Why Is My Dog Acting Weird And Shaking: Causes

When your dog starts acting strange and shaking, it’s natural to wonder what’s going on. Your dog acting weird and shaking could be due to various reasons, from simple excitement to more serious health concerns. It’s important to observe your dog closely and consider their environment and recent activities to help pinpoint the cause.

Dogs shake for many reasons, just like people do. A dog shaking can be a sign of cold, excitement, fear, or even a medical issue. This guide will explore the common and less common reasons behind your dog’s unusual behavior and trembling. We’ll delve into anxious dog behavior, canine tremors, and what a dog sudden behavioral change might signal. Plus, we’ll discuss nervous dog symptoms, dog trembling causes, unusual dog movements, stressed dog signs, dog body language confusion, dog seizure symptoms, and how to achieve pet anxiety relief.

Fathoming Canine Tremors and Odd Movements

Shaking, trembling, or exhibiting unusual movements can be a dog’s way of communicating. It’s our job as pet parents to learn their language. This section will help you decipher why your furry friend might be shaking and moving in ways that seem out of the ordinary.

Environmental Triggers for Shaking

The world around your dog can profoundly impact their physical and emotional state. Sometimes, what seems like a sudden change in behavior is a reaction to something in their environment.

Cold Weather

This is perhaps the most straightforward reason for a dog to shake. Just like humans, dogs shiver when they are cold. Their bodies are trying to generate heat by rapidly contracting and relaxing their muscles.

Breeds Prone to Cold: Smaller dogs, short-haired breeds, and those with less body fat are more susceptible to cold. Think of a Chihuahua or a Greyhound.
Signs of Being Cold: Besides shaking, a cold dog might appear restless, try to seek warmth, lift their paws off the ground, or tuck their tail.
What to Do: If you suspect your dog is cold, bring them inside to a warm environment. Consider a dog coat or sweater for outdoor excursions in chilly weather. Ensure they have a warm, comfortable bed.

Excitement and Anticipation

Believe it or not, dogs can also shake when they are extremely excited or anticipating something wonderful, like a walk, a treat, or seeing their favorite person. This type of shaking is usually brief and accompanied by other signs of happiness.

Associated Behaviors: Tail wagging, play bowing, whining, and happy vocalizations often accompany excitement-induced shaking.
When to Be Concerned: If the shaking seems excessive or is paired with other signs of distress, it might be more than just excitement.

Fear and Stress

Fear and stress are significant contributors to shaking in dogs. Loud noises, new environments, strange people or animals, or separation anxiety can all trigger a fear response.

Stressed Dog Signs: Besides shaking, look for yawning when not tired, lip licking, panting excessively, whale eye (showing the whites of their eyes), tucked tail, flattened ears, or trying to hide.
Anxious Dog Behavior: Shaking can be a hallmark of general anxiety. This might manifest as restlessness, pacing, or destructive behavior when left alone.
Nervous Dog Symptoms: A nervous dog might tremble even without an obvious trigger, or their tremors might be more persistent. They might also be less willing to engage in play or interact with their surroundings.

Medical Conditions Causing Shaking

While environmental factors are common, persistent or unexplained shaking can indicate underlying medical issues. It’s crucial to consult a veterinarian if you suspect a health problem.

Nausea and Vomiting

Dogs might shake when they feel sick to their stomach. The discomfort from nausea can lead to tremors.

Other Symptoms of Nausea: Loss of appetite, drooling, lip licking, retching, or vomiting.
Possible Causes: Ingesting something toxic, a gastrointestinal upset, or a more serious internal issue.

Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia)

This is particularly common in puppies and small breeds, as well as diabetic dogs. When blood sugar levels drop too low, it can affect brain function and cause shaking.

Symptoms: Weakness, lethargy, disorientation, and seizures can accompany shaking.
Urgent Care: If you suspect hypoglycemia, immediate veterinary attention is crucial.

Neurological Disorders

Various neurological conditions can cause shaking and unusual dog movements.

Seizures

Seizures are perhaps one of the most concerning causes of shaking. A dog seizure symptom can range from mild tremors to full-body convulsions.

Types of Seizures:
- Focal Seizures: May involve localized tremors or twitching in a specific body part.
- Generalized Seizures: Often involve loss of consciousness, paddling movements, and full-body shaking.
What to Do During a Seizure:
- Stay calm.
- Do not put anything in your dog’s mouth.
- Clear the area around your dog to prevent injury.
- Time the seizure.
- Contact your veterinarian immediately after the seizure stops.

Other Neurological Issues

Brain Tumors: Can affect motor control and lead to tremors.
Degenerative Myelopathy: A progressive spinal cord disease that can cause hind limb weakness and shaking.
Distemper: A viral disease that can cause neurological symptoms, including tremors.

Poisoning

Ingestion of toxins is a serious cause of shaking. Many common household substances and plants are toxic to dogs.

Common Toxins: Antifreeze, certain human medications (like ibuprofen or acetaminophen), chocolate, xylitol (an artificial sweetener), certain pesticides, and some houseplants (like lilies or sago palms).
Symptoms: Trembling, muscle twitching, vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, seizures, lethargy, and collapse.
Immediate Action: If you suspect poisoning, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center immediately. Try to identify the substance ingested.

Pain or Discomfort

Dogs experiencing pain, especially chronic pain, might exhibit shaking. This can be due to arthritis, injuries, or internal organ issues.

Subtle Signs: Sometimes, shaking might be the only outward sign of pain. Other indicators can include limping, yelping when touched, reluctance to move, or changes in posture.
Diagnosis: A veterinarian can diagnose pain through physical examination and diagnostic tests.

Certain Medications

Some medications can have side effects that include tremors or shaking.

Examples: Certain antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and medications for behavioral issues.
Consult Your Vet: If you notice shaking after starting a new medication, discuss it with your veterinarian.

Behavioral Causes of Shaking and Unusual Movements

Beyond immediate fear or excitement, some dogs develop persistent behavioral issues that manifest as shaking. This often falls under the umbrella of anxious dog behavior or nervous dog symptoms.

Separation Anxiety

When dogs are left alone, some experience extreme distress, known as separation anxiety. Shaking can be a prominent symptom.

Other Signs: Destructive behavior, excessive barking or howling, urinating or defecating indoors, pacing, and drooling.
Pet Anxiety Relief: Treatment often involves behavioral modification, desensitization, and sometimes medication prescribed by a veterinarian. Creating a safe space and ensuring adequate exercise can help.

Noise Phobias

Loud noises like thunderstorms, fireworks, or construction can induce significant fear and anxiety in dogs, leading to shaking.

Management: Providing a safe, quiet den-like space, using calming aids (like pheromone diffusers or anxiety wraps), and consulting with a professional for behavior modification techniques can be beneficial.

Travel Sickness

Some dogs experience motion sickness during car rides, which can manifest as shaking, drooling, and vomiting.

Tips for Travel: Gradual desensitization to the car, avoiding feeding before travel, and opening windows for fresh air can help. Your vet might recommend medication if it’s severe.

Age-Related Tremors

As dogs age, they can develop a condition called “old dog syndrome” or idiopathic head tremor syndrome. This causes involuntary shaking, often in the head and neck, but can affect the whole body.

Characteristics: Typically, the dog is otherwise alert and responsive. The shaking might stop when they are engaged in an activity or receive physical support.
Treatment: While there isn’t a cure, some medications can help manage the symptoms.

Deciphering Dog Body Language Confusion

Sometimes, we misinterpret what our dogs are trying to tell us. Dog body language confusion can lead to us not recognizing that shaking or odd movements are a sign of distress.

Subtle Signs: A slight tremor in a leg, a subtle head shake that seems unusual, or a twitch can be early indicators of discomfort or anxiety.
Context is Key: Always consider the situation your dog is in. Is it a loud environment? Are they meeting a new person? Is their routine disrupted?

Assessing the Severity and Frequency of Shaking

The duration and intensity of shaking are critical factors in determining the cause.

Brief Shakes: Short bursts of shaking, especially when associated with clear triggers like cold or excitement, are usually not a cause for alarm.
Persistent Shaking: If shaking is ongoing, happens frequently, or occurs without any apparent reason, it warrants a closer look.
Accompanying Symptoms: The presence of other symptoms like lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, or changes in behavior is a strong indicator that medical attention is needed.

When to Seek Veterinary Attention

It is always best to err on the side of caution when it comes to your dog’s health. If you are concerned about your dog’s shaking or unusual movements, contact your veterinarian.

Red Flags That Require Immediate Vet Visit:

Sudden onset of severe shaking or tremors.
Shaking accompanied by collapse or loss of consciousness.
Signs of pain: Whining, yelping, reluctance to move, sensitive to touch.
Neurological signs: Seizures, paralysis, incoordination, blindness.
Signs of poisoning: Vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, rapid breathing.
Lethargy and loss of appetite.
Any shaking that persists or you cannot explain.

Diagnostic Process at the Vet

Your veterinarian will perform a thorough examination to determine the cause of your dog’s shaking. This may include:

Physical Examination: Assessing vital signs, checking for pain, and looking for any physical abnormalities.
Neurological Examination: Evaluating reflexes, coordination, and mental status.
Blood Tests: To check for infections, organ function, blood sugar levels, and electrolyte imbalances.
Urine Tests: To assess kidney function and check for infections.
Imaging: X-rays or ultrasounds might be used to examine internal organs or detect injuries.
Specialized Tests: Depending on the suspected cause, more specific tests like MRI or CT scans might be recommended.

Strategies for Pet Anxiety Relief and Managing Shaking

Once a diagnosis is made, your veterinarian will work with you to develop a treatment plan. For behavioral causes like anxiety, various strategies can help.

Behavioral Modification and Training

Desensitization and Counter-Conditioning: Gradually exposing your dog to the feared stimulus (e.g., loud noises, being left alone) at a low intensity while pairing it with positive experiences (treats, praise).
Obedience Training: A well-trained dog is often more confident. Basic commands can build a stronger bond and improve your dog’s responsiveness.
Enrichment Activities: Providing mental stimulation through puzzle toys, scent games, and training sessions can reduce boredom and anxiety.

Environmental Management

Creating a Safe Space: A comfortable crate or a designated quiet area where your dog can retreat when feeling stressed.
Noise Reduction: Using white noise machines or playing calming music during thunderstorms or fireworks.
Routine and Predictability: Maintaining a consistent daily routine can provide a sense of security for anxious dogs.

Supplements and Medications

Calming Supplements: Over-the-counter supplements containing ingredients like L-theanine, tryptophan, or specific herbal blends can sometimes help reduce mild anxiety. Always consult your vet before giving any supplements.
Anxiety Medications: For more severe anxiety or fear, your veterinarian may prescribe anti-anxiety medications. These are often used in conjunction with behavioral therapy.

Complementary Therapies

Massage and Acupressure: Can help relax tense muscles and reduce stress.
Aromatherapy: Certain essential oils (used with caution and in diluted forms, specifically formulated for pets) may have calming effects.
Anxiety Wraps/Thundershirts: These provide gentle, constant pressure that can have a calming effect on some dogs, similar to swaddling a baby.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: My dog is shaking after playing. Is this normal?
A1: Yes, some dogs may shake mildly after intense play, similar to how humans might shiver after strenuous exercise, especially if they get a bit overheated or cooled down quickly. However, if the shaking is excessive, prolonged, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms like panting heavily, collapse, or pain, it’s best to consult your veterinarian.

Q2: Can my dog’s diet cause them to shake?
A2: While diet doesn’t directly cause shaking in most cases, nutritional deficiencies or imbalances could theoretically contribute to neurological issues that might cause tremors. More commonly, a sudden drop in blood sugar (hypoglycemia) due to not eating enough, especially in puppies or dogs with certain medical conditions, can lead to shaking. Ensure your dog is on a balanced, high-quality diet appropriate for their age and breed.

Q3: My dog trembles when I leave the house. What should I do?
A3: This is a common sign of separation anxiety. You should consult with your veterinarian or a certified animal behaviorist. Strategies include gradual desensitization to your departures, creating a safe and comfortable environment while you are gone, providing enrichment activities, and potentially using calming aids or prescription medication to help manage the anxious dog behavior.

Q4: What if my dog’s shaking seems to come out of nowhere?
A4: If your dog starts shaking without any apparent reason, it’s important to monitor them closely for other symptoms. This could indicate an underlying medical condition, pain, or even early signs of a neurological issue. It’s highly recommended to schedule a veterinary appointment to rule out any serious health concerns. Dog sudden behavioral change like unexplained shaking should not be ignored.

Q5: Are certain breeds more prone to shaking?
A5: Yes, some breeds are more predisposed to certain types of tremors or shaking. Small breeds and brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds can be more prone to dog trembling causes like hypoglycemia or collapsing trachea. Certain breeds may also have a higher incidence of specific neurological conditions or idiopathic head tremors. Always discuss breed-specific health concerns with your veterinarian.

By staying observant and informed, you can better understand why your dog is acting weird and shaking, ensuring they receive the care and comfort they need.