Why does my dog shake when not cold?

Anxiety, excitement, pain, nausea, toxin exposure, low blood sugar, and neurological conditions can all cause shaking unrelated to temperature. Context and other symptoms help narrow the cause.

Is shaking normal in small dogs?

Some small breeds tremble when excited or anxious — a behaviour sometimes called 'small dog syndrome.' Persistent or new-onset shaking in any size dog deserves veterinary evaluation.

When is dog shaking an emergency?

Shaking with collapse, seizures, vomiting, known toxin ingestion, difficulty breathing, or extreme lethargy needs immediate veterinary care. Do not wait to see if it passes.

Can old dogs shake because of age?

Senior dogs may develop tremors from arthritis pain, cognitive decline, or idiopathic old-dog vestibular syndrome. A vet exam rules out treatable causes such as pain or metabolic disease.

Dog Health

Why Is My Dog Shaking?

Quick answer

Dogs shake for reasons ranging from **cold and excitement** to **pain, nausea, toxins, and seizures**. Occasional shivering after a bath or during fireworks may be normal. Contact your vet if shaking is **new, persistent, or paired with vomiting, collapse, or behaviour changes** — especially after possible toxin exposure.

Key takeaways

Anxiety, excitement, pain, nausea, toxin exposure, low blood sugar, and neurological conditions can all cause shaking unrelated to temperature. Context and other symptoms help narrow the cause.
Some small breeds tremble when excited or anxious — a behaviour sometimes called 'small dog syndrome.' Persistent or new-onset shaking in any size dog deserves veterinary evaluation.
Shaking with collapse, seizures, vomiting, known toxin ingestion, difficulty breathing, or extreme lethargy needs immediate veterinary care. Do not wait to see if it passes.

The full picture

Causes, home monitoring, treatment options and the exact signs that mean call your vet — in the complete guide.

Read the full guide Check symptoms

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my dog shake when not cold?: Anxiety, excitement, pain, nausea, toxin exposure, low blood sugar, and neurological conditions can all cause shaking unrelated to temperature. Context and other symptoms help narrow the cause.
Is shaking normal in small dogs?: Some small breeds tremble when excited or anxious — a behaviour sometimes called 'small dog syndrome.' Persistent or new-onset shaking in any size dog deserves veterinary evaluation.
When is dog shaking an emergency?: Shaking with collapse, seizures, vomiting, known toxin ingestion, difficulty breathing, or extreme lethargy needs immediate veterinary care. Do not wait to see if it passes.
Can old dogs shake because of age?: Senior dogs may develop tremors from arthritis pain, cognitive decline, or idiopathic old-dog vestibular syndrome. A vet exam rules out treatable causes such as pain or metabolic disease.

Reviewed 2026-06-24 against UK veterinary guidance · Information only — not a substitute for seeing your vet.