Dogs, like humans, may experience tremors or shaking for various reasons. Sometimes these tremors are related to normal bodily functions, such as exhaustion or hunger, but at other times they may indicate something more serious.

In this article, we will discuss when dog trembles indicate a visit to the vet.

Normal Reasons for Dog Trembling

Before we address the reasons for dog trembles that may require veterinary attention, let’s briefly consider the normal reasons that dogs may shake or shiver.

Shivering to Regulate Body Temperature

Dogs may shiver or tremble when they are cold or wet, and they are trying to warm up and dry themselves. This is the body’s way of generating heat and staying warm.

Chihuahuas, for example, are known for shaking when they are cold because they have a high surface area-to-volume ratio, which means they lose heat more quickly than larger breeds. In such cases, a simple solution is to keep the dog warm by providing blankets or a cozy sweater.

Shaking to Relieve Stress

Dogs may also shake when they are experiencing stress or anxiety. This is often called “nervous shaking” and can be seen in situations such as thunderstorms or fireworks displays.

In these cases, reassuring the dog with a calming voice or cuddling them can help ease their stress and reduce their shaking.

Shaking to Release Excess Energy

Finally, dogs may shake or tremble when they need to release excess energy. Puppies, for example, may shake as a physical expression of their excitement, whereas adult dogs may do so after being cooped up for too long.

In such cases, providing plenty of exercise and playtime can help reduce the dog’s shaking.

Abnormal Reasons for Dog Trembling

While some degree of shaking or trembling is normal for dogs, there are situations in which it may indicate an underlying health issue. Here are some of the possibilities:.

Injury, Pain, or Illness

One common reason for dog trembles is the presence of injury, pain, or illness. Dogs may shake or tremble as a result of conditions such as arthritis, Lyme disease, or distemper.

If you notice that your dog is shaking or trembling excessively, and there is no obvious explanation such as cold or anxiety, you should consider seeking veterinary attention.

Seizures

Another more serious possibility is that your dog is experiencing seizures. Seizures are a neurological condition that can cause shaking, tremors, or convulsions.

If your dog is shaking uncontrollably or appears to have no control over its body movements, this could be a sign of a seizure. Seizures can be caused by a variety of factors such as epilepsy or brain tumors, so it is important to seek veterinary attention promptly if your dog is experiencing them.

Poisoning or Toxins

If your dog is shaking or trembling and you suspect they may have ingested something toxic, such as a chemical or a drug, you should seek veterinary attention immediately.

The shaking or tremors may be an early sign of poisoning, and prompt treatment may be able to prevent further harm.

Old Age

As dogs age, they may experience various health issues that can cause shaking or trembling. Conditions such as kidney or liver disease, dementia, or even cancer can all cause tremors in dogs.

If your dog is older and you notice that they are shaking or trembling more frequently or severely than before, it may be an indication of age-related health problems. In such cases, it is important to seek veterinary attention to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

Conclusion

In conclusion, dog trembles can be a normal bodily function, or they may indicate an underlying health issue.

If your dog is shaking or trembling excessively and there is no apparent cause such as cold or anxiety, it is important to seek veterinary attention. Timely intervention can help identify the cause of your dog’s shaking and lead to effective treatment, which can help restore your dog’s health and well-being.