My Dog Is Shaking

If your dog is shaking or trembling, there is almost always a reason -- and it is usually not serious. Dogs shake when they are cold, excited, anxious, or trying to dry off. But shaking can also signal pain, poisoning, or illness. Here's how to figure out what is going on and what to do about it.

Common Causes of Shaking in Dogs

Cold -- small breeds, thin-coated dogs, and senior dogs get cold easily. If the room is chilly or they just came inside from winter weather, this is likely the cause.
Fear or anxiety -- thunderstorms, fireworks, vet visits, car rides, new environments, and separation anxiety are all common triggers.
Excitement -- some dogs tremble with excitement when you come home, at mealtime, or before a walk. This is harmless.
Pain -- shaking can be a sign of pain from injury, arthritis, abdominal issues, or dental problems. Dogs hide pain well, so shaking may be one of the only visible signs.
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) -- especially common in small breeds like Chihuahuas, Yorkies, and toy breeds. Puppies are also at risk. Typically happens after missed meals or excessive activity.
Poisoning or toxin exposure -- chocolate, xylitol, grapes, certain plants, rodent poison, and many household chemicals can cause tremors. Shaking combined with vomiting or drooling is a warning sign.
Generalized Tremor Syndrome (GTS) -- a neurological condition most common in small white dogs (Maltese, Westies, Bichon Frises) that causes full-body tremors.
Old age -- senior dogs often develop mild tremors in their legs due to muscle weakness or joint pain. This is common and usually not dangerous on its own.

When It's Normal vs When to Worry

Probably normal:

Shaking after a bath or swim -- they are drying off
Trembling when excited (greeting you, before a walk, at mealtime)
Shivering in cold weather -- especially small or thin-coated breeds
Mild trembling during a thunderstorm or fireworks -- anxiety response
Small breed dogs that shake habitually (Chihuahuas are famous for this)

Time to worry:

Shaking combined with lethargy -- your dog seems weak or uninterested
Shaking combined with vomiting or diarrhea -- possible poisoning
Shaking with loss of appetite lasting more than 24 hours
Sudden onset of violent tremors in a dog that does not normally shake
Shaking with stumbling, disorientation, or difficulty walking
Shaking after your dog may have gotten into something toxic

What to Do Right Now

Check the obvious. Is your dog cold? Wet? Excited? Scared? If you can identify a clear, harmless cause, address it (warm them up, dry them off, calm them down).
Look for other symptoms. Is your dog also vomiting, drooling, lethargic, limping, or refusing food? Multiple symptoms together are more concerning than shaking alone.
Check for toxin exposure. Did your dog get into chocolate, xylitol gum, grapes, rat poison, antifreeze, or anything else they should not have? If yes, call your vet or ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 immediately.
Feed a small meal. If you have a small breed or puppy that missed a meal, low blood sugar could be the cause. Offer a small amount of food and see if the shaking stops within 30 minutes.
Keep them warm and comfortable. If anxiety is the cause, create a safe quiet space. A thundershirt or snug-fitting garment can help some dogs.
Monitor for 24 hours. If the shaking stops and your dog returns to normal behavior, it was likely a minor or temporary cause. If it continues or worsens, call the vet.

When to Call the Vet

Contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital if you see any of these red flags:

Shaking combined with vomiting -- possible toxin exposure
Shaking with lethargy or collapse
Violent, full-body tremors that your dog cannot control
Shaking after possible ingestion of a toxic substance
Shaking with disorientation, stumbling, or seizure-like activity
Shaking that has lasted more than 24 hours with no clear cause
Puppy or small breed shaking with weakness (possible hypoglycemia)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my dog shaking for no reason?

Dogs rarely shake for no reason -- but the reason is not always obvious. The most common causes are cold, anxiety, excitement, or pain. Small breeds like Chihuahuas and Yorkies shake more frequently due to their higher metabolism and lower body fat. If your dog is shaking and you cannot identify a clear cause (like being cold or excited), and especially if they seem lethargic or are not eating, contact your vet to rule out pain or illness.

Is it normal for dogs to shake after a bath?

Yes, completely normal. Dogs shake vigorously after a bath to remove water from their coat. A single shake can remove about 70% of the water from their fur. This is a natural instinct and not a sign of distress. Some dogs may also shiver after a bath because they are cold -- towel-dry them thoroughly and keep them in a warm area until they are fully dry.

When should I worry about my dog shaking?

Worry if shaking is accompanied by other symptoms: lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, whimpering, drooling, stumbling, or disorientation. Shaking combined with vomiting could indicate poisoning. Shaking with lethargy could mean pain or serious illness. Sudden onset of violent tremors, especially in a dog that does not normally shake, warrants an immediate vet visit.

Can anxiety cause a dog to shake?

Yes. Anxiety is one of the top reasons dogs shake. Common triggers include thunderstorms, fireworks, car rides, vet visits, separation from their owner, and new or unfamiliar environments. Anxiety-related shaking usually stops when the stressor is removed. If your dog has chronic anxiety that causes frequent trembling, talk to your vet about behavioral training or anti-anxiety medication.

What is Generalized Tremor Syndrome in dogs?

Generalized Tremor Syndrome (GTS) -- sometimes called "white shaker dog syndrome" -- causes full-body tremors in dogs, most commonly small white breeds like Maltese, West Highland White Terriers, and Bichon Frises. It can affect dogs of any color and size though. Symptoms usually appear between 1-2 years of age. The cause is not fully understood but is believed to involve mild central nervous system inflammation. GTS responds well to corticosteroid treatment, and most dogs improve within a week of starting medication.