to Do About It)

There are several reasons you may notice your dog shaking or quivering, but we’ll share nine of the most common causes below to help you figure out what’s going on with your four-footer. 

1. Your dog is cold.

Small breed dogs, younger dogs, and those with thin coats are most likely to quiver because they're cold.

Dogs can get cold just like people can, and they’ll often quiver when they do so. This is most common in smaller dogs and those with thin coats, but even thick-coated, cold-weather-loving breeds can start quivering if they lose too much body heat.

Fortunately, this is a super-easy problem to address: Simply help your pupper get warm! Sweaters, booties, and coats are often helpful, but you may simply have to spend less time outside to keep your dog warm and safe in the winter.

2. Your dog is excited.

If your dog is shaking before going for walks or seeing a favorite friend, it is likely due to excitement.

While many of the causes for dog shaking and quivering are concerning, there’s at least one cause that may make any pet parent smile: Your dog may be quivering because they’re simply excited!

However, while it may be nice to learn that your dog is shaking because they’re just feeling a little “extra,” excitement can lead to behavioral challenges if it becomes excessive or triggers undesirable behaviors. So, you’ll want to reach out to a professional dog trainer if your dog’s excitement level becomes problematic. 

But if you’re able to manage your excitable pooch and provide them with some positive outlets for all that energy, there’s likely no cause for concern.

3. Your dog is frightened or anxious.

Stress and anxiety can both leave your dog shaking with fear.

Unfortunately, lots of furry companions struggle with fear and anxiety, and these problems can cause quivering or shaking in dogs. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to help address these issues.

In some cases, simple lifestyle changes can help solve some of the problems with anxiety, stress, or fear. For example, some dogs tend to feel better if provided with a dark-and-cozy crate to use when they wish. Other dogs may start experiencing less anxiety if provided with more exercise and stimulation throughout the day, such as by playing nosework games

And if lifestyle changes don’t help, you can always reach out to a skilled dog trainer for help. Trainers can often help dogs gain more confidence and teach owners ways to ease their pet’s worries. Additionally, there are a variety of anti-anxiety medications your vet may be able to prescribe for dogs who don’t respond to other treatment strategies.

4. Your dog is in pain.

Injuries, ear infections, or other illnesses can leave your dog shaking in pain.

Pain can cause some dogs to quiver or tremble. But because they often go to great lengths to hide pain, dogs can make it hard to determine what is wrong.

So, start by looking for other signs that may be indicative of pain, such as tense facial expressions, disinterest in eating, or panting. Your dog may also be unwilling to let you touch different parts of their body. For example, many dogs suffering from ear infections or other ear problems do not want their ears touched.

In all cases, be sure to see your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your furry companion is suffering from severe pain. 

5. Your dog is suffering from a seizure.

Seizure disorders can sometimes make dogs shiver or exhibit other signs such as drooling.

Seizures and seizure disorders are some of the most alarming causes of uncontrollable shaking in dogs. Typically, seizures look quite a bit different than “normal” shaking does, but it can be difficult for some pet parents to distinguish between the two. Dogs who’re having seizures will often shake uncontrollably, and they may also fall on their side, drool, vomit, or lose consciousness. Meanwhile, dogs who’re shaking “normally” will still be alert and rarely drool or vomit. 

If you believe your dog is having seizures, contact your vet immediately. Seizures and seizure disorders can be quite serious, but they are often controllable with medications.

6. Your dog is suffering from generalized tremor disorder.  

Generalized tremor syndrome is most common in small, white dog breeds, such as this Maltese.

Generalized tremor syndrome (GTS) is an unusual condition that’s relatively poorly understood. In fact, no one knows what causes it. We only know that it is most common in certain breeds–primarily West Highland white terriers, Maltese, and other small, white-colored dogs (hence another common name for the condition, white shaker dog syndrome).

However, there is good news: It’s treatable. In fact, this condition is sometimes called steroid-responsive tremor syndrome, because corticosteroids are often helpful in reducing the shaking symptoms.

7. Your dog is getting older.

Old age can make dogs shiver or tremble or experience muscle tremors.

Unfortunately, many older dogs start to experience muscle weakness and trembling. Most commonly, this kind of trembling and muscle weakness will occur in the legs (especially the hind legs). 

This kind of age-related quivering is not always cause for concern, but it may also be a sign of joint pain or arthritis. So, you will still want to have your vet examine your pet and determine the exact cause of the issue.

8. Your dog has eaten something toxic.

Toxic substances can be the cause of a dog's shaking.

There are any number of toxic substances that may cause trembling, quivering, or shaking in dogs. A few of the most common culprits include caffeine, xylitol, chocolate, and tobacco, as well as many common pesticides.

These types of substances often trigger additional symptoms, such as vomiting or diarrhea, but it’s always best to err on the side of caution. So, head to your vet or a nearby emergency veterinary clinic if you think your dog ingested something toxic.

9. Your dog is suffering from an illness.

If you notice your dog shaking, it may be a sign that there is a problem with your dog's health, ranging from simple low blood sugar levels to severe illnesses.

A variety of canine illnesses can make dogs shiver, shake, or tremble, including canine distemper, Addison’s disease, or hypoglycemia (a condition that causes low blood sugar).

While treatable, there is no cure for canine distemper. It can even prove fatal in some cases, which helps illustrate the importance of having your dog properly vaccinated; canine distemper is generally only a problem for unvaccinated dogs. Fortunately, Addison’s disease and hypoglycemia are both easy to treat, and dogs with these ailments can often live relatively normal lives.

Get Help Treating Your Dog’s Fear, Overexcitement, or Anxiety

 

Some of the reasons dogs tremble discussed above are completely harmless or easy to fix.

It’s not hard to put a sweater on your pooch or just head indoors if they’re quivering because they’re cold. But on the other hand, things like diseases or seizures will require your vet’s assistance to address.

And then there are things I can help with! I can help you solve problems like canine anxiety and overexcitement, and I can also help teach your dog to stop eating potentially dangerous things they find on the ground.

Head on over to my contact page and drop me a line—I’d love to help you and your pet live a happier, fuller life together.

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