It starts with a subtle vibration. You put your hand on your dog’s back and feel a tremor. Then, you look closer and see them shivering as if they are standing in a blizzard, even though your living room is warm.
Suddenly, panic sets in. You ask yourself: Is he cold? Is he scared? Or is this a medical emergency?
Seeing your usually strong and happy dog trembling like a leaf is terrifying for any pet owner. The helplessness of not knowing what is wrong is the worst feeling in the world.
If you are frantically searching for “Why is my dog shaking?”, take a deep breath. You are in the right place. While shivering can be a sign of something serious like poisoning, it is often a natural reaction to excitement, cold, or anxiety.
In this comprehensive guide, we will decode your dog’s body language. We will explore the 7 most common reasons behind this behavior, how to distinguish between “fear” and “pain,” and exactly when you need to rush to the vet.
The Quick Answer: Why Is He Trembling?
Before we dive deep, here is a checklist. The most common answers to “Why is my dog shaking?” are:
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Temperature: They are simply cold (Hypothermia).
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Emotion: Extreme fear (thunder, vet visits) or extreme excitement.
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Pain: Dogs shake to mask pain (arthritis, stomach ache).
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Old Age: Muscular weakness in hind legs.
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Toxins: Eating chocolate, xylitol, or grapes (Emergency!).
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Nausea: Feeling sick often causes shivering.
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GTS: Generalized Tremor Syndrome (common in small white dogs).
1. It’s Just Too Cold (Hypothermia)
Let’s start with the obvious. Just like humans shiver to generate body heat, dogs do the same. Even though they have fur coats, many breeds (especially short-haired ones like Chihuahuas, Greyhounds, and Pitbulls) have zero tolerance for cold.
How to tell:
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Is it winter? Is the AC on full blast?
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Is your dog curling up into a tight ball?
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Are their ears cold to the touch?
The Fix:
If you suspect the answer to “Why is my dog shaking?” is the temperature, simply cover them with a blanket or put on a doggy sweater. If the shaking stops within 15 minutes, you have your answer.
2. Fear and Anxiety (The Psychological Shakes)
Dogs are incredibly emotional creatures. Shaking is a classic symptom of an adrenaline rush caused by fear. This is common during thunderstorms, fireworks, or trips to the vet.
Look for other “Stress Signals”:
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Panting heavily.
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Tucking the tail between the legs.
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Flattening ears against the head.
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Hiding under furniture.
If your dog is shaking uncontrollably during a storm, they aren’t cold; they are terrified. Comforting them calmly (without over-coddling) is key.
3. They Are In Pain (The Hidden Cause)
This is the reason that breaks most owners’ hearts. Dogs are masters at hiding pain (an evolutionary instinct to not look weak). When they can no longer hide it, they shake.
Why is my dog shaking from pain?
It could be anything from a toothache and ear infection to arthritis or a sudden back injury (IVDD).
The “Silent” Symptoms of Pain:
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Reluctance to jump on the couch or climb stairs.
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Walking with a hunched back.
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Lip licking or drooling.
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Aggression when touched in a specific spot.
If the shaking came on suddenly and they yelp when you touch them, go to the vet immediately.
4. Poisoning and Toxins (Medical Emergency)
This is the scariest scenario. Several common household items are highly toxic to dogs and attack their nervous system, causing tremors or seizures.
Common Toxins:
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Xylitol: Found in sugar-free gum and peanut butter.
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Chocolate: Especially dark chocolate.
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Grapes/Raisins: Can cause kidney failure.
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Human Meds: Dropped pills like Ibuprofen.
Warning Signs:
If the answer to “Why is my dog shaking?” involves vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, or disorientation, assume they ate something poisonous. Do not wait. Drive to the emergency vet.
(You can check the full list of toxins on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control website – Link opens in new tab).
5. Old Age (Senior Tremors)
As dogs enter their golden years, you might notice their hind legs shaking when they stand up. This is usually not a seizure; it is muscle weakness or osteoarthritis.
While it looks concerning, many senior dogs live happily with mild tremors. However, it is a sign that they need pain management or joint supplements to help with stability.
6. Excitement (The Happy Shakes)
Yes, happiness can cause shaking too! Have you ever come home from work, and your dog wiggles so hard their whole body vibrates?
High arousal—whether positive (you are home!) or anticipating (a ball throw)—releases a flood of energy. Once they calm down, the shaking stops. This is harmless and adorable.
7. Generalized Tremor Syndrome (GTS)
Also known as “Little White Shaker Syndrome,” this condition affects small breeds like Malteses and Westies. It causes full-body tremors that are not related to cold or fear. It is treatable with medication (corticosteroids) prescribed by a vet.
Action Plan: What To Do Right Now?
If you are looking at your dog right now and wondering “Why is my dog shaking?”, follow this step-by-step triage:
Step 1: Check the Environment
Is it cold? Is there a loud noise (thunder/construction)? If yes, warm them up or move to a quiet room.
Step 2: Check for Toxins
Look around the floor. Is the trash overturned? Is a pill bottle missing? If yes, go to the vet.
Step 3: The “Treat Test”
Offer their favorite treat.
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If they eat it happily: It might be mild stress or cold.
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If they refuse it: This is a red flag for pain or nausea. Dogs rarely refuse treats unless they feel terrible.
Step 4: Palpation
Gently run your hands over their body. Do they flinch, yelp, or tense up at a specific spot? This indicates an injury.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can a dog shake from an upset stomach?
Yes. Nausea is a very common cause of shaking. If your dog is drooling, smacking their lips, or has vomited, they are likely shaking because they feel sick.
Q: Should I hold my dog if he is shaking?
If the shaking is due to fear or cold, yes, holding them provides warmth and comfort. However, if they are shaking from pain, holding them might hurt. Approach gently and see how they react.
Q: When should I worry about dog shivering?
Worry if the shaking is accompanied by: lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, limping, or if it lasts more than an hour after warming them up.
Final Thoughts
So, the next time you find yourself asking, “Why is my dog shaking?”, remember that context is everything. Look at the whole picture. Are they cold? Scared? Or acting sick?
Trust your gut instinct. You know your dog better than anyone. If the behavior feels “off” or wrong, never hesitate to call your vet. It is always better to be safe than sorry.
For more advice on keeping your pup healthy and safe, be sure to browse our comprehensive [Dog Health and Care] section.