Key Points

• Dogs shake for many reasons, from normal excitement and cold to serious conditions like poisoning, seizures, or infections.

• The cause often becomes clearer when you look at the bigger picture, including other symptoms, recent activities, and changes in behavior.

• Shaking accompanied by vomiting, weakness, breathing difficulties, seizure-like symptoms, or possible toxin exposure should be evaluated by a veterinarian right away.

It might be a slight tremble when you scratch under their chin, a full body shiver after a bath, or uncontrollable shaking during a storm while you try to comfort your pup. Something feels off to you, but is shaking, shivering, or trembling something you should worry about?

Dogs are expressive animals who communicate with their whole bodies. Shaking is one of the many ways your pup responds to something happening internally or in their environment. It might be a chill on a cold morning. Or the pure joy of seeing you walk through the door.

Dog trembling can also point to pain, illness, or a medical emergency. Conditions like poisoning, seizures, and canine distemper all list shaking as a key symptom. The difference between a harmless shiver and a warning sign often comes down to context. What else is happening, how long it lasts, and whether other symptoms appear all matter.

Understanding what's behind your dog's shaking can help you determine when they simply need comfort – and when they need veterinary care. 

When dog shaking is an emergency

Most dog shaking isn't serious. Dogs commonly shake when they're excited, cold, anxious, or dreaming. However, shaking can sometimes signal a medical emergency.

Contact a veterinarian right away if your dog is shaking and:

• Vomiting or having diarrhea

• Weak, lethargic, or unable to stand

• Having a seizure

• Struggling to breathe

• Acting confused or unresponsive

If your dog isn't showing any of these warning signs, you can take a breath. Many cases of dog shaking are caused by everyday things like excitement, anxiety, cold temperatures, or even dreaming. The next step is figuring out which explanation best fits your pup.

Why do dogs shake, shiver, or tremble?

Dogs shake for many reasons, including cold temperatures, excitement, fear, dreaming, attention-seeking behavior, aging, pain, illness, and poisoning. The cause often becomes clearer when you look at other symptoms and what's happening around your dog. 

Dogs shake when they're cold 

Just like you, your pup can shiver when they're cold. Small dogs, short-haired breeds, puppies, and senior dogs are especially vulnerable to chilly temperatures. If your dog starts trembling during a winter walk or after getting wet, they're likely just trying to warm up.

What to do: Bring them inside, dry them off, and wrap them in a warm blanket. Consider a dog sweater or coat for cold-weather walks. 

If your dog can't warm up or becomes lethargic, contact your vet right away. Prolonged cold exposure can lead to hypothermia.

Dogs shake when they're excited 

Ever seen your dog tremble with joy when you walk through the door? Excitement shaking is totally normal, especially in younger dogs. It's their body's way of releasing extra energy. You might also notice it during playtime, before meals, or when they spot their favorite person.

What to do: This kind of shaking usually stops once your pup calms down. It doesn't need any treatment – just enjoy the enthusiastic greeting.

Dogs shake when they're scared 

Dogs can shake when they're feeling anxious, stressed, or scared. Common triggers include thunderstorms, fireworks, car rides, vet visits, or changes in routine. You might notice other signs alongside the shaking, like panting, tucked tail, flattened ears, or hiding.

Some dogs also develop separation anxiety, which can lead to shaking when left alone. If your dog's anxiety-related shaking is frequent or severe, talk to your vet about behavioral strategies or calming options.

What to do: Help your dog feel safe by creating a calm, quiet environment and removing stressors when possible. Gentle reassurance, a favorite toy, or a comfortable hiding spot may help them settle. 

Dogs shake while they're sleeping 

If you've ever caught your dog twitching, paddling their paws, or trembling in their sleep, there's a good chance they're dreaming. Dogs experience REM sleep just like humans, and light shaking or movement during this phase is perfectly normal.

What to do: Most dreaming dogs don't need any intervention. Let your pup sleep and enjoy their adventure. If the movements seem unusually intense or you're worried they may be having a seizure, gently try to wake them. A dreaming dog will stop twitching and respond normally when gently roused.

Some dogs shake to get attention 

Some clever pups figure out that shaking gets a response. If your dog has learned that trembling earns extra cuddles, treats, or concern, they might play it up from time to time. This is more common in dogs who have previously been sick or injured and received lots of extra attention during recovery.

Before assuming the behavior is attention-seeking, talk to your vet to rule out any underlying medical cause.

What to do: You can gently redirect the behavior if it becomes excessive, but sometimes your dog just wants a little extra love, so enjoy the extra cuddles!

Senior dogs may shake as they get older 

As dogs age, mild trembling, especially in the hind legs, becomes more common. This can be related to muscle weakness, joint discomfort, or conditions like arthritis. Senior dogs may also shake more because they feel cold more easily or have reduced mobility.

What to do: Pay attention to any changes in your dog's shaking, mobility, or overall behavior. If the trembling is new, getting worse, or seems to be affecting their comfort, talk to your vet. Many age-related causes of shaking are manageable, and early treatment can help keep your senior pup feeling their best. 

When dog shaking is a sign of something serious

While many causes of dog shaking are harmless, sometimes trembling is a red flag. If your dog's shaking comes on suddenly or won't stop, pay attention. Paired with other symptoms, it could point to a health problem that needs medical attention. If your dog's symptoms seem unusual, are getting worse, or simply don't feel right to you, it's worth checking in with your veterinarian. 

Dogs may shake when they're in pain 

Dogs don't always show pain the way we'd expect. Instead of crying out, many dogs will tremble, pant, or become unusually still. Shaking from pain can be caused by anything from a pulled muscle to a more serious internal issue.

Watch for shaking combined with limping, reluctance to move, whimpering, or changes in appetite. 

What your vet might do: Your veterinarian will perform a physical exam and may recommend X-rays, bloodwork, or other diagnostic tests to identify the source of the pain. Treatment depends on the cause but may include pain medication, anti-inflammatory drugs, or other therapies.

Dogs may shake when they have a fever or infection 

A fever in dogs is a body temperature above 103 degrees Fahrenheit and can cause shaking and shivering. Fevers are usually the body's response to an infection, whether bacterial, viral, or fungal. Other signs include warm ears, dry nose, lethargy, and loss of appetite.

What your vet might do: Your veterinarian may check your dog's temperature and run bloodwork or other tests to identify the underlying infection. Treatment often involves medications and supportive care tailored to the specific cause. 

Dogs may shake after eating something toxic 

Shaking and trembling are common signs of poisoning in dogs. According to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, over-the-counter medications, certain foods, and chocolate are among the top toxins for pets in 2025. Other dangerous substances include xylitol, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and rodent poisons.

Signs of poisoning beyond shaking can include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, weakness, or collapse.

If you think your dog ate something toxic, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or seek emergency vet care immediately. Time matters – the faster your dog gets treatment, the better the outcome. 

What your vet might do: Depending on what your dog ingested and when it happened, your veterinarian may induce vomiting, administer activated charcoal, provide IV fluids, or recommend hospitalization for monitoring and treatment. 

Low blood sugar can cause dogs to shake 

Low blood sugar can cause shaking, trembling, weakness, and even seizures. It's more common in small-breed puppies, toy breeds, and dogs with diabetes or other metabolic conditions. Dogs with hypoglycemia may also appear disoriented, wobbly, or unusually sleepy.

If your dog is shaking and seems weak or unresponsive, contact your vet immediately. Hypoglycemia can become life-threatening without treatment.

What your vet might do: Your veterinarian may check your dog's blood glucose levels and look for an underlying cause. Treatment may include stabilizing blood sugar, providing supportive care, and managing any contributing medical condition. 

Canine distemper can cause shaking and tremors 

Canine distemper is a serious and potentially fatal viral disease. According to the American Kennel Club, distemper affects a dog's respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. Muscle twitching, tremors, and seizures are hallmark neurological symptoms.

Other signs include fever, nasal discharge, coughing, lethargy, and loss of appetite. About half of dogs with distemper don't survive, and survivors may have lasting neurological effects. The good news is that the distemper vaccine is highly effective at prevention. It's a core vaccination recommended by the American Veterinary Medical Association. Make sure your pup's vaccinations are up to date.

What your vet might do: There is no cure for distemper, but your veterinarian can provide supportive care to help manage symptoms and reduce complications. Treatment may include fluids, medications, nutritional support, and monitoring. 

Generalized tremor syndrome can cause sudden tremors 

Generalized tremor syndrome, sometimes called "white shaker dog syndrome," causes full-body tremors that can appear suddenly. Despite the name, GTS can affect dogs of any breed, size, or coat color. It's most common in small, white-coated breeds like Maltese and West Highland White Terriers.

Veterinarians don't yet know exactly what causes generalized tremor syndrome, but many researchers suspect the immune system plays a role. A 2024 study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science added to the evidence that GTS may be an autoimmune condition. Tremors from GTS tend to get worse with stress or excitement and improve with rest.

What your vet might do: Your veterinarian may perform blood tests and neurological evaluations to rule out other causes of tremors. Dogs diagnosed with generalized tremor syndrome often respond well to corticosteroid therapy. 

Seizures can look like shaking in dogs 

Seizures can look like intense, uncontrolled shaking or trembling. During a seizure, your dog may fall to the ground, paddle their legs, drool, lose bladder control, or become temporarily unresponsive. Seizures have many possible causes, including epilepsy, brain tumors, liver disease, and toxin exposure.

If your dog has a seizure, stay calm and keep them safe by moving nearby objects. Don't try to hold their tongue or restrain them. Time the seizure. If it lasts longer than 2-3 minutes, or if multiple seizures happen in a row, seek emergency vet care immediately.

What your vet might do: Your veterinarian will work to determine the cause of the seizure through a physical exam, bloodwork, and sometimes advanced imaging. Treatment may include anti-seizure medication and ongoing monitoring. 

Other health conditions can make dogs shake 

Dog shaking can also be a symptom of kidney disease, Addison's disease (adrenal insufficiency), neurological conditions, or inflammatory brain diseases. These conditions often come with additional symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, or behavior changes.

What your vet might do: Your veterinarian may recommend diagnostic testing such as bloodwork, urine testing, imaging, or neurological exams to identify the underlying condition and develop an appropriate treatment plan. 

When dog shaking occurs alongside other symptoms

Dog shaking is often just one piece of the puzzle. Paying attention to what else your dog is doing can provide important clues about what's causing the trembling.

• If your dog is shaking and limping: The trembling may be related to pain or injury rather than an emotional response.

• If your dog is shaking and vomiting: Gastrointestinal distress, toxin exposure, or another medical condition may be to blame.

• If your dog is shaking and hiding: Fear, anxiety, or stress could be the cause, especially during thunderstorms, fireworks, or other stressful situations.

• If your dog is shaking and pacing: Pain, discomfort, stress, or an underlying health issue may be contributing to the behavior.

Learning to read your dog's body language and behavior can help you connect the dots faster and determine whether it's time to call your veterinarian.

If your dog's shaking is connected to fireworks or storms, working with your vet on a long-term anxiety management plan can make a real difference.

Why is my dog shaking and panting?

Of all the symptom combinations that accompany dog shaking, panting is one of the most common and confusing for pet parents. Dogs pant for all kinds of reasons, including exercise, excitement, and warm weather. Add shaking to the mix, and it's easy to see why this combination leaves so many people searching for answers. 

When dog shaking and panting happen together, it usually points to one of a few common causes. Your pup might be overheated, in pain, anxious, or nauseous. In some cases, shaking and panting can also signal a more serious issue like heart problems, Cushing's disease, or poisoning.

Panting is how dogs cool themselves down, so some panting is normal, especially after exercise or in warm weather. But heavy, sustained panting combined with shaking often means your dog is uncomfortable or distressed.

Pay attention to context: 

Did your pup just come inside from a hot day? They might be cooling down. 

Are they shaking and panting during a thunderstorm? It's likely anxiety. 

But if the combination has no clear trigger, or comes with lethargy, vomiting, or loss of appetite, contact your vet. They can rule out an underlying medical cause.

Do small dogs shake more than large dogs?

Yes, small dogs do tend to shake more than larger breeds, and there are a few reasons why. Smaller dogs have a higher surface-area-to-body-mass ratio, which means they lose body heat faster. This makes them more susceptible to cold-related shivering.

Small breeds also tend to have faster metabolisms and can be more prone to hypoglycemia, which can trigger trembling. Their smaller stature also means some toy breeds feel more fear or anxiety around loud noises, larger animals, or new environments.

That said, frequent or excessive shaking in small dogs shouldn't be written off as "just a small dog thing." It still deserves attention, especially if it's new, persistent, or paired with other symptoms.

How to calm a shaking dog

If your dog is shaking and you've ruled out a medical emergency, there are several things you can do to help them feel better:

• Warm them up. If your dog is cold, move them to a warm room, wrap them in a blanket, or put on a dog sweater.

• Create a safe space. For anxious or scared dogs, offer a quiet, enclosed area with their favorite bed or crate. Background noise like calm music or white noise can help.

• Stay calm yourself. Dogs pick up on your energy. If you're relaxed and reassuring, it can help your pup settle down.

• Use gentle touch. Slow petting or a calming massage can soothe a stressed dog. Focus on long strokes along their back or behind their ears.

• Redirect with a distraction. A favorite toy, treat puzzle, or short training session can shift your dog's focus away from whatever is causing the shaking.

• Talk to your vet about calming aids. For dogs with ongoing anxiety, your vet might recommend calming supplements, pheromone diffusers, or behavioral training.

When to see a vet about your dog shaking

Most cases of dog shaking aren't emergencies, but it's a good idea to contact your veterinarian if the trembling is severe, doesn't go away, keeps coming back, or is accompanied by symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, lethargy, or behavior changes. You should also seek veterinary care if you suspect your dog has ingested something toxic or is experiencing seizure-like symptoms.

What to expect at the vet for dog shaking

A veterinary visit for dog shaking usually starts with a few simple questions: When did the shaking begin? How often does it happen? Are there any other symptoms?

From there, your veterinarian will perform a physical exam and decide whether additional testing is needed. Depending on your dog's age, symptoms, and medical history, that might include bloodwork, urine testing, X-rays, or neurological evaluations.

When your dog is shaking, shivering, or experiencing tremors, the last thing you want is to delay care because you're worried about the cost. A Pumpkin Dog Insurance plan can help cover eligible vet bills for accidents and illnesses, and with PumpkinNow, you can submit an estimate from your phone and get paid in minutes, often before you even leave the vet's office, so you can focus on being there for your pup when they need you most.  

Trust your instincts. You know your dog better than anyone. If something feels off, it's always better to check in with your vet than to wait and see.

How to help prevent unnecessary shaking

While you can't prevent every cause of dog shaking, there are practical steps you can take to reduce the risk:

• Keep vaccinations current. Core vaccines like the distemper vaccine protect your dog from serious diseases that cause tremors and seizures.

• Pet-proof your home. Store medications, cleaning products, chocolate, xylitol-containing foods, and other toxins well out of your dog's reach.

• Manage cold exposure. Use dog sweaters or coats for cold-weather walks, and limit time outdoors in freezing temperatures – especially for small, short-haired, or senior dogs.

• Feed a consistent, high-quality diet. Regular meals at predictable times help prevent blood sugar dips that can trigger shaking, particularly in small breeds and puppies.

• Reduce anxiety triggers. Gradually desensitize your dog to common stressors like loud noises. Create a reliable daily routine with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.

• Schedule regular vet checkups. Routine wellness visits catch early signs of conditions like arthritis, kidney disease, or neurological issues before they progress.

Most dog shaking is harmless, but trust your instincts

The key is to look at the bigger picture. Is your dog otherwise acting like themselves? Are there other symptoms present? Has the shaking stopped, or is it getting worse? You know your dog better than anyone. If something doesn't seem right, trust your instincts and check in with your veterinarian.

The vast majority of dog shaking comes down to everyday causes like cold weather, excitement, anxiety, or even dreaming. In many cases, a warm blanket, a quiet place to relax, or a little extra reassurance is all your pup needs.

Frequently asked questions about dog shaking

Why is my dog shaking and panting?

Shaking and panting together can mean your dog is anxious, overheated, in pain, or nauseous. If there's no clear cause, like hot weather or a stressful situation, and the symptoms persist, it's best to call your vet.

Should I be worried if my dog is shaking?

It depends on the context. Brief shaking from excitement, cold, or during sleep is usually harmless. But if the shaking is sudden, ongoing, or accompanied by other symptoms like vomiting, lethargy, or loss of appetite, it's worth a vet visit.

Why is my dog shaking for no reason?

Dogs rarely shake for no reason. Tere's almost always a trigger, even if it's not obvious to you. Hidden pain, early signs of illness, mild anxiety, or even subtle environmental changes can cause trembling. If you can't identify a cause, your vet can help.

What should I do when my dog is shaking?

First, try to identify the cause. If they're cold, warm them up. If they're anxious, create a calm environment. If the shaking has no clear cause, won't stop, or comes with other symptoms, contact your vet. For suspected poisoning or seizures, seek emergency care immediately.