It’s a common assumption among dog owners that when their canine companions start exhibiting symptoms like shaking legs, it’s simply a sign of “getting old.” While age can play a role, trembling in dogs can also indicate a range of underlying health issues, including pain and more serious conditions. Therefore, if you notice your dog, especially an aging pet, developing tremors or shaking, it’s crucial to consult with your veterinarian to determine the cause and ensure they receive appropriate care.
Common Causes of Dog Shaking
Dog shaking or tremors can manifest in various ways and be triggered by different factors. Recognizing the potential causes is the first step in addressing the issue effectively. Here are some common reasons why a dog might shake:
Arthritis and Pain
Arthritis is a significant cause of pain, particularly in older dogs, and this pain can often lead to trembling. The discomfort and inflammation in the joints can make movement painful, and shaking may be a physical manifestation of this pain. Fortunately, veterinary medicine offers several ways to manage arthritis pain and joint inflammation. Treatments can include supplements that support joint health, medications designed to reduce pain and inflammation, and other therapies like physical therapy or acupuncture to improve mobility and comfort.
Poisoning and Toxins
Exposure to toxins or poisons is another serious reason why a dog might exhibit tremors or shaking. It’s important to be aware that many substances that are harmless to humans can be extremely toxic to dogs. Common household items can pose a threat, including chocolate, which contains theobromine, cigarettes and other nicotine products, and xylitol, an artificial sweetener found in many sugar-free gums and candies. Furthermore, snail baits containing metaldehyde are particularly dangerous and can cause severe muscle tremors and convulsions in dogs.
The symptoms of poisoning in dogs can be varied and depend on the substance ingested. Beyond tremors, other signs of poisoning can include weakness, disorientation, depression, excessive drooling, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and even seizures. If you suspect your dog has ingested anything potentially toxic, immediate action is crucial. Contact your veterinarian immediately or call the Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 for expert guidance. Prompt intervention can be life-saving in cases of poisoning.
Seizure Disorders (Epilepsy)
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that affects dogs, just as it does humans. Seizures are a hallmark symptom of epilepsy, and they can manifest in various ways, including tremors and shaking. During a seizure, a dog might collapse, exhibit jerking or stiffening movements, experience muscle twitching, lose consciousness, drool excessively, chomp their jaws, chew their tongue, or foam at the mouth. In some cases, dogs experiencing a seizure may fall onto their side and make paddling motions with their legs.
Managing epilepsy in dogs typically involves medication to control seizures. Commonly prescribed medications include levetiracetam (Keppra), phenobarbital, and potassium bromide. These medications help to reduce the frequency and severity of seizures, allowing dogs with epilepsy to live more comfortable and normal lives.
Canine Distemper
Canine distemper is a serious viral disease that primarily affects puppies and adolescent dogs who have not been fully vaccinated. Distemper is a known cause of tremors and shaking in dogs. However, tremors are not the only sign of this illness. Other symptoms of distemper can include discharge from the eyes and nose, fever, and coughing. Distemper is a systemic illness that can affect multiple body systems.
Treatment for distemper is mainly focused on supportive care, as there is no direct cure for the virus itself. The goal of treatment is to support the dog’s body as its immune system fights off the virus. Supportive care may include antibiotics to combat secondary bacterial infections, airway dilators to help with breathing difficulties, physical therapy to maintain muscle function, and intravenous fluids to manage dehydration. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent canine distemper.
Generalized Tremor Syndrome (GTS)
Generalized Tremor Syndrome (GTS) is also known as steroid-responsive tremor syndrome or white shaker dog syndrome. Initially, it was predominantly observed in small, white dog breeds like Maltese and West Highland White Terriers, hence the name “white shaker dog syndrome.” However, it’s now recognized that GTS can affect dogs of any breed, size, or coat color. The exact cause of GTS remains unknown, making it a somewhat mysterious condition.
In conclusion, while it’s easy to dismiss dog shaking as a natural part of aging, it’s essential to recognize that tremors can be indicative of various underlying health issues. From arthritis and poisoning to seizures, distemper, and GTS, the reasons behind why a dog might shake are diverse. If you observe your dog shaking, especially if it’s a new symptom or accompanied by other signs of illness, seeking veterinary attention is paramount. A veterinarian can accurately diagnose the cause of the shaking and recommend the appropriate treatment plan to ensure your dog’s health and well-being.
