Dog is trembling due to cold
Like humans, dogs can get cold. Trembling helps regulate their body temperature.
Some dogs are more sensitive to the cold than others — such as puppies, senior dogs and those with a short or thin coat.
Provide a warm dog bed and, if needed, use a dog coat when it’s cold outside. Dry your dog thoroughly after a swim or a walk in the rain, or put a bathrobe on them.
Dog is trembling from excitement
Excitement can also make your dog tremble. For instance, just before feeding, when expecting a treat, or when realising a walk is coming. Sometimes, dogs have so much pent-up energy that it causes trembling.
Dog is trembling due to stress or fear
Stress and fear are major reasons for dogs to tremble. Think of fireworks, thunderstorms or a visit to the vet.
You can often help your dog through behavioural training and supportive supplements.
My dog trembles while sleeping
Dogs dream just like people. During REM sleep, dogs may show physical movements like trembling or muscle twitches. Some may bark or wag their tail. This is completely normal.
Muscle contractions during sleep are natural, just like in humans — a physical process of alternating relaxation and contraction.
Dog is trembling due to pain
Pain can make your dog tremble. You’ll need to try and find the source. It could be back pain, joint pain, or abdominal discomfort.
Pain often comes with other behavioural changes: limping, trouble getting up, avoiding touch on specific areas, or reduced appetite.
Is your dog trembling and showing other unusual signs? Contact your vet — your dog might need pain relief.
Dog is trembling due to fever
Dogs can also have a fever. You can check their temperature by using a rectal thermometer.
Keep in mind: a dog’s body temperature is normally higher than a human’s. A healthy dog has a temperature between 38.0–39.0°C.
Does your dog have a fever? Contact your vet.
Dog is trembling due to old age
Trembling is more common in senior dogs than in healthy adult dogs.
Older dogs may feel insecure due to vision or hearing loss, which can cause trembling. They’re also more sensitive to the cold.
Trembling may also stem from changes in the nervous system.
Other age-related health issues can cause discomfort and lead to trembling. Not sure about your senior dog’s health? Visit your vet for a check-up.
Would you like to support your older dog with supplements? View our range.
Dog is trembling from poisoning
If your dog has eaten something toxic, this may lead to trembling. Some toxic substances affect the nervous system; others cause pain or nausea. Chocolate poisoning can increase body temperature, which in turn causes trembling.
Has your dog eaten something it shouldn’t have? Unsure whether it’s toxic? Contact your vet right away and keep any packaging handy.
Dog is trembling from a neurological disorder
Unfortunately, your dog may tremble due to problems in the nervous system. These may vary in severity.
Let’s go over a few examples.
Dog trembles due to epilepsy
Muscle tremors can be part of an epileptic seizure. These can differ greatly: some dogs may convulse violently with foaming at the mouth, while others only show subtle twitching.
If your dog has frequent seizures, treatment with medication, diet, or supplements may help manage them.
Dog trembles due to movement disorders
Paroxysmal dyskinesia is a hereditary condition caused by faulty nerve transmission in the brain. Trembling can affect the head or one leg and comes in episodes.
This condition has been seen in breeds such as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (episodic falling syndrome) and the Scottish Terrier (Scotty Cramp). It usually appears early in life. There is no treatment.
Another disorder is the Shaker Dog Syndrome, also called “little white shaker syndrome”, which is common in small white dogs. It involves inflammation of the cerebellum, leading to full-body trembling. Trembling worsens with stress and excitement. This condition may be treated with corticosteroids. Breeds affected include the Beagle, Maltese, and West Highland White Terrier.
Dog trembles due to distemper
Canine Distemper Virus is a serious disease. Most dogs are vaccinated at a young age, but some imported puppies may not be.
Distemper can cause respiratory, digestive and skin problems, but also neurological symptoms: epilepsy, muscle weakness, paralysis, cramping, stiffness and pain on touch — which can result in trembling.
Trembling in puppies
Shaking Puppy Syndrome is a congenital defect caused by a lack of myelin, an important substance for nerve signal transmission. Affected puppies tremble continuously, including their head and limbs, and have difficulty walking or eating. Stress can worsen the trembling.
Symptoms usually appear around 2 weeks of age, or later (around 7 weeks) in Golden Retrievers.
There is no cure. In some cases, symptoms lessen with age, but never disappear fully. The severity of the symptoms determines quality of life.
My dog shakes its head
Some dogs suddenly shake their head — up and down, side to side, or even in circles. This is called Head Tremor Syndrome. The cause is unknown but does not stem from an issue in the head itself.
One theory suggests it’s due to irregular reflexes in the neck muscles. A genetic component is not ruled out.
These episodes are usually short (under 5 minutes), happen at rest, and don’t bother the dog. You can often stop the tremor by gently distracting your dog and speaking calmly. That’s what differentiates it from other neurological issues like epilepsy.
Does your dog show other symptoms — dilated pupils, less responsive, unusual behaviour? Then consult your vet!
Dog is trembling due to a medical condition
Besides neurological disorders, other issues may cause your dog to feel unwell — such as pain, fever or stress.
Dogs that are ill usually show more symptoms than just trembling: vomiting, diarrhoea, lameness, refusal to eat…
Unsure whether your dog is sick? Get a vet to examine them.
Still have questions about dog trembling? Contact us via [email protected].
