Shivering is one of the most common things owners worry about, and it has a very wide range of causes. Sometimes it is simply a cold dog or an excited one. Other times it is a sign of fear, pain, or illness. There is no single treatment, because the right response depends on the cause. This guide helps you sort out what you are seeing and when a vet should be involved.
Is shivering normal or a warning sign?
Shivering and trembling are not diagnoses on their own. They describe a symptom. Brief shaking that stops when the situation changes (the dog warms up, the visitor settles down, the storm passes) is usually less worrying. Shaking that is persistent, comes on suddenly with no clear reason, or appears alongside other signs of illness deserves more attention.
Useful questions to ask yourself:
- What happened just before it started?
- Does it stop when you change something, such as warming the dog or removing a stressor?
- Is your dog acting otherwise normal (eating, drinking, moving comfortably, interested in you)?
- Are there other signs, such as vomiting, limping, weakness, or changes in breathing?
Making a note of the answers, or taking a short video, can be very helpful for your vet.
Common harmless reasons dogs shiver
Cold. Small, thin-coated, or short-haired dogs often shiver in cool weather or after a bath. If the shivering stops once your dog is warm and dry, cold was likely the cause.
Excitement or anticipation. Some dogs tremble when they are about to go for a walk, meet a favorite person, or get a treat. Relaxed or bouncy body language and a wagging tail usually go with this kind of shaking.
Muscle fatigue. After heavy exercise, some dogs show muscle trembling. It should settle with rest. If it does not, or the muscles seem painful, mention it to your vet.
Age. Older dogs sometimes develop trembling, particularly in the back legs, which can be linked to weakness or joint discomfort. Do not assume it is just old age, though. Pain is treatable, and a vet can help. Our readers with older dogs may also find the mental health guide useful, since confusion and restlessness can occur in senior dogs.
Fear, anxiety and stress
Trembling is a common stress response. Thunderstorms, fireworks, vet visits, car rides, and being left alone can all trigger it. Other signs that often appear together include panting, pacing, hiding, a tucked tail, wide eyes, yawning or lip licking, drooling, and trying to stay very close to you.
If fear is the likely cause, you can:
- Move your dog to a quiet, enclosed, familiar space.
- Offer a chew, puzzle toy, or treat if your dog is willing to take it.
- Stay calm yourself and avoid forcing your dog into the frightening situation.
Repeated or severe fear is worth discussing with your vet, who can rule out medical causes and suggest a behavior plan. Some dogs need professional help, and in some cases a vet may prescribe medication. Please do not give your dog human anti-anxiety or sedative medicines on your own. See our guide on sedatives and what is considered safe for dogs for why this matters.
Pain and illness
Shaking can be a sign that a dog is uncomfortable. Dogs often hide pain, so subtle changes are worth noticing: reluctance to jump or climb stairs, a hunched posture, restlessness, licking at one area, a change in appetite, or being unusually quiet or clingy.
Shivering can also occur with a range of health problems. Veterinary sources commonly mention fever or infection, digestive upset, kidney or liver disease, low blood sugar, hormonal conditions such as Addison’s disease, and neurological disorders. Some small and young dogs also develop a condition sometimes called generalized tremor syndrome. You cannot tell these apart at home, which is why persistent or unexplained shaking should be checked.
Poisoning and other emergencies
Shaking can be an early sign of poisoning. Common household risks include chocolate, xylitol (a sweetener found in some gum, baked goods, and other products), certain human medications, rodent poison, and some plants. If you think your dog may have eaten something harmful, call your vet or a poison helpline straight away: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline, (855) 764-7661. Both are open 24 hours a day and may charge a fee. Do not wait for more symptoms to appear, and do not try to make your dog vomit unless a professional tells you to.
Seek emergency veterinary care if shaking comes with any of the following:
- Suspected toxin ingestion
- Repeated vomiting or diarrhea (see when to see a vet for dog diarrhea), or being unable to keep water down
- A tight, swollen, or painful belly
- A seizure, stiffness, collapse, or unresponsiveness
- Extreme weakness or being unable to walk
- Labored or very rapid breathing, or pale gums
My dog is shaking and panting and won’t leave my side
Many owners search for this exact situation. Possible explanations include fear (such as a storm or fireworks), pain, nausea, overheating, or another illness. A dog that clings to you and cannot settle may be telling you something is wrong.
If there is an obvious stressor and your dog calms down quickly once it passes, fear is a reasonable guess. If there is no clear trigger, the panting is heavy, the shaking continues, or your dog seems unwell in any other way, call your vet. If your dog could be overheated or has eaten something harmful, treat it as urgent.
What you can do at home
For mild cases where the cause looks harmless:
- Warm your dog. Offer a blanket, a warm room, or a dog coat for cold-sensitive dogs. Dry them thoroughly after baths or rain.
- Reduce stress. Provide a calm space and remove the trigger if possible.
- Keep a close watch. Note how long the shaking lasts, how often it happens, and any other changes in behavior.
- Avoid human medicines. Many are dangerous to dogs, and giving them can hide symptoms.
Home care is a way to comfort a mildly affected dog while you decide whether a vet visit is needed. It is not a substitute for veterinary care when shaking is unexplained or persistent.
How vets work out the cause and treat it
A vet will usually start with a history and physical exam, including checking for pain, temperature, and neurological signs. Depending on what they find, they may suggest blood and urine tests, imaging, or other investigations. Treatment is aimed at the underlying cause: for example, pain relief, treatment of an infection or hormonal condition, supportive care after a toxin exposure, or a behavior plan for anxiety. For dogs whose shaking turns out to be a tremor disorder, a vet will decide on the right approach for your dog.
When to see a vet
Call your vet promptly if:
- Shaking is frequent, lasts a long time, or keeps coming back
- It begins suddenly without a clear reason
- It comes with limping, a hunched posture, appetite loss, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or behavior changes
- Your dog is a puppy, a senior, or has a known health condition
- You are unsure whether it is serious
Go to an emergency clinic for the warning signs listed above. If you are unsure, it is always reasonable to call and ask.
Frequently asked questions
Is shivering a pain response in dogs?
It can be. Pain is one of several possible causes, though not the only one. Look for other clues such as limping, stiffness, reluctance to move, or a change in how your dog carries themselves, and have your vet check if you suspect pain. Our guide to dog limping and when to see the vet may help.
What are the signs of a dog having a mini stroke?
Strokes are rare in dogs, and their signs overlap with other conditions. Reported signs include sudden loss of balance, a head tilt, circling, odd eye movements, weakness on one side, or sudden collapse. These need urgent veterinary attention, and only a vet can confirm the cause.
What does a dog do before they pass away?
There is no single pattern. Dogs near the end of life may eat and drink less, become weak, withdraw, or have breathing changes, but many of these signs also occur with treatable illness. Shivering alone is not a reliable sign. If you are worried about a sick or elderly dog, talk with your vet about comfort and quality of life.
Can anxiety alone make a dog shake?
Yes. Fear and stress commonly cause trembling. If anxiety seems to be the cause and it happens often, read about mental health issues in dogs and talk to your vet about a plan.
Should I try a calming supplement?
Some owners consider herbal products. Evidence is limited and quality varies, so check with your vet first. Our article on valerian for dogs’ anxiety explains what is and is not known.