We’ve all been there... sitting quietly and enjoying a television show or book when we look over at our dog and see them trembling or shaking. As pet parents, this can be unnerving. However, shaking can be normal. It can get your dog “loosened up” after a nap, dried off after a swim or bath, or used to release excess energy. Shaking can also be abnormal and indicative of a serious health issue. Knowing your dog’s normal behavior is key in determining if a veterinary visit is needed to diagnose the cause for all of the shaking going on.
Anxiety/Stress/Fear
Strange people or pets, thunderstorms, or your absence are just a few things that can trigger anxiety in dogs. Panting, whining, or excessive drooling may accompany anxiety-induced shaking. Your dog may also exhibit inappropriate behaviors such as chewing on an item that they shouldn’t, digging, or even displaying signs of aggression (growling, baring teeth, biting). Desensitization to the negative trigger stimulus (when possible), pheromone products, distraction, and behavioral modification can help alleviate anxiety. Chronic cases may need to be addressed by your veterinarian. There are several medications that can be prescribed to help decrease anxiety in some cases.
Happiness
Jumping, yipping, nuzzling, and shaking. Bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. These are the hallmarks of a happy dog. Nothing to worry about here! Congratulations on making your furry friend’s day.
Pain
Pain is a rather general cause of shaking and trembling due to the wide variety of potential causes ranging from arthritis pain, mouth pain, abdominal pain, injuries, among many others. A loss of appetite, lethargy, or abnormal behaviors may also be noted in a painful dog. If pain is suspected, a veterinary exam is necessary to get to the bottom of the situation and manage pain with appropriate medications.
Toxicity
Chocolate, prescription medications, chemicals, and certain houseplants are all dangerous to your pet. Ingesting large enough quantities may cause shaking, tremors or seizures along with lethargy, hyperactivity, vomiting and/or diarrhea. If you suspect that your dog has ingested something toxic, call your veterinarian or contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately at (888) 426-4435. There is a fee associated with the ASPCA Center, but their staff toxicologists and extensive database of known toxins can provide invaluable information regarding the treatment of your dog’s condition.
Disease or illness
Distemper infections are caused by a virus. Unvaccinated puppies are at the greatest risk of becoming infected. Along with respiratory symptoms (coughing, nasal discharge, etc.) and fever, distemper can also cause tremors, shaking, or seizures. Vaccination is key in preventing this disease, which has no cure. Supportive care can be administered to improve the chances of recovery. Late stage kidney disease can result in shaking, as kidney function decreases and toxins build up in the bloodstream. Addison’s disease is a disorder characterized by a lack of cortisol. Cortisol is a hormone secreted primarily by the adrenal glands, which governs or affects many different processes in the body. A lack of this important hormone can cause trembling, shaking, lack of appetite, or a general state of being “off”. In certain cases, the symptoms can be quite vague. Fever or chills may also cause shaking. A cold dog will shiver or shake to create body heat to warm up. A fever, if high enough, can affect the brain, which will result in shaking or tremors. Seek veterinary attention immediately in all of these cases. Any illness, injury, or disease process may cause pain, which can manifest as shaking. Your veterinarian may be able to pinpoint the cause of the pain and prescribe an appropriate medication for relief.
Epilepsy
This is one of the most serious causes of shaking or seizures. Epilepsy has several causes but sometimes a cause can go undiagnosed. Veterinary intervention is strongly recommended if you witness your dog having a seizure. Severe, uncontrolled seizures can lead to brain damage or death. It is vitally important to diagnose the cause, if possible, and control the seizures. Your veterinarian or veterinary neurologist may prescribe an anticonvulsant to give regularly.
Old age
Our senior pets are susceptible to age related changes, which may cause a slight shake or tremor. See your veterinarian for an exam to diagnose other causes. Unfortunately, we cannot stop the aging process, but there may be therapies to help with age related shaking.
Conclusion
As you can see, shaking can be good or bad, and has many causes. Your veterinarian should address any concerns or questions. This can be done via a simple phone call or scheduling an examination. As always, we at PetCoach are available to offer advice when your vet is unavailable.