10 Reasons Your Dog May Be Shivering, and What You Can Do About It
Key takeaways:
Many simple things, like cold weather or separation anxiety, can cause your dog to shiver. But shivering can also point to a serious medical condition in dogs.
More serious reasons your dog may be shaking include bloat, Addison’s disease, and poisoning from a medication.
If your dog’s shivering started suddenly, is severe, or is accompanied by other unusual symptoms, talk to your veterinarian.
Like humans, dogs may shiver for a variety of reasons. They might be cold or scared, for example. But in some cases, dogs get shaky when something more serious is going on. This can occur because of low blood sugar or eating something toxic.
Below, we look at common causes of dog shivering, when it may be a sign of a health issue, and how you can help your fur baby.
What are the most common causes of shivering in dogs?
Several things can cause shivering in dogs. Cold temperatures, for instance, can make a dog shake in order to warm up. But there are other, more serious reasons as well.
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Here are 10 of the most common causes of shivering in dogs.
1. Addison’s disease
Addison’s disease, or hypoadrenocorticism, occurs when the adrenal glands don’t produce enough cortisol and aldosterone. Low levels of these hormones can affect blood sugar, sodium, and potassium levels, which can cause shivering in dogs.
2. Bloat
Bloat occurs when a dog’s stomach twists, cutting off blood supply and an exit route for trapped gas. A dog with bloat may become restless or shake uncontrollably.
3. Cold temperatures
It’s normal for a dog to shiver when they’re cold. Their body may shake to generate heat.
4. Fear
Many dogs tremble when they’re scared or anxious. This reaction can be set off by stressful situations, such as hearing fireworks or thunder. Separation anxiety can also trigger shivering in dogs.
5. Medication overdose
Your dog may start trembling if they take a toxic dose of medication or experience certain kinds of medication interactions.
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Examples of medications that can cause shivering at toxic levels include:
5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)
Moxidectin
Amphetamines
Zolpidem
Pseudoephedrine
Vilazodone
Albuterol
Risperidone
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
Lamotrigine
5-Fluorouracil (5-FU)
Pramipexole
Sertraline
Baclofen
If you think your dog consumed a toxic substance, take them to an emergency animal clinic or call a pet poison hotline right away.
6. Metabolic disorders
When dogs don’t get enough of the nutrients they need, they can develop metabolic imbalances. These imbalances can cause canine tremors.
Some examples of metabolic imbalances include:
Hypocalcemia: low blood calcium
Hypercalcemia: too much calcium
Hypoglycemia: low blood sugar
Hyperkalemia: too much potassium
Hypokalemia: low potassium levels
7. Pain
Dogs can do a good job of masking their pain. But one of the telltale signs of pain in dogs is shivering.
8. Toxins
Eating something toxic, like chocolate, tobacco, or an insecticide, can cause shivering in dogs. Keep dogs away from poisonous foods, plants, and essential oils.
9. Tremor-related conditions
A wide range of health conditions can cause tremors in dogs. Some examples include:
Muscle fatigue, often from standing too long
Disorders of the nervous system, such as dysmyelination or hypomyelination
Primary orthostatic tremors, typically in large-breed dogs
10. White shaker syndrome
White shaker syndrome is also called generalized tremor syndrome or steroid-responsive tremors. It’s a neurological disorder often seen in dogs with white coats, including:
West Highland terriers
Maltese terriers
Samoyeds
Dogs without white coats can also be affected. The cause for this syndrome is unknown, but research suggests it could stem from inflammation in the central nervous system.
How can you help a dog who’s shivering?
If your dog is shivering for an obvious reason, such as being chilly or nervous, try comforting them. Cover them in a blanket or wrap your arms around them. A little TLC may be all they need.
Other things you can do to help a shaky dog include:
Providing a safe space for them to calm down, such as a crate or corner of the couch
Using a soft voice when speaking to them
Petting them gently
Turning up the heat in the house if they’re cold
Taking them for a walk to work off excess energy
Playing with them
If you notice your dog shivering more often than usual or you’re concerned for any reason, reach out to your veterinarian. They can help provide answers about your pup’s symptoms.
When should you take a shivering dog to the vet?
If your dog starts shaking for no apparent reason — or if their shivering is accompanied by other troubling symptoms, such as fever or vomiting — take them to the veterinarian. If your dog’s shivering is severe, that’s another reason to see a vet.
Frequently asked questions
You don’t need to worry about your dog shivering if the cause is obvious, such as being cold. However, if the shivering comes on suddenly or it’s accompanied by other worrisome symptoms, talk to your veterinarian. There could be something serious going on, such as pain or a medication overdose.
Dogs shiver when they’re cold for the same reasons humans do. Their bodies are trying to generate heat to warm up. You can help your dog warm up by cuddling them or wrapping them in a blanket.
Dogs who are dying may shiver because they are having trouble regulating their body temperature. Some dying dogs also have seizures. Ask your veterinarian for strategies to help comfort your pup in their last days.
The bottom line
There are many reasons for shivering in dogs. A shivering dog may simply be cold or anxious about something. If you suspect one of these causes, comfort your pup to see if they stop shaking.
If your dog has shivering that comes on suddenly, is severe, or doesn’t have an obvious reason, talk to your veterinarian. Your dog may have a serious or life-threatening medical condition. Your vet can get to the root of the issue and recommend ways to get your dog to stop shaking.
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References
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. (n.d.). Most common toxicologic causes of tremors in dogs. ASPCApro.
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Coates, J. R. (2024). Myelin disorders in animals. Merck Veterinary Manual.
Cook, A., et al. (2022). Evaluation and management of the hypokalemic patient. Today’s Veterinary Practice.
Hall, J. A. (2024). Hypocalcemia in small animals. Merck Veterinary Manual.
Ham, K. (2024). Hypercalcemia in dogs and cats. Merck Veterinary Manual.
Heinz, J., et al. (2022). Evaluation and management of the hyperkalemic patient. Today’s Veterinary Practice.
Jacobson, M. (2023). Warning signs dog is dying: How to know you’re near the end. DogCancer.com.
Liatis, T., et al. (2021). Primary orthostatic tremor and orthostatic tremor‐plus in dogs: 60 cases (2003‐2020). Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine.
Schwarzman Animal Medical Center. (2024). Shaking in dogs: Causes and treatments.
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