Dog Trembling

Trembling is often harmless: but a serious cause can also be hiding behind it. Here is an overview of the 13 most common reasons.

1. Muscle trembling after exercise

After a long walk or intense activity, a dog may tremble in its sleep. This twitching can already be observed in puppies from the sixth day of life. The movements during rest periods help the muscles relax and release stress: a natural recovery mechanism.

Temporary muscle twitching can also occur while the dog is awake after a lot of exercise. If it lasts for a longer period, you should consult a vet.

2. Intense dreams

After an eventful day, intense dreams can lead to twitching. Trembling during sleep helps process experiences: harmless and normal.

3. Cold

Muscle trembling serves to raise body temperature. Body size plays a central role here: small dogs get cold much faster than large ones. Hairless dogs and dogs without an undercoat are especially prone to trembling quickly. Chihuahuas are a classic example. For dogs that are sensitive to the cold, a dog coat can help.

4. Advancing age

As they get older, dogs may be prone to spontaneous muscle twitches. This is usually a sign of arthritis: much like in people.

5. Fear

Trembling out of fear shows up in body language:

• Crouched body
• Ears pinned back
• Tail tucked between the legs
• Growling, baring teeth (in extreme cases)

Small dogs are often more fearful because the world seems more threatening to them. Triggers are unfamiliar situations, strange dogs or strangers. In fearful situations, stay calm and don't show exaggerated reassurance: that tends to reinforce the fear. Dogs take their cues from their owner: someone who stays relaxed signals to the dog that everything is fine.

Poorly socialized dogs often show unfounded states of fear even as adults. Early socialization during the imprinting phase (up to the 20th week of life) is crucial.

6. Joy

Dogs can also tremble out of positive excitement: accompanied by tail wagging, barking and jumping. If a dog has learned that trembling leads to treats or petting, it can be a case of learned "artificial trembling."

7. Neurological conditions such as epilepsy

About 2% of all dogs suffer from epilepsy. During an epileptic seizure, the dog loses control over its entire body. Breeds especially affected: Beagles, Bernese Mountain Dogs, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Labradors. Epilepsy is not curable, but medication can significantly reduce the risk of seizures.

An epileptic seizure unfolds in three phases:

• Phase 1: Restlessness, increased salivation, vomiting, whining
• Phase 2: Pronounced muscle cramps, possible loss of consciousness
• Phase 3: Subsiding twitches, staggering, confusion, possible loss of control over bladder and bowel, sometimes intense hunger and thirst

8. Gastric torsion

In gastric torsion, the stomach twists around its own long axis. Large dogs are affected far more often than small ones. Breeds especially at risk: Irish Setters, Great Danes, Dobermans.

Gastric torsion can quickly turn fatal if left untreated. Symptoms: severe pain, shock, bloated abdomen, circulatory problems, restlessness, retching without vomiting. At the very first sign, see a vet right away.

9. Distemper

Distemper is a rare but dangerous viral disease: today it can be well prevented through vaccination. It attacks the nervous system, the airways and the gastrointestinal tract. Possible accompanying symptoms: seizures, brain damage, diarrhea, vomiting, shortness of breath, fever, loss of appetite, nasal discharge, paralysis, coughing. It is transmitted through the excrement or saliva of infected animals: it often ends fatally. If you suspect it, see a vet right away.

10. White dog shaker syndrome

White dog shaker syndrome is a hereditary disease that: as the name says: only occurs in white dogs. Especially affected: West Highland White Terriers, Poodles, Maltese. Symptoms: trembling all over the body, disorientation, rapid eye movements. It is treated with medication: sometimes the symptoms disappear, sometimes lifelong treatment is necessary.

11. Poisoning

Poisoning can attack the entire body. Possible accompanying symptoms:

• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal cramps
• Fever
• Heavy salivation
• Cardiovascular problems
• Shortness of breath, restlessness, as well as blood in the excrement and the vomit

Poisonous wild plants, but also foods such as grapes, chocolate, onions, artificial sweetener or alcohol can cause symptoms of poisoning. More on this: What dogs are not allowed to eat. If you suspect poisoning, see a vet right away.

12. Kidney failure

Kidney failure is accompanied by symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea and apathy: trembling episodes can increasingly occur alongside it. Neurological conditions like brain strokes, strokes, heatstroke or brain trauma can also trigger trembling. The risk of many of these conditions rises with advancing age.

13. General pain

Any form of pain can trigger trembling: especially abdominal pain. If trembling occurs together with diarrhea, vomiting, fever, weakness or apathy, a prompt visit to the vet is necessary.

Important: distinguish trembling from cramps. During a cramp the dog is absent and no longer has control over its body: cramps can last several minutes. With trembling, on the other hand, the dog is still responsive.

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