Why Is My Dog Shaking All Of A Sudden? Know The Reasons, Treatment, And Care

Shaking is one of the countless antics your dog may have. However, as a first-time pet parent, I was often worried about “Why is my dog shaking.” 

In other words, it’s very difficult to understand whether shaking is just a fun activity or if they are doing it out of any physical discomfort or anxiety. 

Things become especially worrisome when it is summer or spring, and the dog is shaking all of a sudden. 

Knowing the reasons, however, often helps a first-time pet parent to keep a calm head and take their dog to the vet for immediate medical attention. 

Why Is My Dog Shaking? Know The Possible Causes

From hyper excitement to tremor syndrome, there can be many reasons why your gog is shaking. 

Let’s delve deeper.

1. Pain Or Discomfort In Dogs

Internal illness, injury, or arthritis are common reasons behind the physical pain or discomfort of your dog. 

In such scenarios, look for other symptoms such as limping in dogs, reluctance in movement, loss of appetite, etc. 

2. Cold Or Shivering

Like us, dogs also shiver when they are cold. Puppies and older dogs of all breeds and small breeds of all age groups are affected when there is a significant drop in the temperature. 

So, make them wear warm coats when you are taking them outdoors for a walk in the winter. Also, keep the indoor temperature warm.

3. Fear Or Anxiety

Your dog may feel afraid or anxious when you are moving to a new house or when there are sudden fireworks and thunderstorms. 

If anxiety or fear is the reason why your dog is shaking, the shaking will stop once the trigger is gone or the event is over. 

Furthermore, you can use calming supplements or anxiety medicines prescribed by vets to alleviate their anxiety. You also have to know the reason why your dog is anxious. 

4. Excitement

Now, there can be a thousand reasons behind your dog getting excited. They can get excited seeing you coming home after a long day or during their playtime. 

They often start shaking out of excitement, and of course, there is nothing to be worried about when that happens. 

5. Low Blood Sugar

Hypoglycemia means a sudden drop in the blood sugar levels, and diabetic dogs are more susceptible to this condition. 

It is also a common concern among toy breeds and small dogs. 

Now, when the blood sugar level in a dog drops beyond a certain limit, it will become weak and start shaking. 

Also, remember that it is a medical emergency and needs immediate attention.

6. Motion Sickness Or Nausea

A dog can shake when they feel nauseous. Also, when traveling in a car, motion sickness can be the reason why your dog is shaking. 

Also, if motion sickness or nausea is the reason behind your dog shaking, the additional symptoms will be vomiting, lip licking, or drooling. 

7. Poisoning

Eating chocolates, xylitol, or poisonous plants can cause tremors in dogs. When posing is the reason, you will notice other symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea along with shaking. 

Furthermore, if the poisoning is very serious, the dog may have difficulty in movements, and they can collapse. 

8. Idiopathic Shaking Or Generalized Tremor Syndrome

Vets often call the idiopathic shaking or generalized tremor syndrome the “Little White Shaker Syndrome.” 

In this condition, there is no specific reason why your dog is shaking, and it is very common in Bichon Frises, Maltese, West Highland White Terriers, and other small breed dogs. 

Treatment

The vet may prescribe corticosteroids, and when steroids do not work, they will use medications such as mycophenolate mofetil, leflunomide, or cytarabine. 

However, sometimes a dog may not need medications at all, and they stop shaking with small distractions such as toys or games.

Signs That Your Dog Needs Immediate Medical Attention

Shaking in dogs can sometimes be persistent. Now, this is serious. 

In other words, observe your dog for a few minutes, and if they do not stop shaking within a few minutes, you need to rush them to a vet. 

Furthermore, if your dog is showing additional signs of vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty in movement, or lethargy, they require medical attention. 

Moreover, limping and sudden changes in behavior are the common signs that your dog needs medical attention. 

How Does A Vet Diagnose When A Dog Is Shaking?

Why is my dog shaking? To answer this query of yours, a vet will perform four types of tests. 

First of all, they will conduct a physical test, checking for signs of injury and other signs of illness. 

Then, they will prescribe blood tests to detect toxicity, metabolic disorders, or infections. 

Furthermore, they will perform neurological tests for the detection of seizures or neurological issues. 

Moreover, ultrasounds and X-rays are performed for the detection of internal conditions. 

How To Calm A Shaking Dog At Home? 

If your dog is shaking and anxiety can be the reason behind it, you need to pat them immediately and say soothing words. 

Then, you must create a calm ambiance and reduce their activities. 

Furthermore, be observant and note and share even the minor changes in their behavior. 

Why Is My Dog Shaking All Of  A Sudden? Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about why your dog is shaking.