What Causes Your Dog to Shake and How to Address It

Your dog may shake from head to toe while waiting for breakfast, during a car ride, in sleep, or even when walking across the room. Dog shaking is common and can stem from a wide range of causes. If you’re wondering why your dog shakes and how to help, we’ve compiled the most reliable information to guide you.

Dog Shaking: Common Causes

There isn’t a single reason dogs shake. According to Dr. Jami‑Lyn Derse, veterinarian and founder of Veterinary Housecall Care, shaking often reflects a mix of emotions, environmental factors, or health issues. The most frequent triggers include:

• Fear
• Anxiety
• Excitement
• Cold temperatures
• Medical conditions
• Exposure to toxins
• Pain
• Dreaming

“You can’t just look at a dog shaking and know the reason,” Derse says. “You have to look at the whole clinical picture.” By acting as a detective—tracking when and how the shaking occurs—you can provide vital clues to your vet and speed up diagnosis.

Why Does My Dog Shake While Sleeping?

It’s normal for dogs to twitch or shake during REM sleep, when they’re experiencing vivid dreams. Your Labrador may imagine chasing a squirrel, or a Boxer might picture leaping onto a table. If shaking is confined to sleep and your dog otherwise appears healthy, it’s likely just happy dreaming. However, if you notice additional signs—such as prolonged restlessness or changes in appetite—contact your veterinarian.

Why Does My Dog Shake Its Head?

Head shaking is often a sign of an ear infection. Look for accompanying symptoms like odor, discharge, excessive scratching, hair loss around the ears, or reluctance to have the ears touched. Floppy‑eared breeds such as Cocker Spaniels, Golden Retrievers, Brittany Spaniels, and West Highland Terriers are particularly prone to ear infections.

If your dog shakes its head and you notice any of these signs, schedule an appointment for a thorough ear examination.

Why Does My Dog’s Leg Shake?

Leg tremors can indicate pain, whether from osteoarthritis, an injury, or another underlying issue. Pain often manifests as tension, which in turn triggers shaking. Watch for additional indicators such as whining, growling, panting, or a decreased appetite.

If you suspect pain is the culprit, bring your dog in for a vet assessment to rule out injury or joint disease.

Why Does My Dog Shake in the Car?

Some dogs love car rides, while others tremble in the backseat. Anxiety or excitement often underlies this behavior. Excitement may surge if the car signals a trip to the park or beach. Stress‑related shaking can be eased with calming vests, pheromone sprays, or gentle supplements. Motion sickness—nausea—can also cause shaking; discuss this with your vet if you suspect it.

Why Does My Dog Shake When I Pet Him?

Touch can trigger both fear and pleasure. Pay attention to body language: a tucked tail, avoidance, or shivering often signals fear, whereas a wagging tail, nudging, and relaxed posture usually indicate excitement.

Fear‑based shaking may improve with gradual desensitization and positive reinforcement. Working with a professional trainer or behaviorist can help create safe, positive associations with petting.

Do Dogs Shiver When It’s Cold?

Shivering can be a response to low body temperature. Smaller breeds like Chihuahuas may start shivering in sub‑zero conditions, while larger breeds may not react as strongly. Watch for signs such as whining, seeking warmth, or raising paws off cold surfaces—these suggest the dog is trying to protect itself from the chill.

Medical Causes of Dog Shaking

Several medical conditions can cause tremors, including:

Distemper

A contagious viral disease affecting the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. Symptoms in puppies and unvaccinated dogs include fever, coughing, vomiting, muscle twitches, and convulsions.

Generalized Tremor Syndrome

Characterized by widespread body tremors due to inflammation of the myelin sheath surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

Epilepsy

Repeated seizures, often idiopathic, but secondary causes like liver disease, brain tumors, or kidney failure can trigger shaking.

Toxic Exposures

Certain medications, rodent poison, insecticides, and foods containing xylitol, caffeine, or chocolate can induce tremors. Other triggers include fever, cerebellar hypoplasia, infections, and various neurological disorders.

When to See a Vet

While online searches can provide general guidance, a veterinary evaluation is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment. A full physical exam—often paired with blood work or imaging—helps determine the exact cause and appropriate therapy, ranging from medication to behavioral interventions.

“I would much rather see a dog and tell the pet parent that it’s not a big deal than wait and leave something untreated,” Derse says. Let a professional guide you so your dog can live comfortably and confidently.