It’s natural to worry when you notice your dog trembling or shaking. While it’s easy to dismiss these symptoms as just “getting old,” tremors in dogs can signal a range of underlying health issues, some of which require prompt veterinary attention. If your dog, especially a senior dog, starts to exhibit tremors, it’s crucial to consult with your veterinarian to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.
One common reason for tremors in dogs, particularly older dogs, is arthritis. Arthritis causes pain and inflammation in the joints, which can manifest as trembling, especially in the legs. Fortunately, veterinary medicine offers various ways to manage arthritis pain and joint inflammation. Your vet may recommend supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin, pain medications, anti-inflammatory drugs, and other therapies such as physical therapy or acupuncture to improve your dog’s comfort and mobility.
Alt text: Senior dog with arthritis trembling in bed, highlighting the symptom of shaking legs due to joint pain.
Another serious cause of tremors in dogs is poisoning. Dogs are curious creatures and sometimes ingest substances that are toxic to them, even if harmless to humans. Common household items can be dangerous for dogs, including chocolate, which contains theobromine, cigarettes leading to nicotine poisoning, and xylitol, an artificial sweetener found in many sugar-free gums and candies. Furthermore, snail baits containing metaldehyde are extremely toxic and can induce severe muscle tremors and convulsions in dogs.
The symptoms of poisoning in dogs are varied and can include tremors, weakness, disorientation, lethargy or depression, excessive drooling, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and seizures. If you suspect your dog has ingested any potentially poisonous substance, immediate action is critical. Contact your veterinarian immediately or call the Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 for guidance and emergency care.
Alt text: Dog exhibiting symptoms of poisoning with a disoriented expression and drooling, emphasizing the signs of toxic ingestion in canines.
Seizure disorders, such as epilepsy, are neurological conditions that can also cause tremors in dogs. Epilepsy disrupts normal brain activity, leading to involuntary muscle contractions. Seizures can manifest in various ways, including collapsing, jerking movements, muscle stiffness, twitching, loss of consciousness, drooling, chomping or jaw movements, tongue chewing, and foaming at the mouth. During a seizure, a dog may fall onto their side and exhibit paddling motions with their legs. Treatment for canine epilepsy typically involves medication to control seizures. Common anti-seizure drugs include levetiracetam (Keppra), phenobarbital, and potassium bromide.
Alt text: Dog experiencing a seizure with body jerking and loss of consciousness, illustrating the physical manifestations of canine epilepsy.
Distemper, a highly contagious viral disease, is another potential cause of tremors in dogs. Canine distemper primarily affects puppies and adolescent dogs that are not fully vaccinated. Tremors are a significant symptom of distemper in dogs. Other signs of distemper can include discharge from the eyes and nose, fever, coughing, lethargy, reduced appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Treatment for distemper in dogs is mainly supportive, focusing on managing the symptoms while the dog’s immune system fights the virus. Supportive care may include antibiotics to prevent secondary bacterial infections, bronchodilators to open airways, physical therapy, and intravenous fluids to combat dehydration.
Alt text: Unvaccinated puppy showing distemper symptoms like eye discharge and lethargy, highlighting the vulnerability of young dogs to this viral disease.
Finally, Generalized Tremor Syndrome (GTS), also known as steroid-responsive tremor syndrome or white shaker dog syndrome, is another condition characterized by tremors in dogs. While initially observed in small, white dog breeds like Maltese and West Highland White Terriers, GTS can affect dogs of any breed, size, and color. The exact cause of GTS remains unknown.
In conclusion, tremors in dogs can stem from various underlying causes, ranging from arthritis and poisoning to neurological conditions like epilepsy, infectious diseases like distemper, and syndromes like GTS. It is vital to recognize that trembling is not always just a sign of aging and can indicate a more serious health problem. If your dog is trembling, especially if the tremors are new, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms, consult your veterinarian promptly for a thorough examination and diagnosis to ensure your canine companion receives the appropriate care and treatment.
