Why do dogs shake?

Our dogs tend to wear their feelings openly through their body language: that wagging tail of friendly alertness or the pricked-up ears and watchful stance that show they are on guard. Why dogs shake, however, is a habit that’s sometimes harder to understand since the causes can be either physical or emotional.

The dog shaking we’re referring to isn’t the energetic kind you see in wet dogs drying themselves after a dip in a pond or bath, but a trembling action where the cause is not always immediately clear.

While some instances of dog trembling or shivering are nothing to worry about, others can be a sign of a serious health issue. So, should you be worried if your dog is shaking or trembling? 

Paying attention to when they’re doing it can help you narrow down the possible reasons – and decide what to do next.

The most obvious answer to why dogs shake is that they’re cold and shivering. In this case, the tremors are simply a way of your dog trying to keep themselves warm. 

Other than the Mexican Hairless breed, most dogs have a fur coat. But those breeds with a dense second layer of short hairs, such as Labrador Retrievers or Huskies, are better protected from the elements than dogs with a thinner, flatter coat or fine, fluffy fur.

If your dog is shivering while you’re out on a walk, take them home to warm up. If you often notice your dog trembling in the cold, a  dog coat can add a valuable extra layer.

Both positive and negative emotional states can cause dog trembling. Young dogs, especially, may tremble with happy excitement if you’re playing a fun game with them, if they sniff out something interesting on a walk, or if they’re simply pleased to see you come home! 

A dog shaking with fear, however, will often also cower, whimper, growl or pin back their ears. This is their ‘fight or flight’ response kicking in, as adrenaline is released into the nervous system.

Some fear triggers may be obvious, such as fireworks, thunder or feeling intimidated by other dogs. A dog that missed out on early socialisation may be particularly easily spooked. Phobias (think: the postman, umbrellas, wheelie bins) can also be responsible for giving them the shakes.

Always try to remove your dog from fear-inducing situations and encourage calmer reactions by keeping your own responses low-key.

A soothing voice, positive reinforcement and socialisation exercises, especially with other dogs, should help instill confidence and acclimatise your pet to everyday fear triggers. 

If your dog’s shaking persists, speak to your vet. They can give you some tips and ideas to try, or they may suggest getting in touch with a behaviourist.

Poisoning in dogs can sometimes cause involuntary muscle tremors such as shaking or twitching. 

Around the house and garden, substances that are toxic to our pets and may cause shaking include chocolate, macadamia nuts, foods containing the sugar substitute xylitol, certain types of mould, drugs such as aspirin and Temazepam, wallpaper paste, cigarette butts, slug pellets, ant killer and barbecue lighter fluid.

Some toxins can be very dangerous and life-threatening to dogs. A dog shaking uncontrollably or showing other symptoms of poisoning such as nausea, vomiting, foaming at the mouth, convulsions or collapse should be taken to a vet immediately.

If you know what your dog has ingested, bring the packet with you and make a note of any other symptoms you’ve spotted.

An ear infection or something stuck inside the ear is usually what’s behind a continual shake of the head. Given that they love to run through long grass and foliage, grass seeds, foxtails and sticky burrs getting stuck in the ear canal is common in dogs.

Shaking their heads is a sign of discomfort and may require treatment. 

Generalised tremor syndrome in dogs usually resolves as your dog enters adulthood. Similarly, dogs with cerebellar hypoplasia often learn to live with, and compensate for, their poor coordination and motor skills as they age. As ever though, if you’re concerned about your dog shaking excessively, a vet check-up will help rule out other causes.

Shivering and lethargy combined is usually a sign of an underlying medical issue. Just like in humans when we shiver and feel tired with a fever, it is an indicator that the body is fighting illness.

A lethargic and shivering dog could be the result of an acute infection, poisoning or the aftershock of a seizure. As such, a visit to the vet is a must to rule out a serious condition

Because there are many possible health conditions that can cause trembling or shaking in dogs, the swiftest route to reassurance and/or treatment is always to speak to your vet. They will be able to help you narrow down or rule out the possible medical causes – and decide whether a behaviourist may be helpful.

If your dog is showing other signs of anxiety, stroking and petting them is a great way to induce calm. Similarly, leading them into a familiar space, such as where they usually sleep, shows them that they are safe. 

Otherwise, distracting a dog with their favourite toy or a long-lasting treat is helpful, as dogs often self-soothe by chewing.

If your dog’s shaking is accompanied by other symptoms such as breathing difficulties, seizures or bloating, treat this as an emergency and contact your vet.

Mostly, a dog shaking is harmless. However, if your dog shakes regularly and you’re unsure whether they are unwell or simply excited, seek out expert advice. 

If it’s not an emergency and you have dog insurance with Petplan, you can use our free Pet Expert Chat to ask any health questions directly to an expert, 24/7. Simply log into your My Petplan account to get started.