What Shaking Looks Like in Dogs
Shaking, trembling, and shivering are used interchangeably by owners, but veterinarians distinguish between several patterns:
Generalized trembling involves the whole body and may indicate cold, fear, pain, fever, toxin exposure, or systemic illness.
Localized tremors affect specific areas (head, limbs, pelvic region) and often have neurological causes.
Head bobbing is a rhythmic, involuntary head movement that may be vertical (“yes-yes”) or horizontal (“no-no”). Often idiopathic (cause unknown) and benign, particularly in English Bulldogs, Boxers, and Doberman Pinschers.
Seizures are distinct from trembling. Seizures involve loss of consciousness, rigid muscles, paddling limbs, jaw chomping, drooling, and sometimes urination or defecation. If you are unsure whether your dog is trembling or seizing, record a video and seek veterinary evaluation.
Possible Causes Ranked by Likelihood
Common Causes (Usually Not Serious)
Cold. Small and toy breeds with thin coats (Chihuahuas, Italian Greyhounds, Miniature Pinschers) shiver to generate heat. This is physiological, not pathological. Solution: provide warmth, sweaters in cold weather.
Fear or anxiety. Thunderstorms, fireworks, vet visits, unfamiliar environments, and separation trigger sympathetic nervous system activation and trembling. The anxiety condition page covers this in detail. Trembling from fear is typically accompanied by other anxiety signs: panting, pacing, hiding, tucked tail, whale eyes.
Excitement. Some dogs tremble when greeting owners, anticipating meals, or during play. This is a normal physiological response in many dogs, particularly small breeds and highly excitable individuals.
Pain. Dogs may tremble when they are in pain but trying to remain still. Abdominal pain (pancreatitis, GI obstruction), musculoskeletal pain (arthritis, disc disease), and urinary obstruction are common pain-related causes of shaking.
Muscle fatigue. After strenuous exercise, dogs may shake from muscle exhaustion, similar to humans. This resolves with rest.
Less Common but Important
Fever. Body temperature above 103 F (39.4 C) causes shivering as the body’s thermostat resets. Fever indicates infection, inflammation, or immune-mediated disease. Unlike cold-shivering, fever-shivering is accompanied by lethargy, warm ears, and often a warm, dry nose.
Toxin exposure. Many toxins cause tremors, including chocolate (theobromine), xylitol, caffeine, snail bait (metaldehyde), certain mushrooms, mycotoxins (moldy food), and some medications. Tremors from toxin exposure typically escalate to seizures without treatment.
Addison’s disease (hypoadrenocorticism). Adrenal insufficiency causing episodic weakness, trembling, vomiting, and collapse. Often misdiagnosed. More common in young to middle-aged females and predisposed breeds (Standard Poodles, Beagles, Great Danes).
Generalized Tremor Syndrome (GTS/White Shaker Syndrome). An inflammatory condition of the central nervous system causing diffuse tremors. Historically described in small white dogs (Maltese, West Highland White Terriers, Bichon Frises) but occurs in dogs of any coat color or size. Tremors are fine, rapid, and affect the whole body. Responds well to corticosteroid treatment.
Serious Neurological Causes
Cerebellar disease. The cerebellum coordinates movement. Diseases affecting it (cerebellar hypoplasia, cerebellar abiotrophy, tumors) cause intention tremors: tremors that worsen when the dog tries to perform a precise movement (like eating from a bowl).
Distemper. The canine distemper virus can cause myoclonus (rhythmic muscle jerking) and tremors, particularly in unvaccinated dogs. This is a serious, often fatal neurological disease. Vaccination is critical.
Degenerative myelopathy. While primarily a disease of the spinal cord causing hind limb weakness, degenerative myelopathy can also produce trembling in the hind end. Most common in German Shepherds, Boxers, and Corgis.
Severity Scale
No Concern
- Brief trembling from cold, excitement, or after exercise
- Stops when the trigger is removed (warmth provided, excitement subsides)
- Dog is otherwise completely normal
Call Your Vet (Within 1-2 Days)
- Trembling that occurs regularly without an obvious trigger
- Trembling accompanied by lethargy, appetite loss, or behavioral changes
- New onset of trembling in a dog over 7 years
- Head tremors (bobbing) that are increasing in frequency
Emergency (Go Now)
- Trembling that worsens into rigidity or seizure activity
- Trembling after known or suspected toxin ingestion
- Trembling with inability to walk, stand, or maintain balance
- Trembling with acute pain (crying, guarding abdomen, inability to get comfortable)
- Trembling with pale or blue gums
- Sudden onset severe, uncontrollable shaking in a previously normal dog
Home Care
For trembling from identifiable benign causes:
- Cold: provide blankets, sweaters, warm environment. Small and thin-coated breeds may need clothing year-round in cold climates
- Anxiety: create a safe space, use white noise or calming music, consider a ThunderShirt. For chronic anxiety, discuss behavioral modification and potential medication with your veterinarian
- Pain: do not give human pain medications (ibuprofen and acetaminophen are toxic). Contact your vet for appropriate pain management. Omega-3 fatty acids and glucosamine/chondroitin may support dogs with chronic joint pain
- After exercise: rest, water, and gradual cool-down. Build exercise tolerance gradually
Breed Predispositions
- Chihuahuas: shiver from cold, excitement, and anxiety frequently due to small size and high metabolic rate
- Maltese and West Highland White Terriers: predisposed to Generalized Tremor Syndrome
- English Bulldogs and Doberman Pinschers: idiopathic head tremors
- Boxers: head tremors, degenerative myelopathy
- German Shepherds: degenerative myelopathy
Longevity Connection
Chronic pain is one of the most underdiagnosed conditions in dogs, and trembling is often a subtle early sign. Dogs with unmanaged arthritis, dental disease, or abdominal pain tremble quietly rather than vocalizing. Proactive pain assessment, especially in senior dogs, improves quality of life and engagement. The Dog Aging Project has identified that dogs with higher levels of social engagement and physical activity show fewer signs of cognitive decline, and pain-induced withdrawal from activity accelerates aging.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my dog shake when it is not cold? Shaking without obvious cold exposure suggests pain, anxiety, nausea, excitement, or a medical condition. Observe the context: does it happen after eating (nausea), during thunderstorms (anxiety), when rising from rest (pain)? Keep a log of when shaking occurs and any associated behaviors to share with your veterinarian.
Can old dogs develop tremors? Yes. Senior dogs can develop tremors from arthritis pain, cognitive decline, kidney disease, liver disease, or neurological conditions. Some degree of intermittent trembling in the hind limbs is common in older dogs and may be associated with muscle weakness and early degenerative changes. Significant or progressive tremors in a senior dog warrant a veterinary evaluation including blood work and potentially neurological assessment.
Is head bobbing in dogs dangerous? Idiopathic head tremors are generally benign and self-limiting. Episodes typically last seconds to minutes and do not cause pain or distress. The dog remains conscious and can be distracted out of an episode (offering a treat often stops it). However, head tremors should be evaluated at least once to rule out seizure activity or structural brain disease.
Should I wake up my dog if it is shaking in its sleep? Dogs often twitch, paddle, and shake during REM sleep, which is normal dreaming behavior. This is not a seizure. You can gently call the dog’s name to wake it if you are concerned. A seizing dog will not respond to its name and will appear rigid rather than relaxed. If you are unsure, record a video for your veterinarian.
Can certain foods cause trembling in dogs? Yes. Chocolate (theobromine toxicity), caffeine, xylitol, macadamia nuts, and moldy food (mycotoxins) can all cause tremors. Moldy food from compost bins or garbage is an underrecognized cause. If your dog is trembling and you suspect food ingestion, contact your veterinarian or ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) immediately.
How do I tell the difference between shaking and a seizure? During trembling, the dog is conscious, aware of its surroundings, and can respond to you. During a seizure, the dog loses consciousness or awareness, falls to its side, may become rigid, paddle its limbs, chomp its jaw, drool, and lose bladder or bowel control. Post-seizure, dogs are typically disoriented for minutes to hours. If in doubt, record a video and show it to your veterinarian.
References
- Lowrie M, et al. “Characterization of paroxysmal gluten-sensitive dyskinesia in border terriers.” Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine. 2018;32(2):775-781.
- Wolf M, et al. “Generalized tremor syndrome in dogs.” Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine. 2020;34(3):1111-1120.
- Garosi L. “Examining the neurological emergency.” In Practice. 2014;36(7):341-350.
- Dewey CW. “A Practical Guide to Canine and Feline Neurology.” Wiley. 3rd ed. 2016.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary advice. If your dog is showing signs of illness, consult a licensed veterinarian.