It’s natural to think that if your dog’s legs are shaking, it’s just a sign of old age. However, trembling in dogs can indicate underlying issues, including pain and various medical conditions. If your dog, especially an older one, starts to exhibit tremors, consulting with your veterinarian is crucial.
One common cause of shivering in dogs is arthritis. Arthritis, particularly in older dogs, can lead to pain and discomfort, manifesting as trembling, especially in the limbs. Fortunately, veterinary medicine offers various treatments to manage arthritis pain and joint inflammation. These can include supplements, medications, and other therapies designed to improve your dog’s comfort and mobility.
Another serious reason for dog shivering is poisoning. Several toxins, harmless to humans, can be severely poisonous to dogs and trigger tremors or shaking. Common household items can pose a threat, such as chocolate, cigarettes (leading to nicotine poisoning), and xylitol, a sugar substitute prevalent in chewing gums and some other products. Snail baits containing metaldehyde are particularly dangerous, capable of causing severe muscle tremors and even convulsions in dogs.
Symptoms of poisoning in dogs are varied and can include not only tremors but also weakness, disorientation, depression, excessive drooling, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and seizures. If you suspect your dog has ingested a potentially toxic substance, immediate action is vital. Contact your veterinarian without delay or reach out to the Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 for expert advice.
Seizure disorders, such as epilepsy, are neurological conditions that can also be a cause of shaking in dogs. Epilepsy can manifest in various dramatic symptoms, including collapsing, jerking movements, muscle stiffness or twitching, loss of consciousness, drooling, chomping motions, tongue chewing, or foaming at the mouth. During a seizure, dogs may fall to their side and exhibit paddling motions with their legs. Treatment for seizure disorders typically involves medications to control seizures, such as levetiracetam, phenobarbital, or potassium bromide, prescribed by your veterinarian.
Canine distemper, a viral disease, is another significant cause of tremors, particularly in puppies and adolescent dogs that have not completed their vaccinations. Distemper is highly contagious and, in addition to tremors, presents with symptoms like discharge from the eyes and nose, fever, and coughing.
Treatment for distemper is largely supportive, allowing the dog’s immune system to combat the virus. Supportive care can include antibiotics to manage secondary bacterial infections, airway dilators to help with breathing, physical therapy, and fluid therapy to combat dehydration.
Lastly, Generalized Tremor Syndrome (GTS), sometimes referred to as steroid-responsive tremor syndrome or white shaker dog syndrome, is another condition associated with tremors. While initially noted in small, white dog breeds like Maltese and West Highland White Terriers, GTS can affect dogs of any breed, size, or color. The exact cause of GTS remains unknown.
If you notice your dog shivering, it’s important not to dismiss it as just aging. Due to the range of potential causes, some of which are serious, it is always best to consult with your veterinarian. They can properly diagnose the cause of the shivering and recommend the appropriate treatment to ensure your dog’s health and well-being.
