Dog shaking: harmless and serious causes

Dog shaking is often harmless: cold, excitement, fear or a wet coat are the most common reasons. However, shaking can also point to pain, nausea, poisoning or an illness. What matters is therefore whether there is a clear trigger and whether the shaking stops quickly afterwards. If your dog shakes for no obvious reason, for a longer time or again and again, have it examined by a vet. If poisoning or a seizure is suspected, on the other hand, it is an emergency.

Dog shaking: harmless, vet soon or emergency?

Harmless reasons for shaking

• Cold: Small and short-haired dogs, for example, get cold quickly. Older dogs also find it harder to keep their body temperature.
• Excitement: Some dogs tremble with anticipation before a walk or when greeting someone.
• Fear and stress: Thunderstorms, fireworks or a visit to the vet make many dogs shake. Shaking is therefore considered a typical sign of stress.
• Wet coat: After a bath or a swim, your dog shakes to get rid of the water.

When is there more to it?

• Pain: Shaking can be a sign of pain, for example in the joints or the back.
• Nausea: If your dog feels sick, it sometimes shakes. It often also licks its lips or drools.
• Ear problems: If it mainly shakes its head, an ear infection may be behind it.
• Poisoning: Chocolate, cigarette butts or products containing xylitol can cause shaking and seizures. This is an emergency.
• Low blood sugar: In very small breeds and young puppies, moreover, a sudden drop in blood sugar can cause shaking.
• Distemper: This viral disease mainly affects unvaccinated dogs and puppies.
• Shaker syndrome: With this condition, the head and body shake for no external reason. It mainly affects small, often white breeds aged one to two years. With veterinary treatment, the outlook is considered very good.
• Seizures: A seizure, however, can look like strong shaking, often with twitching, falling over or brief loss of consciousness.
• Age: In older dogs, the legs sometimes tremble because muscle is lost. Have it checked anyway.

What can you do when your dog is shaking?

First stay calm and see whether there is a trigger. If your dog is cold, a warm spot or a coat in winter helps. If it is afraid, on the other hand, give it a safe place to retreat to. If the shaking comes for no obvious reason or keeps coming back, it is best to film it with your phone. That way, the vet can see it later, even if it does not happen at the practice. You also protect your dog if toxic things such as chocolate or sugar-free chewing gum stay out of reach and its vaccinations are up to date.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

• Meyers H. (American Kennel Club): Why Is My Dog Shaking?, 2022.
• Weir M., Barnette C. (VCA Animal Hospitals): Shaker Syndrome in Dogs, 2026.

Shaking is often just a brief moment that passes. With an attentive eye, you can tell when your dog simply needs warmth and calm and when a trip to the vet is the right step.

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