It's one of those moments that can send a little jolt of worry through any of us: you look over, and your furry best friend is shaking. Is it just a funny little quirk, or could something more serious be going on? The truth is, dogs shake for lots of different reasons, ranging from the completely harmless to things that need a closer look from a vet.
We've put this guide together to help you make sense of it all and feel a bit more confident in figuring out what's what.
Understanding Your Dog's Shakes and Trembles
It’s completely natural to feel a pang of concern when you spot your dog trembling. Trust us, you're not the first person to ask, "why does my dog shake?". Our goal here is to walk you through the possibilities together, so you feel equipped and know exactly what to look for. The good news is, many causes are perfectly normal.
Think about that full-body wiggle your dog does when you grab their lead—that’s just pure, unadulterated joy! On the other hand, a little shiver on a frosty morning probably just means they’re feeling the chill. These are the easy-to-spot, everyday behaviours that are nothing to lose sleep over.
Sometimes, though, shaking can be your dog's way of telling you that something isn't quite right. It might be a subtle clue that's part of a bigger picture, especially if you've also noticed your dog is acting strange in other ways due to discomfort or illness.
We want to give you the knowledge to understand your dog’s body language. By learning to tell the difference between the various types of shakes, you can stay calm and feel prepared to give them the best possible care.
To help with that, let's take a look at a quick overview of the most common reasons a dog might be shaking.
Quick Guide to Common Reasons for Dog Shaking
This table sums up some of the most frequent causes to help you identify potential reasons at a glance.
| Cause Category | Common Triggers and Signs | When It's Often Harmless |
|---|---|---|
| Emotional/Behavioural | Excitement (seeing you, getting a treat), fear (loud noises like fireworks), anxiety, or stress. | The shaking stops once the trigger (like the postman leaving) is gone. |
| Physical Sensation | Being cold, feeling pain or discomfort somewhere in the body, nausea. | Warming them up with a blanket or jumper resolves the shivering. |
| Medical Conditions | Poisoning, low blood sugar, kidney issues, neurological disorders (like Generalised Tremor Syndrome). | This category is rarely harmless and almost always needs a vet's attention. |
| Ageing | Weakness in the legs, arthritis, general frailty. Can be more noticeable when standing still. | If it's mild and your vet has already diagnosed a condition like arthritis. |
| Just Being a Dog | Shaking off water after a swim or bath, dreaming, or sometimes for no clear reason at all (idiopathic). | When it's an obvious reaction to a situation, like being wet or asleep. |
Think of this table as your starting point. Now, let's dive a bit deeper into what you should be looking out for.
In this guide, we will explore:
- The most common and harmless reasons for shaking.
- When trembling might signal a health concern.
- How to decide if it's time to call the vet.
Normal Shaking from Excitement, Cold, and Fear
Not every tremble is a sign of trouble brewing. More often than not, it's just your dog's way of dealing with the world, not all that different from how we shiver in the cold or get goosebumps during a scary film. Getting your head around these everyday, harmless reasons for shaking can save you a lot of worry.
One of the best reasons your dog might be shaking is pure, unadulterated excitement. We’ve all seen it: you walk through the door, and your dog turns into a full-body wiggle that seems to start at their nose and doesn't stop until the tip of their tail. Think of it as their version of a happy dance—a physical explosion of joy they just can't hold in.
Shivers from Cold and Fear
Just like us, our dogs get the shivers when they're cold. This is especially true for smaller breeds, dogs with very short coats, or older dogs who find it harder to regulate their body temperature. If you spot your dog trembling on a brisk morning walk, it's likely just their body trying to generate a bit of heat. A cosy jumper or a warm blanket is usually all it takes to make them comfortable again.
Fear is another big one. Loud bangs from fireworks or the rumble of a thunderstorm can be utterly terrifying for our dogs. This kind of shaking is an involuntary response to stress. While a lot of dogs will bark at strange noises, a subtle tremble can be a much clearer sign of genuine fear. Research in Frontiers in Veterinary Science found that while barking is reported by 50% of owners in response to sounds, shaking is a major indicator of true fear or anxiety.
A dog shaking from fear is not unlike us getting a shiver down our spine during a tense moment in a film. It's a physical reaction to feeling unsafe, and our calm, reassuring presence can make a world of difference.
Learning to tell the difference between a happy wiggle and a nervous tremor is the real trick. If you need more help with this, you can read our detailed article on understanding the symptoms of dog anxiety. By simply taking a moment to look at what's going on around them, you can figure out why your dog is shaking and give them what they need, whether that's a warm cuddle or a quiet corner to feel safe in.
When Shaking Points to a Health Problem
While many shakes are perfectly harmless, sometimes they're your dog’s way of waving a little red flag. It's that gut feeling you get when the trembling just seems… different. This is when we need to switch from casual observer to compassionate detective, looking for clues that point towards a health issue.
It can be unsettling, we know. But understanding what to look for is the first step towards getting your friend the help they need. Our aim here isn't to cause alarm, but to give you the knowledge to act swiftly when it really matters.
Pain and Nausea
One of the most common medical reasons for a dog to shake is simply pain. Just like we might tremble after an injury, dogs do the same. This could be from something obvious, like a thorn in their paw, or something less visible like arthritis in an older dog or a sore back.
Nausea is another frequent culprit. If your dog feels sick to their stomach, they may start to tremble. This is often accompanied by other signs that are pretty hard to miss, like drooling or a lack of interest in food.
When your dog is shaking, try to see it as a piece of a larger puzzle. The trembling itself is just one clue; observing their overall behaviour and other symptoms will help you see the complete picture of how they're feeling.
Poisoning and Other Serious Conditions
This is the one we all worry about. If your dog has ingested something toxic—like chocolate, xylitol (a sweetener found in some peanut butters), or certain household plants—shaking can be a serious and urgent symptom.
In these situations, the shaking is often sudden and severe, and you may also notice:
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Excessive drooling
- Lethargy or collapse
- Disorientation
Another, less common cause for trembling is a condition known as idiopathic generalized tremor syndrome. Research shows that for affected dogs, 73% experience tremors that get worse when they try to move, and 82% show a loss of coordination. You can explore the full study about this specific tremor syndrome for more detailed information.
If the shaking is paired with any of these worrying signs, it’s a clear signal to contact your vet immediately. You know your dog best, and trusting your instincts is crucial. Please don't wait and see.
Going Deeper: Neurological and Breed-Specific Tremors
Sometimes, the reason your dog is shaking isn't just a simple case of the shivers or excitement. The cause can go a bit deeper, touching on their nervous system or even their specific breed. While that might sound a little scary, let's unpack what it could mean together, without jumping to any conclusions.
Seizures often come to mind when we see uncontrolled shaking, but it's important to know they're quite different from tremors. During a full-blown seizure, a dog is usually out of it—unresponsive and unaware of what's happening around them. The movements are often more violent and rhythmic. A dog with tremors, on the other hand, is almost always awake and alert.
Remember, a proper diagnosis can only come from your vet. As dog owners, our job is to be sharp-eyed observers. The more information we can gather, the better we can advocate for our furry mates' health and well-being.
Conditions Linked to Specific Breeds
It's a curious fact that some breeds are simply more likely to develop certain types of tremors. This doesn't mean your dog is destined to have them, but knowing about any genetic predispositions can help you connect the dots if you spot something out of the ordinary.
A good example seen across the UK is a condition known as paroxysmal involuntary movement disorder, which pops up quite frequently in Border Terriers. A study involving UK vets found these episodes often begin when the dogs are around three years old. They can be set off by excitement or stress, and the average episode lasts about five minutes. You can dive into the full research to learn more about this breed-specific condition.
Even when the causes sound complex, many of these conditions can be managed really well with the right veterinary care. Knowing what's possible empowers you to get the right help, making sure your companion gets the treatment they need to live a happy, comfortable life.
How to Know When to Call Your Vet
We've covered a lot of ground on why dogs shake, from simple excitement to more serious health issues. Now comes the most important part: figuring out what to do next. It's easy to feel a bit overwhelmed, but the key is to assess the situation calmly and clearly.
Think of yourself as a loving detective. Your job is to notice the little details that paint the bigger picture. Start with the basics. Is this shaking new, or different from their usual happy wiggles? Does it only happen at certain times, like after a meal or in the middle of the night?
The trick is to look beyond the shaking itself and spot the other clues your dog is giving you. Trusting your gut is a big part of it, but having a structured way to think things through can make all the difference.
A Symptom Checker for When Your Dog Is Shaking
To help you organise your thoughts and decide whether to offer comfort at home or seek professional care, we’ve created this straightforward symptom checker. Use it to compare what you're seeing and decide on the best course of action.
| Symptom or Context | Likely Benign (Observe at Home) | Consult Your Vet (Action Recommended) |
|---|---|---|
| Behavioural Triggers | Shaking occurs during predictable events like thunderstorms, car rides, or when you come home. It stops when the trigger is gone. | Shaking is constant or appears randomly without any obvious trigger. |
| Energy Levels | Your dog is otherwise bright, alert, and keen to play or eat. | Your dog is lethargic, weak, or seems uninterested in their usual activities. |
| Physical Symptoms | No other symptoms are present. | Shaking is paired with vomiting, diarrhoea, limping, pacing, or crying out in pain. |
| Eating & Drinking | Appetite and thirst are normal. | Loss of appetite, refusal to drink, or excessive drooling. |
| Consciousness | Fully aware and responsive to you during the episode. | Seems confused, disoriented, or loses consciousness (this is an emergency). |
| Duration & Severity | The shaking is mild, intermittent, and short-lived. | Tremors are severe, continuous, or seem to be worsening over time. |
Remember, this table is just a guide. Every dog is an individual, and you know your companion best. If something just doesn't feel right, it never hurts to get a professional opinion.
A Simple Framework for Your Decision
As you can see from the table, the presence of other symptoms like vomiting or lethargy is a critical factor that points towards needing immediate veterinary attention.
When your dog's shaking is paired with other worrying signs, it's no longer just a curious behaviour—it becomes a clear signal for help. Your quick response in these moments is one of the most important things you can do for their well-being.
Sometimes, despite our best observations, the situation feels like an emergency. Knowing what to do in those critical moments is vital. For more guidance, our guide on essential dog first aid tips for common emergencies can give you the confidence to act swiftly and safely. The most important rule is always this: when you're in doubt, calling your vet is the safest and kindest choice for your companion.
A Few Common Questions About Dog Shaking
As a dog owner, it’s only natural to have a million questions running through your head when you see your pal shaking. It can be worrying, so let's clear up a few of the queries we hear most often to give you a bit more peace of mind.
Is Shaking Really More Common in Small Dogs?
Yes, it often is. If you've got a Chihuahua, a terrier, or another little breed, you’ve probably noticed they tremble more than their larger cousins. You're not just imagining it; there are a couple of good reasons for this.
For starters, smaller dogs have a much higher metabolism and lose body heat faster than big dogs, which makes them feel the cold a lot more. On top of that, some small breeds seem genetically wired to be a bit more prone to excitement or anxiety – both classic triggers for a case of the shakes. While it can just be a quirk of the breed, we should never automatically dismiss it if it's paired with other signs that they're unwell.
It’s easy to write it off as ‘just a small dog thing,’ but always trust your gut. If their shaking pattern changes or just feels different, that could be their way of telling you something isn't quite right.
Can My Dog’s Diet Cause Shaking?
Absolutely, what your dog eats (or doesn't eat) can definitely be a factor in certain situations. The most serious dietary cause is poisoning. If your dog has managed to get their paws on something toxic like chocolate, xylitol (a common sweetener), or certain houseplants, shaking can be a very urgent and severe symptom.
Another possibility is low blood sugar, properly known as hypoglycaemia, which can cause weakness and tremors. This is a particular risk for:
- Very small or toy breeds
- Young puppies who haven't had a meal in a while
- Dogs with diabetes
If you have any inkling that your dog has eaten something poisonous, you need to ring your vet immediately. This is a real medical emergency.
Should I Worry if My Dog Shakes in Their Sleep?
For the most part, you don't need to worry about this one at all. Those gentle shakes, twitching paws, and quiet little whimpers are usually just signs your dog is deep in dreamland. They're probably chasing squirrels in the park or reliving their favourite walk during their REM sleep cycle. It's completely normal and rather sweet to watch.
The only time to be concerned is if the shaking is violent, rhythmic, or if you find it incredibly difficult to wake your dog. That could potentially point to a seizure. But for normal dream-related twitching, it’s best to just let your sleeping dog lie and enjoy their adventures.
At K9 Time, we know that understanding your dog's behaviour is the key to their health and happiness. For personalised care from a trusted local expert, find out more about our one-on-one dog walking services in Sheffield at https://k9time.co.uk.
