Why is My Dog Shaking? Common Causes and Solutions

Environmental Causes of Shivering in Dogs

Environmental factors frequently trigger shivering, particularly in smaller breeds with thin coats. Cold temperatures affect dogs differently based on their size, coat thickness, and body fat percentage.

Temperature-Related Shaking

Dogs regulate their body temperature through shivering, which generates heat through muscle contractions. Indoor temperatures below 15°C may cause smaller dogs to shake, whilst outdoor winter conditions affect most breeds without adequate protection.

Signs of cold-related shivering:

• Trembling stops when warmed
• Dog seeks warm spots
• Curled sleeping position
• Reluctance to go outside

Loud noises like fireworks, thunderstorms, or construction work can trigger immediate shaking responses. Changes in routine, moving house, or introducing new pets may also cause temporary trembling whilst your dog adjusts to their environment.

Medical Conditions Causing Shaking in Dogs

Various medical issues can cause dogs to shake, ranging from minor discomfort to serious conditions requiring immediate treatment. Medivet's consultations provide sufficient time to discuss symptoms and receive veterinary assessment.

Common Medical Causes

Ear infections frequently cause head shaking and scratching. Left untreated, infections can spread deeper into the ear canal, causing pain and balance problems. Dogs with floppy ears face higher infection risks due to reduced air circulation.

Pain-related shaking occurs with arthritis, injuries, or internal discomfort. Older dogs particularly experience tremors from joint pain or muscle weakness. Dogs hide pain instinctively, making shaking sometimes the only visible sign of discomfort.

Nausea and digestive issues trigger shaking alongside symptoms like lip smacking, excessive drooling, or vomiting. Motion sickness, dietary indiscretion, or gastrointestinal problems commonly cause these.

Metabolic Disorders

Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) causes severe shaking, particularly in small breeds and puppies.

Kidney disease in advanced stages causes toxin buildup, leading to tremors and weakness. Regular blood tests during health checks may detect kidney problems early.

Anxiety and Fear-Related Trembling

Anxiety triggers physical responses including trembling, panting, and restlessness. Separation anxiety affects many dogs when left alone, causing destructive and anxious behaviour alongside shaking. Firework season presents particular challenges, with sudden loud noises triggering intense fear responses.

Managing Anxiety-Related Shaking

Creating calm environments reduces anxiety-triggered trembling. Consistent routines, safe spaces, and gradual desensitisation help anxious dogs cope better with stressors.

Calming techniques include:

• Providing covered den-like spaces
• Playing calming music or white noise
• Using pheromone diffusers
• Maintaining regular exercise routines
• Avoiding reinforcing fearful behaviour

Professional veterinary behavioural support combined with veterinary guidance provides comprehensive anxiety management strategies.

Neurological Disorders and Tremor Syndrome

Generalised Tremor Syndrome (GTS), occasionally called little white shaker syndrome, causes whole-body trembling in dogs of any breed. However, the term “little white shaker syndrome” has been used as it is often diagnosed in small, white-coated dogs.

Seizure Disorders

Epilepsy and other seizure conditions cause uncontrolled shaking episodes. Unlike normal trembling, seizures usually involve loss of consciousness, rigid muscles, and uncontrolled movements. Pre- and post-seizure confusion and disorientation commonly occur.

Neurological warning signs:

• Sudden onset tremors without obvious cause
• Loss of coordination or balance
• Head tilting or circling
• Changes in behaviour or awareness
• Difficulty walking or standing

Medivet's diagnostic facilities, including in-house laboratories, provide rapid testing for neurological conditions. Early diagnosis improves treatment outcomes for many neurological disorders.

Poisoning and Toxic Exposure

Toxic substances can cause severe shaking and require immediate emergency treatment. Common household items pose serious risks, including chocolate, grapes, xylitol sweetener, and certain plants. Garden chemicals, antifreeze, and rodenticides also cause poisoning symptoms.

Poisoning Symptoms

Immediate signs include:

• Sudden severe trembling
• Vomiting or diarrhoea
• Excessive drooling
• Weakness or collapse
• Seizures or muscle twitching
• Disorientation or confusion

Time critically affects poisoning outcomes. Contact your veterinary practice immediately if poisoning is suspected, providing details about the suspected toxin and amount consumed. Never induce vomiting unless specifically instructed by veterinary professionals.

Emergency Veterinary Signs

Certain symptoms accompanying shaking require immediate emergency veterinary care. Medivet provides 24-hour emergency services at multiple locations across the UK.

Critical Warning Signs

Seek emergency care for:

• Severe trembling with vomiting
• Difficulty breathing or panting excessively
• Inability to stand or walk
• Bloody diarrhoea with shaking
• Seizures or loss of consciousness
• Sudden collapse or extreme weakness

Keep your nearest emergency veterinary contact details readily accessible. Quick action during emergencies significantly improves treatment success rates.

Ear Infections and Head Shaking

Ear infections commonly cause repetitive head shaking rather than whole-body trembling. Dogs scratch affected ears, sometimes causing secondary injuries from excessive scratching. Ear infections may produce odours and visible discharge.

Prevention and Treatment

Regular ear cleaning prevents infection buildup, particularly in breeds prone to ear problems. Professional ear examinations during routine health checks identify early infection signs.

Ear health maintenance:

• Weekly ear inspections
• Gentle cleaning with veterinary-approved solutions
• Keeping ears dry after swimming
• Regular grooming to prevent hair blockage
• Professional cleaning during health checks

When to See Your Vet

Determining when shaking requires veterinary attention depends on duration, severity, and accompanying symptoms. Occasional brief trembling from excitement or mild cold rarely needs treatment. However, persistent or severe shaking warrants professional assessment.

Veterinary Assessment Guidelines

Book an appointment for:

• Shaking lasting over 30 minutes
• Recurring episodes without obvious cause
• Trembling with behaviour changes
• New shaking in senior dogs
• Any concerning accompanying symptoms

Regular health checks help identify problems before serious symptoms develop. Medivet's comprehensive Pet Health Checks assess overall wellbeing and detect early disease signs.