Top 6 Reasons for Shaking in Dogs

by Andrew Garcia

Oct 18, 2022

2 minute read

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Despite being our best friends, we cannot correctly interpret every behavior a dog shows. Some dog owners understand that their dogs wag their tails when they are happy. Others know what their dogs want when they stare at them for long. Then there is a group of dog owners who wonder what message their dog is trying to pass by shaking. Wondering why your dog is shaking? Here are the top six reasons you should take into consideration.

Stressed or Sad

Dogs experiencing upsetting emotions like sadness and depression tend to shake. However, you do not have to worry when this happens. Dogs shaking due to emotional imbalance is not strange. For example, a dog might start shaking when it hears a loud noise, such as fireworks, thunder, or alarms.

Another emotional angle to a dog shaking is a switch in the dynamics of the living environment. For example, if your dog’s favorite friend is not around for a long time, or he just loses another pet toy, your dog may become sad.

Cold

In the absence of other concerning symptoms or environmental stressors, a dog might start shaking when he is cold. Dogs shiver when the environment gets really cold. The shivering may be regular if you live in cold climates or your pup is thinly coated. Either way, it is best to buy a coat for your furry friend to keep him warm.In the absence of other concerning symptoms or environmental stressors, a dog might start shaking when he is cold. Dogs shiver when the environment gets really cold. The shivering may be regular if you live in cold climates or your pup is thinly coated. Either way, it is best to buy a coat for your furry friend to keep him warm.

Click to learn more about Should You Dress Your Dogs.

Low Blood Sugar

A sudden imbalance in blood chemistry might trigger shivers in your dog. Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar is an imbalance, especially in young puppies and small-breed dogs. The best way to avoid this is to feed your dogs a well-balanced diet on a routine. If things don’t improve, the shivering may be due to an undiagnosed underlying condition. Kindly speak to your vet.

Excitement

Excitement is one positive reason behind a dog’s shaking. If your dog gets really happy for any reason, whether you just got him a new toy or just got back after a long time away, he may start shaking. Shaking is one of the natural ways a dog’s body reacts to excess energy.

A dog may also shiver out of excitement or curiosity when he sees a target he wants to chase outside or is anticipating the dinner you are preparing.

Shake off Water

If your dog just finished bathing or came out of a river, it is normal for him to try to shake himself dry. Dog fur often traps heat to help them stay warm. However, it also traps water easily. A dog then shakes off the water to keep himself dry. In most cases, a dog can shake off up to 70% of the water on its fur in about five seconds.

Pain and Seizure

A shivering or trembling dog might be in pain. Pain-related tremors also come with other symptoms. If your dog is shaking due to this, we recommend consulting your vet immediately.

If your dog is shaking or experiencing muscle paralysis, he is most likely having a seizure. Seizures in dogs are of various types. For instance, some seizures affect the whole body, and others target a particular body part. Either way, hold your dog gently while he is having a seizure. This is to prevent them from getting injured by nearby objects. Ensure you visit the vet once the seizure stops for adequate diagnosis and medical attention.

Final Thoughts

Dogs tend to shake or shiver more often, although pet owners hardly know the exact cause. The common reasons include sickness, pain, excitement, curiosity, and cold. Ascertaining the exact cause correctly can be a bit of a hassle, so we recommend seeking professional help from your vet.

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