Dog Shivering and Trembling: Common Causes and Treatments
A few of the more common causes of shaking, shivering, trembling, or tremors in dogs include:
Distemper. Caused by a virus, canine distemper most often occurs in puppies and adolescent dogs that havent been fully vaccinated. Its a common cause of tremors in dogs. Other signs of distemper include eye and nose discharge, fever, coughing, and other symptoms.
Treating distemper generally involves supportive care while your dogs immune system fights the virus. Treatment may also include antibiotics, airway dilators, physical therapy, and fluids to help manage dehydration.
Generalized Tremor Syndrome (GTS). GTS is also called steroid responsive tremor syndrome or white shaker dog syndrome. First noticed in small, white dogs such as Maltese and West Highland white terriers, it can occur in dogs of any size, breed, or color. No one knows what causes GTS.
GTS symptoms usually start between 9 months and 2 years of age. Treatment generally consists of corticosteroids like prednisone. Results can often be seen within a week of starting treatment.
Nausea. Just like people, dogs can get nauseous from motion sickness, medication, eating too much, or eating the wrong thing, such as a toxic plant. They also can get nausea from kidney or liver disease, as well as other diseases. Shaking may be a sign that your dog is nauseous. Other signs include listlessness, lip smacking, swallowing or salivating more than usual, hiding, yawning, and vomiting.
Treatment for nausea depends on whats causing it. Poisoning is one cause of nausea. So, if your dog is suddenly vomiting or appears nauseous and you know what they may have ingested, call your vet or the Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately.
Old Age and Pain. As dogs get older, some develop tremors in their hind legs. Sometimes, the tremors may be in the front legs, as well. These tremors usually dont affect how your dog moves or walks.
Its easy to assume that symptoms like shaking legs are due to your dog “just getting older.” But trembling can also be a sign of other issues such as pain. So, always talk to your vet if your aging pet develops tremors.
Poisoning. Several toxins or poisons can cause tremors or shaking in dogs. Some of these are harmless to people but toxic to your pet. For instance, items that can be poisonous for dogs include: chocolate, cigarettes(which can cause nicotine poisoning), and xylitol, the sugar substitute found in many chewing gums. Snail baits containing metaldehyde can also cause severe muscle tremors and convulsions.
Symptoms of poisoning can vary. They include tremors, weakness, disorientation, depression, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and seizures. If you think your dog has swallowed anything potentially toxic, call your vet right away. Or call the Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
Seizure Disorders. Epilepsy, a neurological disorder, can affect dogs. Symptoms may include collapsing, jerking, stiffening, muscle twitching, loss of consciousness, drooling, chomping, tongue chewing, or foaming at the mouth. Dogs can fall to the side and make paddling motions with their legs. Treatment includes medications to control seizures, such as keppra, phenobarbital or potassium bromide.Â
Excitement. You really dont have to do much to make a dog happy. Just your coming home at night is more than enough to make some dogs shake, bark, even urinate with excitement. While dogs often grow out of some of these traits, you can help your canine companion calm down by keeping your greetings calm and brief. You may want to train them to sit before offering a greeting in return.Â
Generalized Tremor Syndrome
Some small dogs “just tremble.” Anyone who’s been around a few Chihuahuas or Miniature Pinschers will agree that many of these little dogs tremble a lot. Experts haven’t been able to nail down exactly why, but it could be that small dogs are cold more often, they’re more anxious, or another unknown reason.
Be concerned if the trembling is a new behavior or if it accompanies other changes in your dog’s behavior. If your small dog trembles a lot, especially if it worsens with stress or hinders normal activity, ask your vet about it.
Your vet can assess muscle tone and check for other reasons your dog might be trembling. She may diagnose your dog with Generalized Tremor Syndrome (GTS), which can be treated with corticosteroids.
Anxiety
Anxiety is not “normal” for dogs, but it certainly is incredibly common. In fact, according to Medical News Today, more than 70 percent of doggos suffer from some kind of anxiety—whether its separation anxiety or otherwise. If your dog is prone to anxiety, this—or general fear and stress, even—may be at the root of your dogs shaking.
“The emotions of fear, stress, or anxiety can be just as intense in dogs as they are in humans and they can manifest as shaking,” Dr. Bonk explains. “Thats because stress hormones—such as cortisol—are released when a dog is anxious, fearful, or stressed, which can lead to muscle-shaking as the body prepares itself for fight or flight. You may also notice that your dog seems jumpy, is hiding, not eating, or has become aggressive if they are feeling these strong emotions.”
Not sure what to do if your dog is experiencing anxiety-related shaking? Get to the source, Dr. Bonk says; after all, the shaking, in this case, is just a symptom.
“Try to find out what is causing your dogs fear or stress. It may be an approaching storm, fireworks, a strange dog in the neighborhood, or a houseguest,” Dr. Bonk suggests. “Try to reduce these stresses or give them a safe spot to be. For dogs with chronic stress or anxiety, behavioral therapy or medications may be necessary.”
How To Treat Dog Shaking Naturally
If you have noticed that your dog is shaking, trembling, or shivering frequently, you may be worried about your pets health. While there are many things that can cause shaking in dogs—from the benign, like coldness or over-excitement, to medical issues, like a virus or nausea—it can be tricky to discern whats causing your pups discomfort.
“There are many reasons why a dog might shake, some more serious than others,” Dr. Chyrle Bonk, DVM and veterinarian expert for Hepper.com, tells Parade. “You’ll know that your dog’s shaking needs immediate attention if they are showing any other signs.”
Not sure whats causing your dog to inexplicably shake? Keep reading for all the reasons—medical and otherwise—why dogs might be trembling, according to veterinary experts.