If dogs shake when resting, this is often an indication of existing fears or stress. In some cases, the tremors can also be due to neurological diseases, poisoning, pain or even a seizure.
In addition, there are also some dogs that tremble more frequently for unknown reasons. These include the Miniature Pinscher, Chihuahua, Maltese and the West Highland White Terrier. [1]
Furthermore, the initial situation can also provide conclusions about the potential causes. Here is a rough overview:
Initial situationMost common causesShivering in sleepCold, dreams, fear, stress, kidney problemsShaking after vaccinationNausea, stressSudden shakingStroke, epilepsy, distemper, Cushing's syndrome, neurological problemsShivering and pantingFear, hypoglycemia, stress, kidney problems, nausea, poisoningConstant shakingCushing's syndrome, kidney problems, fear, neurological problems , cold, stress, shivering SurgeryNausea, stress, pain, fear, muscle weaknessOnly hind legs trembleMuscle weakness, hypoglycemiaShivering while drivingFear, nausea, stressTrembling and vomitingNausea, kidney problems, poisoning, distemper
Then let's look at the individual causes with a magnifying glass.
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#1 Muscle weakness
When muscle weakness occurs, the dog's muscles tremble because they are overloaded. In most cases, the following factors are responsible:
- Overexertion
- Electrolyte or water deficiency
- Monotonous movements
- Magnesium or calcium deficiency
- Severe psychological stress [1]
Under certain circumstances it can also be a symptom of the autoimmune disease “Myasthenia Gravis”. Here the signal transmission is disrupted and cramps often occur.
Among other things, affected dogs also tend to tremble violently when at rest. Other typical symptoms of this are:
- Unusually rapid exhaustion
- Dog falls over
- Profuse drooling
- Problems closing your eyes
- Sudden stagger [2]
Terrier species, golden retrievers, springer spaniels and German shepherds are statistically most commonly affected. [3]
Unfortunately, there is still no cure for this disease. In the case of overexertion or a nutrient deficiency, an adjustment to your diet and a break from training are usually sufficient.
Dogs with muscle weakness usually have so little strength that they begin to tremble even when they are at rest. In most cases it is due to diet or not drinking enough water. In individual cases, an immune disorder can also be responsible.
#2 Anxiety & Stress
Acute anxiety and stress are usually only noticeable when the trigger is present. On the other hand, if it becomes chronic, dogs will shake all day long.
The most common causes here are:
- Noises over 85 decibels
- Alzheimer's in old dogs
- Separation anxiety due to loneliness
- Lack of socialization
- Violence in education
- Presence of strangers
- Prolonged storms [4]
Small breeds are affected significantly more often than large dogs. The same applies to very sensitive four-legged friends such as all breeds of lap dogs.
In addition, anxiety and stress usually have other causes:
- Running with tail tucked in
- Restless behavior
- Unusual night activity
- Constant change of berth
- Incontinence despite being house trained
- Trembling when lying down
- Constant panting [5]
Here you should first identify the possible causes. Regardless, anxious dogs need a lot of attention and mental activity.
If the causes are unclear or severe anxiety is present, anxiety-relieving medication from the vet can also help. However, such means should be the last option.
Severe stress and anxiety can cause dogs to tremble even at rest. In this case, other unusual symptoms can usually be identified. Here it is important to identify the trigger and then eliminate it.
#3 Nausea
On average, dogs vomit significantly more often than we humans. The reasons for this are evolutionary in nature. Because dogs originally descended from wolves – i.e. carnivores.
However, as a result of taming and feeding thousands of years ago, dogs increasingly became omnivores. This explains why dog food mostly contains grains and vegetables.
The problem? Their digestive system is not nearly as efficient as ours. Even the smallest inconsistencies can cause flatulence and nausea.
Typical triggers here are:
- Food allergies
- Medication swallowed
- Liver and kidney problems
- Motion sickness
- Food intolerances
- Snaring and overeating
- Poisonous plants [6]
When you have acute nausea, your body often begins to tremble even when you are at rest. Other typical symptoms include:
- Profuse drooling
- Constant licking of the mouth
- Loss of appetite
- Frequent swallowing
- Yelling and whining
- Constant smacking [7]
Unfortunately, short-term nausea is relatively normal in dogs. If the symptoms persist, I recommend changing the food, doing an allergy test and visiting the vet.
Dogs that suffer from nausea usually show their symptoms through excessive drooling and constant licking of their mouths. In some cases, affected dogs begin to tremble even when lying down. It is important to find out the cause and then take appropriate measures.
#4 Cold
Shivering from the cold is a survival mechanism for many mammals. The rapid muscle contractions stimulate and promote blood circulation.
This results in more warm blood circulating in the body, causing the body temperature to rise. Short-haired and hairless dogs freeze the fastest. [8]
But small dog breeds and dogs with little body fat also react very sensitively to cold and drafts. Typical signs of cold are:
- Dog seeks physical contact
- Trembling at rest
- Constant beeping
- Very curled up sleeping position
- Nocturnal activity [9]
For short-haired dogs, I recommend a winter coat in fall, winter and spring. It also helps to position the basket near a radiator.
Warm blankets and sealing the doors can also help here. If your dog feels very cold, it could be life-threatening “hypothermia”. [10]
Here you should take action immediately, increase the body temperature and call the vet to be careful. However, this usually only happens after long exposure to the cold.
Cold is one of the most common causes of shivering in dogs. When there is a cold draft or a room temperature that is too low, dogs start to shiver even when they are resting. Warm coats, blankets and a warm cuddle unit usually help here.
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#5 Neurological problems
Tremors are essentially just rapid muscle contractions of the body. And these contractions are in turn initiated via the nerves from the brain.
For this reason, injuries and diseases of the brain can also be responsible for the constant shaking. Typical causes here are:
- Inflammation
- Epilepsy (see #8)
- Autoimmune diseases
- Injuries to the spine
- Stroke (see #13)
- Tumor diseases [11]
In almost all cases, these diseases are accompanied by other visible signs. The most common symptoms include:
- Severe confusion
- Dog behaves strangely
- Trembling at rest
- Disorientation in familiar surroundings
- Wandering at night
- Dog keeps going in circles
- Unusual stubbornness and ignorance [12]
If you suspect this, you should consult the vet immediately. The earlier the cause is diagnosed, the better the chances of treatment.
Neurological problems can cause dogs to behave strangely and start shaking even when lying down. They also often react aggressively and appear confused. The veterinarian should be consulted immediately.
#6 Hypoglycemia
The sugar content in the blood ensures that all the muscles and organs receive enough energy to carry out their specific tasks.
However, if there is not enough energy available, dogs often start shaking when they are resting. This accelerates blood circulation and thus supply.
However, hypoglycemia usually manifests itself with other symptoms:
The most common causes for this are:
- Overexertion
- Food with few carbohydrates
- Liver problems
- Irregular feeding
- Tumor diseases [14]
If you suspect anything, I recommend visiting the vet. This usually takes a blood sample to measure blood sugar levels.
Depending on the cause, treatment may require a change in diet, lifestyle adjustments or even medication.
Acute or chronic hypoglycemia can cause dogs to tremble even at rest. In most cases, the cause is overexertion in combination with low-carbohydrate food. As a precaution, you should still consult a veterinarian.
#7 Kidney problems
The kidneys are primarily responsible for filtering out and secreting toxic or incompatible substances. It is also essential for regulating blood circulation.
If there are problems, the symptoms usually only become apparent when a large part of the kidney is no longer functioning. Typical signs here are:
- Unusually strong thirst
- Lack of energy
- Lack of appetite
- Constant shaking
- Feeling of weakness
- Diarrhea and vomiting
- weight loss [15]
The problems are often caused by the dog swallowing something poisonous. Medicines, toxic foods, cleaning products and chemicals are common here.
In principle, kidney problems can also be genetic, come from age or just be a symptom of other illnesses. [16]
Both a blood and a urine sample are usually taken for diagnosis. Depending on the cause, the appropriate treatment is then derived.
Kidney problems can sometimes cause dogs to start shaking constantly, even at rest. In most cases, the problems come from swallowing toxic things. The vet can help here.
#8 Epilepsy
Epilepsy is also colloquially referred to as a “seizure”. The neurological disease causes the nerves to be overstrained for a short time.
Severe and uncontrollable cramps are therefore among the most common symptoms. Other typical signs include:
- Foaming mouth
- Trembling when lying down
- Suddenly falling over
- Excessive drooling
- fainting
- Unresponsive[[