Why Is My Senior Dog Shaking?

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This article was originally published in September 2024, and has been updated.

All dogs shake every once in a while, no matter their age; it’s not necessarily a reason for concern. But if you notice your older dog trembling or shaking more than they used to, it could be a sign of a behavioral or health issue that needs medical attention. 

“There can be so many things that cause shaking, particularly in senior dogs,” said Lauren Adelman, DVM, Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Small Animal), an internal medicine specialist at Canada West Veterinary Specialists in Vancouver and co-founder of the Senior Dog Veterinary Society.

“If you don’t know what’s causing the shaking, the best thing to do is bring the pet to your vet.” This way, they can examine your dog to determine the cause and, if necessary, a treatment plan. 

Is shaking in senior dogs normal?

While shaking in a senior dog may be common, frequent or unexplained shaking isn’t normal and can be a sign of underlying illness. Senior dogs may shake or shiver more often than other adult dogs because they’re more susceptible to health conditions that cause shaking.

These conditions may affect the brain and spinal cord, gastrointestinal system, joints, metabolism, and more.

An elderly spaniel with a black nose, endearing underbite, and cloudy marble-like eyes looks away from the camera.

How do I know if my senior dog’s shaking is a problem?

To determine whether your shivering senior dog needs medical help, consider their condition. A dog owner “should be concerned about shaking when it is new, persistent, or not clearly tied to an identifiable trigger—or when it occurs with other clinical signs,” said Amanda Rigterink, DVM, Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behavior, owner of the practice Veterinary Behavior of Indiana.

Ask yourself these questions to figure out whether to seek vet care:

  • Is there an obvious reason your dog is shivering, or did they start shaking out of nowhere?
  • Are they still shivering despite being in a warm, comfortable, and quiet place?
  • Are there other clinical signs present? These may include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, disorientation, weakness, panting, or whining.

Before calling your veterinarian, observe whether your dog is just shaking their head (which could indicate an ear infection or some other ear condition); or if their hind legs have a tremor (which can be caused by the loss of muscle mass over time); or if their whole body is trembling at seemingly random moments. Share these observations with the vet as they search for the underlying reason. 

“Shaking out of nowhere in a senior dog that’s never really shaken before could be a sign of something more serious going on,” Dr. Adelman said. If your short-haired senior dog just came in from a walk on a chilly day without a jacket, then that’s a clear explanation for trembling. But if they suddenly started shivering without any apparent cause, that’s worth investigating.

A dog who’s shivering from cold ought to stop shortly once they’ve come indoors and warmed up; if the shivering persists, that indicates a problem.

What causes shaking in senior dogs?

Muscle weakness and loss

Senior dogs may develop sarcopenia—the age-related weakening or loss of muscle. And this may cause them to shake.

“As dogs age, they may lose muscle strength and stability, especially when standing,” said Dr. Rigterink. If this happens, you may notice their back legs trembling under their body weight. 

Anxiety

Just like a person who’s scared, an anxious dog might shake. “When a dog is anxious,” Dr. Rigterink explained, “their body activates the fight-or-flight response, causing increased arousal and adrenaline release; shaking is the visible manifestation of this internal emotional arousal.”

Senior or not, some dogs may be anxious. Dr. Adelman said her Chihuahua “has been a shaker his entire life,” but shakes even more now that he’s a senior. “He’s just a nervous dog.”

Some senior dogs are more sensitive to environmental changes, like noises from a new baby in the house or long-term construction outside your apartment. A 2018 study linked noise sensitivity to physical pain in older dogs. Because fear can activate muscle tension, trembling could be a manifestation of pain as their body tightens up. 

Vision and hearing loss could also make your dog more anxious as they feel less secure in navigating their environment, Dr. Adelman said. “That could increase anxiety in general, which may or may not be related to [other] conditions,” she added.

Be mindful of any changes in your home environment, or other sources of noise or stress.

An elderly black and white chihuahua sits up with their head tilted on an orange couch against a cream-colored wall next to a gauzy curtain hinting at a window.
Cognitive decline

Some seniors may develop canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD), which is what veterinarians call dementia in dogs. Dogs with CCD may become fearful of new places and situations—and, as such, “cognitive decline can indirectly cause shaking or trembling in dogs,” Dr. Rigterink said.

CCD may impact a dog’s awareness, orientation, sleep cycles, and emotional regulation—all of which can lead to shaking or trembling.

Pain

In some cases, trembling, shivering, and shaking—whether in a dog’s hind legs or whole body—is due to pain. This pain could come from arthritis, an injury, dental distress, gastrointestinal upset, or many other sources.

“Older dogs are prone to osteoarthritis, which may cause noticeable pain when they get up from a resting position,” said Dr. Rigterink. Older dogs commonly experience joint pain or arthritis that makes sitting and laying down uncomfortable; they might shiver or be unable to settle. Other, subtler signs of pain include stiffness and difficulty getting up.

Your veterinarian can offer guidance on the best way to address joint issues and treat pain, including through exercise, physical therapy (such as hydrotherapy), dietary changes, or medication. Never give your dog any kind of medication without guidance and authorization from your vet.

Endocrine-system issues

This system regulates glands and hormones, and problems with it can cause a dog to shake. For example, dogs with Cushing’s disease “can shake more, especially hind-leg trembling,” Dr. Adelman said.

Metabolic-system issues

This system regulates chemical reactions in the body that turn food into energy. Problems like low blood sugar (aka hypoglycemia), electrolyte imbalance, and kidney disease can all lead to shaking.

Nervous-system issues

Wobblers is a neurologic condition that may cause tremors, and seizures can cause shaking.

Other ailments, like liver disease and kidney failure, may also make your dog feel ill and cause shaking. 

Nausea

Sometimes dogs shake when they’re nauseated. In addition to trembling, signs of nausea include restlessness, drooling, lip licking, and vomiting. 

There are many reasons your dog may be nauseous. Shaking for a prolonged period of time, combined with other signs of nausea, could indicate a serious medical condition such as kidney or liver disease. Nausea is also a common side effect of some prescription medications. 

Nausea may indicate that your dog has ingested something toxic. If you suspect they may have eaten something poisonous, or if they seem very uncomfortable, get in touch with your veterinarian or call the Pet Poison Helpline right away. 

Cold temperatures

A drop in temperatures can cause any dog to shiver—but older dogs may become more vulnerable to the cold if they can no longer effectively regulate their body temperature.

If you notice that your senior dog continues shivering after coming in from a walk, or in a cold home, help them settle in their bed and cover them with a warm blanket or towel. Consider buying a fleece coat (with a waterproof cover for rain and snow) to help them stay warm on walks. 

When to take your senior dog to the vet for shaking

Shaking is worth a vet visit when it is “new, persistent, not clearly tied to an identifiable trigger—or when it occurs with other clinical signs such as changes in appetite, disorientation, or weakness,” Dr. Rigterink said.

As we mentioned earlier, watch for patterns like when your dog shivers and what triggers the shivering, along with other potential signs of illness. “If the cause is unclear or [the shaking is] persistent, take the dog to the veterinary hospital for an exam,” she said. “The level of urgency depends on gathering context and information first. When in doubt—particularly with an acute onset or additional clinical signs—it is better to err on the side of caution and schedule a veterinary visit.”

A white and brindled whippet curls up on a beige cushion, snug as could be, their pink toe beans showing as they snooze.

How to help if your senior dog is shaking

Once you and your vet figure out why your dog is shaking, Dr. Rigterink suggested creating a low-stress, predictable home environment. “Provide comfortable resting areas with soft bedding away from noise and household traffic,” she said. “Verbally reassure the dog if they are anxious. Consider playing slow, classical music in the background.” 

If the issue is loud noises, such as ongoing construction—and the shaking seems out of character for your otherwise healthy senior dog—you might want to consult a trainer about managing the stress through desensitization and counterconditioning. If it’s possible to reduce or eliminate the environmental stressors, you should do that, too—perhaps by keeping your dog in a quiet room if there’s one available.

A vet visit can also help assess whether your older dog’s noise sensitivity is caused by physical pain from arthritis or another condition—and if anti-inflammatory or anti-anxiety medications might help.

Frequently asked questions about shaking in senior dogs

Why is my senior dog shaking and panting?

Reasons a senior dog may be shaking and panting include stress, anxiety, issues with temperature regulation, or an underlying medical condition.

Why are my senior dog’s back legs shaking?

A senior dog’s back legs may be shaking because of sarcopenia, which is the veterinary term for age-related muscle loss. Older dogs are also prone to osteoarthritis, which can be painful and cause their back legs to shake.

Is shaking a sign of pain in dogs?

Yes, shaking can be a sign of pain in dogs. That’s one reason to visit the veterinarian if your dog is shaking and you don’t know why.

When should I be worried about my dog shaking?

If shaking persists or has no apparent cause, bring your dog to the vet for an examination.

What can I give my senior dog for shaking?

Don’t give your dog any medications without prior guidance from your veterinarian. Instead, visit the vet and follow their advice.

Can dementia cause shaking in dogs?

Yes, canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD), which is what veterinarians call dementia in dogs, can indirectly cause shaking—due to anxiety or fear.

The post Why Is My Senior Dog Shaking? appeared first on The Farmer’s Dog - Digest.


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