If you’ve noticed your dog trembling or shaking, you might be wondering if it’s normal or a sign that something’s wrong. Tremors can be harmless in some cases, but they can also point to underlying health issues that need attention. Understanding what causes dog tremors—and how they differ from other types of shaking—can help you know when to stay calm and when to call your vet.
This guide breaks down the most common causes of tremors in dogs, how to tell if they’re serious, and what to do if you notice your dog trembling for no clear reason.
What Are Tremors in Dogs?
In simple terms, a tremor is an involuntary, rhythmic muscle movement. It’s different from shivering—which is often triggered by cold or excitement—because tremors can continue even when your dog is warm and calm. Tremors can affect the entire body or just one area, such as the head, legs, or back.
They’re caused by irregular signals in the nervous system that tell muscles to contract repeatedly. Depending on the cause, tremors might appear when your dog is resting, moving, or holding a specific position.
Common Causes of Tremors in Dogs
1. Generalized Tremor Syndrome (White Shaker Syndrome)
One of the better-known neurological causes of tremors is Generalized Tremor Syndrome (GTS), sometimes called “White Shaker Dog Syndrome.” Despite the nickname, it can affect dogs of any color or breed, though it’s most common in small breeds such as Maltese, West Highland White Terriers, and Toy Poodles.
GTS is believed to be immune-related, meaning the dog’s immune system mistakenly targets parts of its own nervous system. Dogs usually develop fine, continuous tremors that worsen with stress but don’t interfere with their ability to walk or eat.
Treatment: Veterinarians typically prescribe corticosteroids such as prednisone, which often bring visible improvement within a week.
2. Muscle Weakness or Fatigue
After strenuous activity, your dog’s muscles may tremble simply from fatigue. This is similar to how a person’s legs might shake after an intense workout. These tremors are usually mild, short-lived, and disappear once your dog rests and rehydrates.
If muscle tremors appear even after light activity, it could signal joint pain, overexertion, or another underlying issue worth a vet check.
3. Neurological Disorders
Tremors can originate in the brain or spinal cord when nerve signals misfire. Some dogs develop localized tremors—such as a twitch in one leg or the jaw—while others experience generalized body tremors, sometimes in sleep.
Possible neurological causes include:
- Inflammatory brain disease (encephalitis or meningitis)
- Spinal cord injury
- Degenerative diseases that affect motor control
These tremors often persist during both rest and activity. Dogs may also show signs like imbalance, circling, or abnormal eye movement. In these cases, a neurological exam and imaging (such as MRI) may be needed to pinpoint the cause.
4. Toxin Exposure
Certain household substances and foods can trigger tremors or full-body convulsions. Chocolate, xylitol, nicotine, caffeine, antifreeze, and rodent poisons are among the most common culprits. Tremors from toxins often appear suddenly and are accompanied by vomiting, drooling, or disorientation.
What to do: If you suspect your dog has eaten something toxic, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control line immediately at 888-426-4435. Quick treatment can be lifesaving.
5. Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia)
Toy breeds, small puppies, and diabetic dogs are especially prone to low blood sugar. Trembling may be one of the earliest signs. Other symptoms include weakness, wobbling, confusion, and, in severe cases, collapse or seizure.
If your dog is conscious and you suspect hypoglycemia, you can rub a small amount of honey or corn syrup on their gums while arranging urgent veterinary care. Don’t delay—blood sugar can drop dangerously fast in small dogs.
6. Medication Side Effects or Metabolic Disease
Certain medications or metabolic conditions can also trigger tremors. These include:
- Prescription drugs that affect the nervous system (for example, some anti-seizure or pain medications)
- Liver or kidney disease, where toxin buildup in the bloodstream affects the brain
- Endocrine disorders such as Addison’s disease, which may cause tremors during an adrenal crisis
Always tell your vet about any new medications or supplements if you notice new or worsening tremors.
7. Pain or Anxiety
In some cases, tremors occur because your dog is in pain or emotionally distressed. Pain-related tremors are often accompanied by other signs—stiff posture, limping, panting, or vocalizing. Anxiety tremors, on the other hand, tend to appear in specific scenarios like thunderstorms, fireworks, or car rides. Both types deserve attention, but pain generally calls for a medical workup while anxiety can often be managed through desensitization and calming aids.
When to See the Vet
Brief, mild tremors that resolve quickly after exercise, excitement, or cold exposure are usually not a concern. But call your veterinarian right away if:
- The tremors last longer than a few minutes or recur multiple times a day
- Your dog seems weak, disoriented, or unsteady on their feet
- Tremors occur only on one side of the body or in one limb
- There’s vomiting, collapse, or signs of toxin exposure
- Your dog is very young, elderly, or already managing another medical condition
Diagnosis and Treatment
Your veterinarian will start with a full history and physical exam, then may recommend bloodwork, urine tests, imaging, or neurological evaluation. Treatment depends on the cause—it may include supportive care, detoxification (for poisoning), corticosteroids (for immune tremor disorders), dietary adjustments, or medication changes.
What You Can Do at Home
- Record a short video of the tremors to show your vet. This helps determine whether it’s a tremor, seizure, or muscle spasm.
- Note the timing—does it happen at rest, during excitement, or after activity?
- Check for environmental or dietary changes in the last 24–48 hours.
- Keep your dog calm and comfortable until you can reach your vet.
Final Thoughts
Dog tremors can look alarming, but they aren’t always a medical emergency. Some are harmless muscle twitches; others point to underlying conditions that need care. The key is context—watch for how long the tremors last, what triggers them, and whether other symptoms appear. When in doubt, your veterinarian can help identify the cause and make sure your dog gets the right treatment.
This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian if you notice new or unexplained symptoms in your dog.
