Why Is My Dog Shaking?

Is my dog just cold?

Maybe. Small dogs and dogs with thin coats are especially prone to shivering when temperatures drop. Chihuahuas, Greyhounds, and other lean or small breeds are famous for this. If your dog is shaking and it's chilly out, or they just came in from the rain, it's probably exactly what it looks like. Get them warm and the shaking should stop. If it doesn't, something else might be going on.

Why do small dogs shake so much?

Small dogs shake more than large dogs for a few reasons. They lose body heat faster because of their higher surface-area-to-body-mass ratio, so they get cold more easily. But small dogs also tend to be more reactive emotionally, meaning they're more likely to tremble from excitement, nervousness, or overstimulation. Chihuahuas are probably the most well-known shakers in the dog world, and it's usually a combination of temperature sensitivity and a naturally high-strung temperament. It's one of those things that's just part of the package with smaller breeds.

Why is my dog shaking and panting at the same time?

Shaking plus panting is often a stress response. Dogs pant when they're anxious, and trembling goes along with that. Thunderstorms, fireworks, car rides, vet visits; all common triggers. But this combination can also indicate pain. Dogs are notoriously good at hiding discomfort, and sometimes shaking and panting together are the only visible signs that something hurts. If you can't identify an obvious stressor and your dog seems off in other ways (not eating, withdrawn, reluctant to move), a vet check is smart.

When is shaking a sign of something serious?

You should contact your vet if the shaking is continuous and you can't explain it, if it's accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy, or if your dog seems disoriented. Generalized Tremor Syndrome, sometimes called "little white shaker syndrome" in veterinary neurology because it was first documented in small white breeds like Maltese and West Highland White Terriers, causes full-body tremors and needs veterinary treatment. Toxin ingestion, low blood sugar, distemper, and kidney disease can also cause trembling. The shaking itself isn't always the problem, but combined with other symptoms it can be an important signal that something needs attention.