Dog Shaking: Demystifying the Tremors
Mar 18,2025 | puaintapets
A dog shaking can be a concerning sight for any pet owner. It can range from a mild tremor to a full - body shake, and understanding the underlying cause is crucial for the well - being of your furry friend. There are numerous factors that can lead to a dog shaking, some of which are normal physiological responses, while others may indicate an underlying health problem.
Common Reasons Why Dogs Shake
1. Cold Weather or Chilling
Just like humans, dogs shake when they’re cold. Small breeds, short-haired dogs, and puppies are especially prone to shivering in low temperatures.
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Solution: Provide warm clothing or blankets and limit outdoor time in cold weather.
2. Excitement or Anticipation
Dogs often shake when they’re excited or happy, such as before mealtime or when greeting their owner.
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Solution: This is normal behavior and doesn’t require intervention.
3. Anxiety, Fear, or Stress
Shaking is a common response to fear or anxiety, such as during thunderstorms, fireworks, or vet visits.
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Solution: Provide a safe space, use calming aids like anxiety wraps, and try positive reinforcement training.
4. Pain or Injury
Dogs in pain may tremble as a response to discomfort from arthritis, injuries, or other medical conditions.
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Solution: Look for additional signs like limping, whimpering, or avoiding movement. Consult a vet for a diagnosis.
5. Generalized Tremor Syndrome (GTS)
Also known as "white shaker dog syndrome," this condition causes full-body tremors, often seen in small breeds.
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Solution: This is treatable with medications, but a vet diagnosis is necessary.
6. Poisoning or Toxin Exposure
Certain foods (e.g., chocolate, xylitol, caffeine), plants, or household chemicals can cause shaking, drooling, or seizures.
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Solution: If poisoning is suspected, contact a vet or poison control immediately.
Related: My Dog Ate Chocolate But Is Acting Fine
7. Seizures or Neurological Disorders
Conditions like epilepsy or brain diseases can cause uncontrolled shaking or convulsions.
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Solution: If your dog experiences repeated or prolonged seizures, seek emergency veterinary care.
Also Read: What Causes Seizures In Dogs
8. Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)
Common in small breeds and diabetic dogs, low blood sugar can cause trembling, weakness, and lethargy.
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Solution: Provide a small amount of food and seek veterinary advice if it persists.
9. Fever or Infection
Illnesses such as distemper or other viral infections can cause fever-induced shivering.
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Solution: If shaking is accompanied by lethargy, vomiting, or loss of appetite, visit a vet.
10. Vestibular Disease (Balance Issues)
Older dogs may experience vestibular disease, which causes disorientation and trembling.
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Solution: This condition often improves with time, but a vet check is recommended.
How to Deal with a Dog Ear Infection That Keeps Shaking Its Head?
Dogs with ear infections that keep shaking their heads can be treated as follows:
1. Clean the ear canal
Prepare supplies:
Ear cleaning solution, cotton, hair dryer, cotton swabs, ear medication (for inflammation), toilet paper and newspaper.
Cleaning steps:
- Pull the root of the dog's ear wing and pour ear cleaning solution through the opening of the ear canal until you see the surface of the water.
- Place cotton in the outer ear to absorb the water.
- Gently massage the ear at the base of the ear for 15-20 seconds or more to mix the ear cleaner and earwax.
- Place the dog on a newspaper covered floor and shake the ears (if not you can blow into the face or ears).
- Repeat the above steps 2-3 times.
- Wipe the dirty outer ear with a paper towel.
- Dry the ears with a hair dryer to avoid moisture.
- If the ear is inflamed put 1-2 drops of ear drops and rub well.
2.Medical treatment
Examine the cause: take your dog to the vet, where the doctor will examine the ear with tools such as an otoscope to determine if the ear infection is caused by ear mites, bacteria, fungus, or another disease.
Related: Understanding Ear Mites in Dogs
3.Medication:
- Ear mite infection: Use ear drops containing mite-killing ingredients and put them into the ear canal regularly as prescribed by the doctor, usually need to be used continuously for a period of time to kill the ear mites completely.
- Bacterial infections: use antibiotic ear drops, at the same time may need to take oral antibiotics, such as amoxicillin, etc., the specific dosage and duration of treatment depends on the condition.
- Fungal infections: Use of antifungal medication, which may also need to be combined with oral antifungal medication.
4. Daily care
- Regular cleaning: Clean the ear canal at least once a week with an ear cleaner to keep it dry and hygienic.
- Avoid irritation: Do not dig deep into the ear canal with sharp objects such as cotton swabs to avoid damage to the ear canal.
- Pay attention to diet: Provide your dog with nutritionally balanced food to strengthen the immune system and help the ears recover.
- Environmental cleanliness: Clean the kennel and toys regularly to reduce the breeding of bacteria and parasites.
When to See a Vet
I. Ear problems
Frequent head shaking: If your dog shakes his head frequently, it may be caused by problems such as ear infections, ear mites, foreign bodies in the ear canal or tumours.
Accompanying Symptoms: If head shaking is accompanied by symptoms such as increased ear canal discharge, redness, swelling, odour, pain and hearing loss, it should be taken more seriously.
II. Neurological problems
Balance disorders: Symptoms such as balance disorders, unsteady standing, head tilting, and difficulty walking in dogs may be caused by inner ear disease, brain disease, or nerve damage.
Other abnormal behaviours: such as twitching, muscle tremors and impaired consciousness may also be related to neurological problems.
III. Allergic reactions
Frequent head shaking with itching: Dogs may be allergic to pollen, dust mites, food, etc., resulting in itchy ears, red skin, and watery eyes.
Seasonal or after exposure to specific substances: Allergic reactions are often associated with specific seasons or exposure to specific substances, such as spring pollen allergies, allergies after exposure to certain foods or chemicals.
IV. Other Possibilities
Pain in the neck or other parts of the body: Dogs may be shaking their heads due to strained neck muscles, cervical spine problems, arthritis, and other physical complaints.
Foreign object in the ear canal: If you suspect that a foreign object has entered your dog's ear canal, you should also seek medical attention.
If the dog's head shaking behaviour lasts for a longer period of time, is more frequent or is accompanied by other abnormal symptoms, it is recommended that the dog be taken to a veterinarian for a thorough examination in a timely manner, in order to determine the specific cause of the disease and treat it accordingly.
FAQs
My dog shakes after coming in from outside. Is it normal?
It could be normal if it's cold outside and your dog is shaking to warm up. However, if the shaking doesn't stop or is accompanied by other symptoms like coughing or sneezing, it may be a sign of illness or exposure to something harmful.
My puppy shakes when I leave the room. Is this a sign of separation anxiety?
It could be. Puppies are more likely to experience separation anxiety, and shaking can be one of the symptoms. Try to gradually acclimate your puppy to being alone for short periods and provide them with comforting toys or a piece of your clothing with your scent.
How can I stop my dog from shaking when it's scared?
First, remove the source of fear if possible. Then, comfort your dog in a calm and soothing voice. You can also provide a safe place for them, like a crate with a soft blanket. If the problem persists, consult a professional dog trainer or behaviorist.
Conclusion
Dogs may shake for various reasons. Physically, cold, fatigue, hypoglycemia, pain, poisoning, ear problems, brain issues, and kidney diseases can cause it. For example, a cold environment affects small or short - haired dogs. Psychologically, fear and anxiety, such as in new or noisy environments, and excitement can lead to shaking. Understanding these causes is crucial for dog owners. It helps them recognize when shaking is normal, like in anticipation of a walk, or a sign of a problem, like an underlying illness, ensuring the dog's well - being.
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