Why Is My Dog Shaking? 8 Possible Reasons

Our dogs are our constant, and arguably our best, companions. Some aspects of dog behavior are easy to interpret, like that happy tail wag as you gather their leash before heading out for a walk. But for every dog owner who’s been reassured that their dog is staring at them for a good reason, there’s one who’s wondering: Why is my dog shaking? Could they be trembling with dog anxiety or shivering because of dog depression? No one wants their dog to be distressed, and a symptom like quivering or shaking can be a cause for concern in some cases. However, if you notice your dog shaking, the first thing to do is to examine the context.

“Reading your dog’s body language and taking the situation into consideration usually helps determine what is causing the shaking,” says Nicole Fulcher, DVM, assistant director of the Animal Medical Center of Mid-America in St. Louis, Missouri. Often, there’s no reason to worry, but it’s always worth calling your vet if you’re really concerned or if the shaking is prolonged. Here are the top reasons that your dog may be shaking—and what you should do. While you’re at it, you’ll also want to learn what your dog’s facial expressions mean.

ⓘ

On This Page

Top reasons why your dog is trembling

1. Your dog is shaking from excitement

“Many things that cause dogs to shake are no cause for worry—they can shake for all kinds of reasons,” says Rachel Barrack, DVM, founder of the concierge practice Animal Acupuncture in New York City. “Joy and excitement is a big one. Seeing you walk through the door after a long day out is often reason enough to shake with excitement.”

If you’ve ever had some really exciting news and felt the fizzy, shivery buzz of an adrenaline rush, then you know how your dog feels. You might be more used to your pooch jumping up and down or barking when they see you come home, but it turns out that many dogs will shake when they become very excited, or when they know something exciting is going to happen—like the end of your work day! Actually, if you see humans trembling a bit on Friday afternoons, it’s for the same reasons. You might notice your dog getting the shakes when you come home if you’ve been away longer than usual, as well. That’s just how your pet says “I love you!”

2. Your dog is reacting to the weather

If the answer to “why is my dog shaking” is the same as “why am I shaking?” it must be winter. Dogs get cold, just like people. Toy breeds, in particular, tend to shake and tremble more than other types of dogs; this especially happens with Chihuahuas.

“This can be due to their small size, so they tend to feel colder than larger dogs do, and this can cause them to shiver,” explains Dr. Barrack. Because of their small size, their whole bodies tend to shake. Breeds that have short or sparse coats, like greyhounds and whippets, also have a higher sensitivity to cold and will probably shake if it’s chilly out. Making sure to dress your fur baby in a sweater or jacket on cold days can go a long way, suggests Christie Long, DVM, head of veterinary medicine at Modern Animal in Los Angeles. That sort of concern for your pet is one of the telltale signs of a great dog owner.

3. Your dog is stressed or sad

Dogs may seem to live happy-go-lucky, carefree lives, but they experience upsetting emotions too. “Shaking can also be a sign of stress or sadness, but it’s not really a reason to worry then, either,” says Dr. Barrack. “It is totally normal for your dog to feel those emotions and to shiver or tremble due to one of them.” For instance, loud noises—thunder, fireworks, or car alarms—are a common dog stressor. Some dog parents swear by ThunderShirts to calm their pups in those circumstances, or rely on soothing music. A change in household dynamics, whether it’s a favorite human away on a long business trip, the death of another pet, or a kid who’s gone off to college, can make a dog feel stressed, which might cause them to shake. That’s your cue to start doling out the cuddles.

4. Your dog has picked up a scent

Dogs can also shake when they are alarmed or excited by other animals and their scents. “A perfect example would be a beagle that shakes when he is on the hunt, sniffing wildlife, like a raccoon,” says Dr. Fulcher. “Often, the animal will raise their head and vocalize when they are shaking during the pursuit.” Dog owners know their dogs can sing and bark, but do you understand all the noises your dog makes?