Why is my dog shaking? Causes, signs, and solutions
Tremors in dogs can be a cause for concern for any attentive owner. Whether mild or intense, occasional or persistent, they should never be ignored. So, why does a dog tremble? In this article, our online veterinarians at Televet explain the possible causes, warning signs, and how televeterinary advice or a veterinary teleconsultation can help you react quickly.
1. Benign causes of tremors in dogs
In some cases, tremors are normal and not serious. They may be linked to:
🥶 The cold
Like us, dogs shiver to generate heat. Short-haired breeds and puppies are particularly susceptible to this. Tip : A coat or blanket may be enough to stop the shivering.
😨 Stress or fear
A loud noise, a car ride, a visit to the vet... These are all situations that can cause temporary tremors. What to do : Reassure your dog with a calm voice and gentle physical contact.
😴 Sleep
During certain stages of deep sleep, a dog may tremble, move its legs, or whine. This is simply a sign that it is dreaming.
2. Medical causes to watch out for
Tremors can also be a sign of a health problem. Common causes include:
🩺 Pain
A dog in pain (injury, arthritis, dental problems) may tremble. These tremors are often accompanied by other signs: lameness, whining, loss of appetite.
⚡ Hypoglycemia
Small dogs and puppies are particularly vulnerable to low blood sugar, which causes weakness and tremors.
🧠 Neurological diseases
Certain conditions such as shaker syndrome or nervous disorders can cause involuntary tremors.
☠ Intoxication
Ingestion of chocolate, xylitol, toxic plants, or human medications can trigger tremors, sometimes accompanied by vomiting and convulsions.
⚠ Veterinary emergency!
3. When should you consult a veterinarian?
Call a veterinarian immediately if :
The tremors appear suddenly and persist.
They are accompanied by vomiting, convulsions, balance disorders or weakness.
Your dog has ingested a toxic product.
With Televet , you can benefit from immediate veterinary teleconsultation to find out if the situation requires an emergency visit or if a veterinary teleconsultation is sufficient to obtain a diagnosis and treatment.
4. How to prevent tremors?
Protect your dog from the cold with a coat or suitable bedding.
Avoid stressful situations or gradually get him used to them.
Provide him with a balanced diet adapted to his size and age.
Monitor its environment to prevent the risk of poisoning.
✅ To remember
A dog may tremble for benign reasons (cold, stress, dreaming) or medical reasons (pain, hypoglycemia, poisoning, neurological disorders). If in doubt, it's best to consult a doctor : a quick diagnosis can save your companion's life.
📞 Need immediate advice? Contact a Televet veterinarian via veterinary teleconsultation or veterinary teleadvice to get personalized, stress-free advice without having to travel.
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