Understanding Why Dogs Shake: Causes, Concerns, and When to Seek Help

Shaking in dogs can be a normal physiological response or a sign of an underlying health issue. It may be voluntary or involuntary, affect a single body part or the entire body, and range from mild muscle twitches to pronounced tremors.

Reading your dog’s body language—including shaking—helps you gauge their emotional state and decide when a veterinary visit is necessary.

We consulted veterinary and behavior experts to answer the most common questions: “Why do dogs shake?” and “Should I be worried if my dog is shaking?”

10 Common Reasons Dogs Shake

Dog shaking can be harmless or signal a serious problem. Below are ten potential causes, organized by category.

1. Fear and Anxiety

Dogs often tremble when they feel frightened or anxious—during thunderstorms, in unfamiliar places, or when faced with an unknown person or animal. “When dogs are scared, their bodies release adrenaline, preparing them to fight or flee. The adrenaline surge can cause shaking,” explains Nicole Kohanski, certified dog behavior consultant and head trainer at Wiggle Butt Academy.

Stress‑related shaking usually involves the whole body and stops once the stressor is removed, notes Dr. Daniel Dixon, DVM, founder of North Keller Animal Hospital.

2. Cold

Thin‑coated or small‑breed dogs may shiver to generate heat when temperatures drop. Providing blankets or a warm environment typically stops the shaking.

3. Excitement

Positive emotions can also trigger shaking. A dog may tremble when a beloved family member arrives, before a walk, or when anticipating a treat. “Shaking isn’t always about fear—it can be a sign of happiness,” says Kohanski.

4. Itching

Localized shaking—such as head shaking—often stems from itching caused by allergies, fleas, or ear infections. Soothing shampoos can offer temporary relief, but a vet should address the root cause.

5. Water

After a bath or swim, most dogs instinctively shake to expel water from their fur. This behavior is normal and helps them dry faster.

6. Pain

Persistent trembling can indicate pain. Common painful conditions include:

• Arthritis
• Back problems
• Sprains, strains, or bruises
• Bone or joint injuries
• Ear or skin infections
• Dental disease
• Post‑surgical recovery
• Urinary tract infections
• Severe gastrointestinal upset
• Cancer

If shaking is accompanied by whining, limping, or appetite changes, schedule a veterinary exam.

7. Aging

Older dogs—especially breeds like Bernese Mountain Dogs, Chow Chows, and English Springer Spaniels—may develop a “senior shake.” This trembling is often linked to canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD) or other age‑related neurological changes.

8. Medication Side Effects

Like humans, dogs can experience shaking as a side effect of medications. Factors influencing this reaction include drug type, dosage, administration method, and the dog’s health status or age. Consult your vet if you notice new tremors after starting a medication.

9. Medical Conditions

Seizures produce shaking that differs in intensity and duration from normal tremors. Additional seizure signs include loss of consciousness, paddling limbs, and loss of bladder or bowel control.

Other disorders that may cause shaking are:

• Corticosteroid‑responsive tremor syndrome (CRTS) or idiopathic cerebellitis (“shaker syndrome”)
• Addison’s disease
• Cerebellar disease
• Hypoglycemia
• Tremorgenic mycotoxicosis (toxins from certain fungi)

When shaking cannot be linked to an obvious cause or does not improve quickly, seek veterinary evaluation.

10. Poisoning

Ingesting toxins can affect the nervous system and cause severe shaking, shortness of breath, and loss of coordination. Common canine poisons include:

• Human foods such as xylitol, chocolate, grapes, raisins, garlic, onions, and macadamia nuts
• Toxic plants (e.g., azalea, tulip, sago palm, foxglove, oleander)
• Household chemicals
• Alcohol and marijuana
• Human over‑the‑counter and prescription medications

Poisoning is a medical emergency. Call your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline at 855‑764‑7661 immediately.

Should I Be Worried If My Dog Is Shaking?

Occasional shaking from excitement, stress relief, or cold is typically benign. However, sudden shaking with no clear trigger—or shaking accompanied by pain, seizures, aging‑related decline, or signs of poisoning—warrants prompt veterinary attention.

“Any sign of stress or pain should be evaluated by a vet,” advises Dr. Dixon. “If a pet is unresponsive or acting unusually, they should be seen as soon as possible.”

A veterinarian can diagnose the underlying cause and develop a tailored treatment plan.

Dog Shaking FAQs

Why is my dog trembling and shaking?

Dogs may tremble due to excitement, stress, cold, wet fur, aging, health problems, medication side effects, or exposure to toxins.

Why is my dog shaking and panting?

Shaking combined with panting can indicate pain, stress, or an effort to regulate body temperature. In some cases, it may signal an underlying condition such as Cushing’s disease. Consult your vet if the cause isn’t obvious.

Why does my dog shake while sleeping?

Most often, shaking during sleep is a normal REM‑stage movement—essentially dreaming. Less commonly, it can be a seizure.

Written by: Yvonne Villasenor, Freelance Writer