Dog Shaking: Causes, When to Worry, and When to Seek Care 

Shaking or trembling in dogs can happen for many reasons—some completely normal, and others more  serious. While occasional shaking may be due to excitement or being cold, persistent or unexplained  trembling can be a sign that something isn’t right. 

Understanding the context of your dog’s shaking can help determine when it’s time to seek care. 

Common Causes of Shaking in Dogs 

Dogs may shake for a variety of physical and emotional reasons. 

Common causes include: 

• Cold or attempts to regulate body temperature 
• Fear, anxiety, or stress (thunderstorms, vet visits, loud noises) 
• Pain or discomfort 
• Nausea or gastrointestinal upset 
• Fever 
• Toxin exposure (certain plants, foods, medications) 
• Neurologic conditions (such as tremor disorders or seizures) 
• Muscle weakness or fatigue 

In some cases, shaking may be the only visible sign of an underlying issue. 

When Should You Be Concerned? 

While mild shaking can be normal, there are situations where it should not be ignored. You should seek care if your dog: 

• Is shaking persistently or without an obvious cause 
• Appears painful, restless, or unable to get comfortable 
• Is also vomiting or has diarrhea 
• Is lethargic or not acting like themselves 
• Has pale gums or signs of weakness 
• May have ingested something toxic
• Is experiencing full-body tremors or seizure-like activity 

If your dog is having a seizure, collapses, or cannot be roused, this is an emergency and requires  immediate care. 

How We Diagnose Shaking in Dogs 

At L&L Animal Urgent Care, we evaluate shaking by identifying whether it is behavioral, medical, or  neurologic in origin. 

Diagnostics may include: 

• Thorough neurologic examination 
• Temperature check and pain assessment 
• Bloodwork to evaluate organ function and rule out toxins or metabolic issues • Additional testing depending on clinical signs 

Our approach is tailored to your dog’s specific symptoms and history. 

Treatment Options 

Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the shaking. 

Common treatments may include: 

• Pain management if discomfort is identified 
• Anti-nausea medications for gastrointestinal upset 
• Anti-anxiety medications when stress-related 
• Treatment for toxin exposure if applicable 
• Anti-seizure medications for neurologic conditions 

Some cases may require monitoring or hospitalization, especially if symptoms are severe or progressing. 

When in Doubt, Give Us a Call 

Shaking can be normal in some situations—but it can also be an early sign of pain, illness, or toxin  exposure. If your dog’s symptoms seem unusual or concerning, it’s best to have them evaluated. 

At L&L Animal Urgent Care, we provide same-day urgent care for dogs and cats—helping you get answers  and treatment when your pet needs it most.