Searchbreed
Symptom guide · Depends on severity

Dog Shaking & Trembling

Whole-body shaking, tremors, or trembling legs — can be cold or fear, but pain, toxin exposure, and neurologic disease are on the list.

Causes

8

Red flags

5

Prone breeds

7

Related

3

Triage

Depends on severity

Brief shaking from cold, excitement, or fear can be benign. Shaking with weakness, vomiting, collapse, suspected toxin exposure, seizure-like signs, or severe pain needs urgent vet care.

When to call the vet now

Any of these signs means telehealth isn't enough — get in-person vet care today.

  • ×collapse, weakness, or trouble walking
  • ×possible toxin exposure
  • ×shaking plus vomiting, drooling, or diarrhea
  • ×seizure-like episode or loss of awareness
  • ×toy breed puppy shaking and not eating
Causes

Common causes

  • cold or anxiety
  • pain
  • nausea
  • hypoglycemia in toy breeds and puppies
  • toxin exposure
  • seizure activity or neurologic disease
  • generalized tremor syndrome
  • fever or infection
Breeds

Breeds most prone to shaking & trembling

Not exhaustive — any dog can have this. These breeds are just more commonly affected.

Recommended

What can help

Products and services matched to this symptom.

telehealth

Dutch

24/7 vet care and prescriptions delivered

  • Unlimited vet chats
  • Rx delivered to door
  • $11/month
  • Covers anxiety, allergies, derm
See Dutch
telehealth

Vetster

Book online vet appointments with licensed professionals

  • Licensed vets online
  • 24/7 appointment access
  • Video, chat, and voice
  • Prescription support where permitted
See Vetster
supplements

VetriScience Composure

Calming chews for stressed dogs

  • NASC Quality Seal
  • L-theanine + colostrum
  • For travel, storms, fireworks
  • Non-drowsy
See VetriScience Composure
Related

Related symptoms

Searchbreed is not a veterinary service and does not diagnose or prescribe. This is educational content to help you understand your dog's symptoms. For diagnosis and treatment, talk to a licensed vet.