Why is my dog shaking? Is it cold or something else?

There are many reasons why dogs might tremble or shake, and it’s not always something to worry about, but it can sometimes be a red flag to seek veterinary attention. We explore some of the reasons why dogs shiver and when to take action. 

Why do some dogs shake more than others?

Each dog is unique. Small and toy breed dogs have a smaller muscle mass with individual sensitivities to catecholamines, making their physical responses more visible and pronounced. The nervous system of some little dogs may also be more reactive, heightening their arousal or anxiety levels in response to excitement, cold or stress. 

Cold weather

One of the most obvious reasons for shivering is simply the cold. Breeds with short coats and lean body types like Greyhounds, Whippets, or Chihuahuas, senior dogs and very young puppies, are often more sensitive to cold weather. 

Shivering is a normal physiological response initiated by the muscles to generate heat. If the temperature drops, bring your dog inside or pop on a dog jumper (check out our article Everything Owners Need to Know About Hypothermia In Dogs). If the shivering stops once they’re warmed up, it was probably just the cold. If it doesn’t, read on to consider other reasons.

Excitement or fear

Many of us have noticed our dogs tremble when we come home from work, or in overwhelming situations. Some dogs will experience what’s called “frustration-induced arousal” at times when they’re excited and have to wait. For example:

• Before a walk, while you’re getting the lead ready

• That familiar sound of kibble hitting their food bowl right before mealtime

• Ringing of the doorbell before your visitor enters

Temporary emotional causes of trembling are usually harmless, however if anxiety is persistent, it is worth exploring behavioural modification techniques, environmental enrichment and veterinary support.

Why do excited and anxious dogs tremble?

Both excited and anxious dogs tremble due to responses triggered by activation of their sympathetic nervous system, also known as the “fight or flight” response. 

Stress hormones including adrenaline and cortisol prepare their body to respond to perceived danger (or a big exciting event like the dog park!) by increasing heart rate and blood flow to muscles. The motor neurons in their muscles also become hyper-exciteable, resulting in muscle quivering or stiffness. Anxious or fearful dogs have a heightened sensory awareness so also become hypervigilant, which may contribute to physical restlessness and tremors. 

Older dogs and muscle loss

Senior dogs often develop muscle atrophy with age, especially affecting their hindlimbs. You may notice subtle tremors due to weakened muscles when they stand or walk. This is a normal part of old age, but it’s also important to keep up regular veterinary check-ups to rule out pain from arthritis or neurological causes. For information on dietary options, read our guide on What is the Best Senior Dog Food?

Overworked or fatigued muscles

Just like us after leg day at the gym, dogs can experience temporary localised muscle tremors if they’ve overexerted themselves. You may notice light muscle trembles in a focused area like the hindlimbs if they aren’t used to long walks or if you’ve both had an exciting, active trip to the beach. Make sure to give them rest, hydration, and things should improve overnight.

To help your dog recover from tired muscles, a nutritious diet packed with high-quality protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates is essential! Petzyo Kibble That Counts - Lamb and Ancient Grains provide all of that, plus vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that not only aid recovery but also enhance their overall vitality and well-being.

Pain, nausea or illness

Intermittent mild shivering might be a way your dog is showing you that they’re injured, nauseous or feeling unwell with an infection or diarrhoea. Take particular note of other signs such as lip-licking, pacing, hiding or vomiting and diarrhoea and see your veterinarian if they’re looking unwell. 

Calcium deficiency and low blood sugar

Young puppies, particularly small breed puppies like Maltese Terriers, Miniature Fox Terriers or Chihuahuas, are prone to low blood sugar levels (hypoglycaemia) if they go too long without a meal. Read our guide on Puppy Feeding Schedules for some helpful tips. Hypoglycaemia first appears as tremors and progresses to collapse and even coma. If your young puppy is shaking and lethargic, try rubbing a small amount of honey on their gums for first aid, and seek immediate veterinary care. 

Mother dogs that are lactating have high calcium demands, so they can rapidly deplete their own body calcium levels (hypocalcemia), causing body-wide tremors. It’s important to ensure pregnant and lactating dogs receive enough calcium in their diet. 

These conditions are both medical emergencies and require immediate veterinary medical attention.  

Do pregnant and lactating dogs need a special diet?

A diet that is formulated with higher calcium levels for all life-stages, or puppy specific food, should be fed to mother dogs. All of Petzyo’s dry dog food and raw dog food  recipes are formulated to meet AAFCO standards for all life stages and have the appropriate calcium levels. 

Toxins

Some poisons can cause strong body-wide muscle tremors. These include:

• Snail bait (metaldehyde): a blue/green coloured pellet commonly spread in garden beds in the winter months

• Permethrin insecticides: often used in garden sprays. Over dose or ingestion of spot-on treatments can cause tremors (Important! Do not use topical products like Advantix on cats!)

• Mouldy food (mycotoxins): Mycotoxins in mouldy food cause strong tremors and are a particular problem in bin-diving or scavenging dogs. 

• Chocolate and caffeine: In addition to vomiting and diarrhoea, chocolate toxicity can result in tremoring, seizures, abnormal heart rhythms and caneven be fatal

Read our article on Springtime Safety for a room-by-room reference guide to common household toxins and tips on dog-proofing your home. 

If you suspect any kind of poisoning, don’t delay seeking immediate veterinary attention, no matter the time of day.The Animal Poisons Helpline provides free advice to pet owners in Australia and can be reached on 1300 869 738 (AU)

Generalised tremor syndrome

Also called “Little White Shaker Syndrome”, this condition is thought to be caused by complex interactions between the immune system and the brain. Shaker Syndrome can be an uncommon cause of tremors, especially in small breed dogs like Maltese Terriers, West Highland White Terriers, but can occur in other breeds too. 

Tremors vary in severity from mild to so strong they may be incapacitating. Affected dogs usually develop symptoms at around one to two years of age, with tremors worsening with exercise. They are usually rhythmic, and either localised to one area or the body or body-wide. Your veterinarian will be able to rule out other conditions and help manage this condition medically.

Other neurological disorders

There are many unusual and complex neurological disorders that can present with a multitude of clinical signs, including shivers. Your veterinarian may recommend referral to a specialist for more advanced testing, depending on your dog’s condition and the severity of their signs. Further testing may include a CSF tap or an MRI scan under general anaesthesia to look for signs of conditions affecting the brain. Your veterinarian will work with you to determine the most appropriate course of action for your dog. 

When to see a vet?

If your dog is:

• Regularly shaking, even though it’s not cold and nothing particularly exciting is happening

• Shivering and looking sad or unwell (vomiting, lethargy, poor appetite)

• Wobbly or having trouble walking or standing

• Strong body-wide tremors that affect normal behaviour 

• Persistent tremoring

• A puppy or lactating dog with persistent trembling

• Or showing any other signs of illness or pain, it’s definitely worth a veterinary visit.

Shivering in dogs is usually innocent, but it can be a clue to something more serious going on. As always, if your dog has a specific medical condition, it’s important to listen to the nutritional and general medical advice provided by your veterinarian. When in doubt, trust your instincts. You know your dog best, and if something feels off, it’s best to speak with your vet.

References:

1. MarVista Vet: Tremors. https://www.marvistavet.com/tremors.pml 

2. Veterinary Partner: Tremoring or Shivering in Dogs. https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=5862540

3. MSD Veterinary Manual: Metaldehyde Poisoning in Animals. https://www.msdvetmanual.com/toxicology/metaldehyde-poisoning/metaldehyde-poisoning-in-animals