A shaking dog can be alarming, but the reason is often simple. The short answer is that dogs shake or shiver for lots of everyday reasons: they are cold, wet, excited, nervous or shaking off water. In those cases it settles quickly once the cause passes. Shaking becomes a worry when it comes with other signs, will not stop, or appears out of nowhere in a dog who does not normally tremble, because that can point to pain, illness or something they have eaten.
The key, as with so much dog care, is context. Below I will run through the harmless causes, the ones that need a closer look, and the red flags that mean pick up the phone to your vet.
The everyday, harmless reasons
Most trembling is nothing to worry about. Common innocent causes include:
- Cold: small, thin, short-coated and elderly dogs feel the chill quickly, especially when wet
- Excitement: quivering with anticipation before a walk, a meal or your return home
- A good shake-off: the whole-body wobble that clears water or loose hair after a bath or a roll
- Nerves or excitement dreams: twitching and trembling during sleep is usually just dreaming
These share a pattern: there is an obvious trigger, the dog seems otherwise themselves, and the shaking stops when the situation changes. A cold dog warms up, an excited dog calms down.
Groomer's tip: Plenty of dogs shiver on the grooming table, and it is far more often nerves or a chill than anything medical. We keep the room warm, dry dogs thoroughly, and work slowly and gently so a nervous dog can settle. A little trembling that eases as they relax is very normal for a first visit.
Fear, anxiety and stress
Trembling is one of the clearest signs a dog is frightened or overwhelmed. Fireworks, thunderstorms, car journeys, the vet and busy or unfamiliar places are common triggers. You will usually see other signs alongside the shaking:
- Tucked tail, flattened ears, a lowered body
- Pacing, hiding, whining or drooling
- Yawning, lip-licking or turning away
The kindest response is to remove the trigger where you can, offer a safe quiet space, and stay calm and reassuring. If your dog is regularly frightened by everyday things, it is worth speaking to your vet, who can rule out pain and point you towards a qualified behaviourist if needed.
When shaking means pain or illness
This is where shaking deserves proper attention. Trembling that is not explained by cold, excitement or fear can be a sign that something is wrong. Possible causes include:
- Pain: from an injury, joint trouble, or a sore tummy; dogs often tremble when hurting
- Feeling unwell: nausea, an upset stomach or a fever can all cause shivering
- Low blood sugar: especially in tiny breeds and young puppies
- Poisoning: some toxins cause tremors, twitching or shaking (more on this below)
- Neurological or muscle conditions: which need a vet to diagnose
- Old-age tremors: some senior dogs develop harmless leg tremors, but always get new shaking checked
If your dog is shaking and also seems flat, off their food, sore, or just not right, treat that as a reason to ring your vet rather than wait and see.
Poisoning: do not wait
Some cases of sudden shaking or tremors are caused by something a dog has eaten. Chocolate, xylitol (a sweetener in sugar-free gum and some peanut butters), certain plants, slug pellets and other household chemicals can all trigger tremors, and this is an emergency.
If you suspect your dog has eaten something toxic, do not wait for symptoms to worsen. Contact your vet straight away, or call the Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000, a paid UK service that can advise whether you need to act. Take the packaging with you if you can.
Red flags: call your vet
Get in touch with your vet, or an out-of-hours emergency service, if the shaking comes with any of these:
- Shaking that is sudden, severe or will not stop
- Signs of pain, a hunched posture or crying out
- Vomiting, diarrhoea, collapse or seizures
- Being unusually quiet, weak or off their food
- Any suspicion your dog has eaten something poisonous
- Trembling in a very small dog or young puppy who also seems weak (possible low blood sugar)
You know your dog better than anyone. If the shaking feels different from their normal quivers and shivers, trust that instinct and make the call.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my dog shaking but acting normal?
If your dog is shaking but eating, playing and behaving as usual, the cause is very likely harmless, such as cold, excitement or shaking off water. Keep an eye on them, and if the trembling continues without a clear reason or other signs appear, contact your vet.
Why is my dog shaking and not eating?
Shaking combined with going off their food suggests they may not feel well. It can mean pain, nausea or illness, so this pairing is worth a call to your vet rather than waiting to see if it passes.
Can dogs shake because they are cold?
Yes, very much so. Small, thin, short-coated, wet and elderly dogs chill easily and shiver to warm up. Drying them well, a cosy spot and a coat on cold walks usually sorts it. If a warm, dry dog is still shaking, look for another cause.
Is it an emergency if my dog is shaking?
Not usually, but it can be. Treat it as urgent if the shaking is sudden and severe, comes with vomiting, collapse or seizures, if your dog seems in pain, or if you think they may have eaten something toxic. When in doubt, ring your vet.
This isn't veterinary advice
We're professional dog groomers, not vets, so please treat this as friendly general guidance. If you're worried about your dog, or before acting on anything here, speak to your local vet. In an emergency, contact your vet or nearest out-of-hours clinic.
Fluffs is a professional dog grooming salon in Wigginton, York, offering one-to-one grooming for dogs of every breed and coat type across Haxby, Strensall, Huntington, New Earswick and the surrounding villages. We keep nervous dogs warm, dry and calm throughout their visit so trembles have every chance to settle. Book a gentle, one-to-one groom.