It’s a familiar scene for many dog parents: your furry friend suddenly starts shaking or trembling, sometimes accompanied by heavy panting. While a little shiver might seem normal, especially in puppies or nervous dogs, it can be concerning when the shaking is unusual, excessive, or accompanied by other symptoms. Understanding why your dog is shaking and panting is crucial for their well-being and your peace of mind.
Instead of dismissing this behavior, it’s always best to investigate the potential causes of your dog’s shaking and take steps to ease their discomfort. This proactive approach not only benefits your dog’s stress levels but also helps alleviate any anxiety you might be feeling.
In this guide, we’ll explore the most common reasons behind dog shaking and panting, ranging from simple environmental factors to potential health concerns, and provide actionable steps you can take to help your canine companion.
Common Reasons for Dog Shaking and Panting
Generally, occasional shaking in dogs is not a cause for immediate alarm. Many of the common reasons are related to their environment or temporary situations rather than serious underlying medical issues.
While it’s easy to jump to conclusions, assuming your dog needs immediate emergency veterinary care isn’t always necessary. Instead, take a moment to consider the possible triggers and then take appropriate measures to alleviate your dog’s discomfort. This might be as simple as offering a comforting cuddle or a tasty treat, or it could involve contacting your veterinarian for advice.
Here are eight common reasons why your dog might be shaking and panting:
1. Excitement: The Happy Shivers
If you’re lucky enough to have a perpetually joyful dog, you’re likely accustomed to their enthusiastic wiggles and jumps when you return home or offer a special treat. Sometimes, in their boundless enthusiasm, dogs can become a little too worked up.
If your dog exhibits shaking after an exciting interaction – whether it’s your arrival home, greeting a new friend, or receiving a coveted treat – it’s often a completely normal response. No need to worry in this case!
What to do:
Usually, no intervention is needed as this is typical behavior. However, if your dog becomes overly disruptive or destructive in their excitement, consider redirecting their energy with a calming activity. A lick mat or a treat-dispensing toy can help them channel their excitement in a more constructive way.
2. Cold Weather: Chills and Shivers
Dogs, particularly smaller breeds or those with short coats, are susceptible to shaking in cold weather due to their size and lower body mass. Just like humans shiver when cold, dogs do too!
Generally, most dogs begin to feel uncomfortable when temperatures drop to around 32°F (0°C) and below. However, smaller, thin-coated dogs should not be left outside for extended periods even when temperatures are around 41°F (5°C). When in doubt, it’s always best to bring your pup indoors or invest in a quality dog jacket or sweater for outdoor excursions.
What to do:
Minimize your dog’s exposure to cold temperatures by keeping them indoors when it’s chilly. Provide warm dog clothing like sweaters or coats, especially for smaller breeds or those with thin fur, to prevent chills, frostbite, and hypothermia.
3. Stress and Anxiety: Nervous Tremors
Stress and anxiety are frequent culprits behind shaking and panting in dogs. The triggers for this stress can be varied and numerous. Loud noises like fireworks or thunderstorms, changes in routine like moving to a new home, encounters with unfamiliar pets or people, and many other stressful situations can induce shaking in dogs.
What to do:
Whenever possible, try to prepare your dog for potentially stressful situations and minimize the stress they experience. For instance, if you are moving, consider arranging for your dog to stay with a trusted pet sitter or family member to avoid the upheaval of moving day. For predictable stressors like thunderstorms, create a safe haven for your dog with soothing music, extra cuddles, or consider using a ThunderShirt to help calm their anxiety.
4. New Experiences: Attentiveness and Exploration
Similar to stress and anxiety, novel experiences can also cause your dog to shake. This might occur when they encounter a new scent, investigate an unfamiliar toy, or are startled by another animal. These experiences might not necessarily be anxiety-inducing but can trigger heightened alertness and exploratory behavior, which can manifest as shaking.
What to do:
Shaking during new experiences is often a natural reaction related to a heightened state of awareness, such as when hunting or tracking scents. In many cases, it doesn’t require intervention. Simply observe your dog’s behavior to ensure their curiosity doesn’t escalate into anxiety, stress, fear, or aggression.
5. Fear: The Frightened Shakes
Fear is another common emotion that can manifest as shaking in dogs. This can happen when they encounter something frightening, such as an aggressive dog, a visit to the veterinarian, or even a confrontation with household appliances like the vacuum cleaner.
Often, fear-induced shaking is preceded by avoidance behavior; your dog might try to escape the situation. When escape isn’t possible, they might begin shaking and could even display defensive behaviors like growling or showing teeth.
What to do:
Work to minimize fear triggers, especially at the vet’s office, by scheduling “happy visits” that don’t involve procedures. If your dog has significant fears or phobias (like fear of children or loud noises), consider working with a certified dog behaviorist to help them overcome these triggers. During stressful situations, introduce calming aids like lick mats, treat dispensers, or frozen dog-friendly popsicles to help soothe them.
6. Medical Conditions: When to Be Concerned
While less frequent than environmental or emotional causes, shaking can sometimes be a symptom of an underlying medical condition.
These potential medical issues can include: seizure disorders, hypoadrenocorticism (Addison’s disease), hypocalcemia (low calcium levels), hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), or distemper (which can cause muscle tremors).
What to do:
Pay close attention to whether the shaking is accompanied by other symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or limping. If you observe any of these additional signs, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian. If the shaking persists for more than 24 hours, it’s also advisable to contact your vet for guidance.
7. Pain: Shivers of Discomfort
Similar to humans, pain can be a significant cause of shaking and shivering in dogs. Pinpointing pain as the cause can be challenging without veterinary expertise. Look for other indicators of discomfort, such as limping, wincing, whimpering, or changes in appetite.
What to do:
Carefully observe your dog for other signs of pain. If the shaking is persistent, affects their daily activities, or you suspect they might be in pain, schedule a consultation with your veterinarian to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.
8. Ear Infections: Head Shaking and Tremors
Excessive head shaking, sometimes accompanied by body tremors, can be a sign of an ear infection. Ear infections are relatively common in dogs, but they require veterinary attention for proper diagnosis and treatment.
What to do:
Inspect your dog’s ears for signs of infection. Redness, swelling, discharge, or an unpleasant odor are all indicators of a potential ear infection. If you suspect an ear infection, consult your veterinarian for appropriate medication and treatment.
Other Possible Causes of Shivering and Trembling in Dogs
While the causes listed above are the most frequent reasons for shaking in dogs, there are some less common possibilities to be aware of.
Here are a few additional, less common causes of shaking and trembling:
- Seizure-related disorders: These can manifest in a range of tremors, from subtle muscle twitches to severe, full-body convulsions.
- Cerebellar hypoplasia: This is a condition involving incomplete development of the cerebellum, the part of the brain responsible for coordination, leading to head bobbing and tremors, most often seen in puppies.
- Shaker syndrome: Predominantly observed in dogs with white fur, this condition affects the entire body and is caused by inflammation within the central nervous system.
- Shaking puppy syndrome: Primarily affecting male puppies of certain breeds, this condition arises from the incomplete formation of the protective myelin sheath around nerves, resulting in tremors.
- Substance-induced shaking: Exposure to certain substances, including marijuana, chocolate (which is toxic to dogs), or sensitivity to ingredients in flea and tick medications, can trigger shaking.
- Medication-induced shaking: Some dogs may experience shaking as a side effect while recovering from anesthesia or as a reaction to certain medications.
For any unexplained or persistent shaking or trembling in your dog, it’s crucial to seek professional veterinary advice. Only a veterinarian can accurately diagnose the underlying cause and recommend the appropriate treatment plan.
How to Calm a Shaking Dog
Unless your dog’s shaking stems from a serious medical condition (which necessitates veterinary treatment), there are numerous effective ways to soothe a shaking dog, particularly when the cause is excitement, anxiety, stress, or fear.
Here are some helpful methods:
- Provide a quiet, safe haven: Create a comfortable and secure space where your dog can retreat during stressful situations.
- Establish a consistent routine: A predictable daily schedule can significantly reduce overall anxiety in dogs.
- Use calming pheromone products: Pheromone sprays or diffusers can help calm a dog’s nervous system.
- Play soothing music: Soft, calming music can have a relaxing effect on anxious dogs.
- Offer comfort items: Provide a favorite toy or blanket to offer a sense of security.
- Desensitization and counterconditioning: For specific fears or phobias, work on gradually desensitizing your dog and creating positive associations with the trigger.
- Gentle massage and petting: Calming touch can help relax tense muscles and reduce anxiety.
- Regular exercise and playtime: Adequate physical activity helps release pent-up energy and reduce stress.
- Training and confidence building: Training sessions can boost your dog’s confidence and address behavioral anxieties.
- Consider anxiety wraps or vests: These garments apply gentle pressure, which can have a calming effect for some dogs.
- Consult your veterinarian about medications or supplements: In some cases, anti-anxiety medications or supplements may be recommended under veterinary guidance.
- Speak in a calm, reassuring voice: Your calm demeanor and positive reinforcement can be very reassuring to your dog. Avoid punishment, which can increase anxiety.
When is Dog Shaking a Veterinary Emergency?
While not every instance of dog shaking and panting requires a vet visit, certain situations warrant immediate veterinary attention.
Seek veterinary care for your dog’s shaking in the following circumstances:
- Persistent or severe shaking: If the shaking is intense or doesn’t subside quickly.
- Accompanying worrying symptoms: If shaking is combined with vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, or limping.
- Sudden onset without an obvious cause: If the shaking develops abruptly and you can’t identify a trigger.
- Suspected toxin ingestion: If you believe your dog may have ingested a poisonous substance.
- Suspected medical condition: If you suspect the shaking might be related to seizures, pain, or another medical issue.
- Significant behavior changes: If the shaking is accompanied by marked changes in your dog’s usual behavior.
- Any doubt or concern: Whenever you are unsure or worried about your dog’s health and well-being.
When it comes to your beloved pet’s health, access to quality veterinary care is paramount. Pet insurance can be a valuable resource to help manage the costs of unexpected illnesses or injuries. If your dog’s shaking necessitates an emergency vet visit, pet insurance can help alleviate the financial burden.
Don’t let financial concerns prevent you from providing the best possible medical care for your furry family member. Explore pet insurance options to ensure you’re prepared for unexpected health needs.
