In most cases, dogs shake in their sleep due to cold, fear or stress. In exceptional cases, this can also be caused by poisoning, pain or even illness. However, there are usually other symptoms as well.
There are also some breeds that naturally shake more often when sleeping. These include Chihuahuas, Maltese, West Highland White Terriers and Miniature Pinschers. [1]
Then let's go through the 12 most common causes together.
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#1 Poisoning
Poisoning is one of the most common reasons for visits to veterinarians. Typical triggers for poisoning in dogs are:
- Poisonous plants
- Alcohol and hop poisoning
- Products with sugar alcohol “Xylitol”
- Chocolate
- Medicines for humans
- Avocados and macadamia nuts
- Rat poison
- Insecticides and snail killers
- Grapes and raisins [2]
In rare cases, intensive passive smoking of drugs such as cannabis can also be behind it. The most common symptoms of poisoning are:
- Disorientation
- Profuse drooling
- Diarrhea and vomiting
- Strong tremors
- Breathing problems
- Feeling of weakness [3]
The vet should be consulted immediately for treatment. Depending on the cause of the poisoning, treatment can range from simple waiting to emergency surgery.
A variety of poisonings can cause dogs to begin shaking both while awake and asleep. The most common triggers here are poisonous plants, human medications and insecticides. The veterinarian should be consulted here.
#2 Cold
Dogs, like people, start to shiver in the cold. These are very fast muscle contractions that stimulate blood circulation.
And as more warm blood is pumped through the body, the body temperature also rises. In addition to cold temperatures, drafts can also be the trigger.
Short-haired dogs and breeds with low body fat tend to freeze the quickest. The Doberman and Greyhound are therefore very sensitive to cold. [4]
When dogs are cold while sleeping, there are usually other symptoms in addition to shivering:
- Stiff muscles
- Nocturnal whining
- Very curled up sleeping position
- Whining and whining
- Look for physical contact [5]
Warm blankets and coats can help here. You can also position the basket near a heart body. However, you should avoid cold drafts.
Long exposure to cold can even lead to life-threatening “hypothermia”. This occurs when the body temperature is below 32°C. [6]
When temperatures are too cold, dogs start to shiver even while sleeping. This is a subconscious reaction of the body. Hairless dogs and dogs that are underweight are most commonly affected. However, this can be prevented by taking warming measures.
#3 Cushing's syndrome
Cushing's syndrome is a hormonal disorder in which the dog's body produces too much of the stress hormone “cortisol”.
It is also colloquially known as “trembling syndrome”. The increased cortisol level signals to the body that it is always in an emergency situation.
The tremors can occur both during the day and at night while sleeping. Dogs over 8 years of age are statistically most commonly affected. Typical symptoms here are:
In 80% of cases, a tumor on the pituitary gland is responsible for this. In 20% of cases, other illnesses can also be behind it.
Medication is usually used for treatment. Depending on the cause, surgery may also be necessary. The veterinarian is the right person to contact here. [8]
Dogs with Cushing's syndrome produce too many stress hormones due to the illness, so they are constantly on alert. The tremors can occur during sleep as well as during the day. The vet should be consulted for treatment.
#4 Fear
Severe anxiety is noticeable in dogs both when they are awake and while they are sleeping. The most common triggers here are:
- Alzheimer's disease in dogs over 10 years old
- Noise and sounds over 85 decibels
- Moving to an unfamiliar environment
- Strange people and dogs
- Separation anxiety [9]
Very young and very old dogs tend to be the most anxious. In addition, many smaller lap dog breeds often struggle with anxiety. Typical symptoms here are:
- Excessive panting
- Retracted tail
- Strong tremors
- Sudden incontinence
- Behavior change [10]
If the trembling during sleep is actually due to fear, you will often notice this because your dog sleeps very restlessly and constantly changes where he sleeps.
Increased attention and anxiety-relieving medication help with treatment. Gradually getting used to the cause can also help here.
When dogs are extremely anxious, they tremble both during the day and while sleeping. In young and small dogs, separation anxiety is usually responsible for this. Older dogs, on the other hand, are usually anxious due to dementia. For treatment, the exact cause should first be identified.
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#5 Distemper
Distemper refers to a viral disease that has been a compulsory vaccination in Germany since the 1980s. Because it is highly contagious and spreads to all other animals.
The disease is usually transmitted via saliva, urine or blood. But sneezing and coughing can also be sufficient transmission.
Puppies and dogs kept illegally that have not yet been vaccinated are most often affected by this in Germany. Typical symptoms include:
- High fever
- Discharge from the nose
- Diarrhea and vomiting
- Tremors and twitches
- fatigue [11]
If the brain is also affected by the virus, the tremors can also occur during sleep, among other things. In many cases, the disease is fatal.
Distemper is currently considered incurable. Medication can only alleviate the symptoms. It is not for nothing that this viral disease is subject to compulsory vaccinations. [12]
In dogs that have not been vaccinated or have not been sufficiently vaccinated, distemper can also be responsible for shaking while sleeping. This highly contagious disease is also accompanied by numerous other symptoms. Since the virus is considered incurable, dogs should be vaccinated against it as a preventive measure.
#6 Dream
Dream researchers have discovered that dogs go through the same phases of sleep as we do. Dreams, on the other hand, mostly take place in REM sleep.
Dogs are also said to use dreams to process what they have experienced and to satisfy longings. In many cases this also manifests itself physically:
- Muscle twitches
- Yelling and barking
- Tremble
- Eye movements [13]
If your dog actually starts shaking at night because of a dream, it is usually a sign of strong joy or fear.
You can often recognize nightmares when the dog becomes increasingly restless and suddenly wakes up. Constantly changing the lying position can also indicate this.
However, that is not a reason to worry. Even the opposite is true. Because dreams are generally considered a sign of good physical and mental health. [14]
Dreams and nightmares in dogs can manifest themselves, among other things, by starting to tremble while they sleep. In most cases this is accompanied by muscle twitching, barking and moving eyelids. There is no need for action here.
#7 Pain
Dogs usually try to hide pain as much as possible. It is an instinct that they inherited from their ancestors, the wolves.
Because weak-looking wolves were and are still the target of other predators to this day. In addition, weakened wolves are more often rejected to protect the pack.
In other words, if your dog is actually shaking because of pain, then it's usually more serious. The most common symptoms of pain include:
- Constant whining
- Nocturnal restlessness
- Retracted tail
- Limping or limping
- Yelling on physical contact [15]
In older dogs, inflamed joints (“arthritis”) or joint pain due to wear and tear (“osteoarthritis”) are often responsible for the pain.
Regardless of age, splinters in the paw, stomach problems and stomach and back pain can also be behind it. [16]
To avoid unnecessary suffering, you should consult the vet immediately. Depending on the suspected cause, an X-ray or blood test is usually carried out.
Dogs only communicate pain when they are above a certain tolerance threshold. Among other things, pain can also manifest itself in trembling during sleep. On the other hand, restless behavior and constant whining are much more common.
#8 Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a brain disease in which the dog's nerve cells are suddenly overstressed. In most cases this leads to severe cramps.
For this reason, an epileptic seizure is also known as a “seizure.” Other typical symptoms include:
Depending on the underlying cause, epileptic seizures can also occur at night. Dogs shake uncontrollably in their sleep and are unresponsive during this time.
According to studies, around one in 120 dogs suffer from it. Male and young dogs are said to be affected statistically more often. [18]
These attacks are not painful. Rather, they lead to severe confusion, fear or even panic. You should visit your veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment. [19]
Epileptic seizures at night can cause dogs to shake in their sleep. Affected dogs are unresponsive and often foam at the mouth. The veterinarian should be consulted immediately.
#9 Stress
No matter how fearless dogs may sometimes appear. Many breeds are very sensitive to environmental and psychological stress. Typical causes for this are:
- Loud noises over 85 decibels
- Violent handling
- Territorial threat from strange dogs
- Storms with thunder or hail
- Visit to the vet [20]
If stress is very severe or chronic, the effects can be seen throughout the day. The tremors can therefore also occur during sleep. Other typical symptoms of this are:
When you are under severe stress, a lot of attention is essential. Long walks and lots of mental and physical activity also help.
If the cause of the stress is known, it usually helps to get the dog used to the trigger step by step.
Chronic stress can affect dogs all day long. In addition to shaking while sleeping, dogs are also more likely to pant heavily and behave restlessly. In many cases, increased attention and activity can be a solution.