Tremors in dogs

If your dog shakes its head a lot, it could be due to an ear infection. More general tremors may be due to your dog eating something that it cannot tolerate and thus becoming poisoned. 

It could also be because your dog is in pain somewhere, that it is worried or afraid of something, or that your dog has become severely chilled. 

Even small epileptic seizures can manifest as tremors. A healthy dog ​​should not shake without understanding why.

Symptoms of tremors in dogs

• Uncontrollable trembling for no apparent reason
• Shaking its head a lot (in case of ear infection)
• Tremors involving the whole body
• Tremors in a body part
• Worse appetite, vomiting and/or diarrhoea
• Changed behaviour - lethargy or unusual fatigue
• Increased body temperature/fever 

Medical causes of dog tremors

Dogs shaking can have many different causes. Some examples of medical reasons are:

• Neurological disease (e.g. epilepsy)
• Poisoning
• Infection
• Fever
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)

Other reasons for shaking in dogs

Sometimes dogs can shake due to joy, excitement, stress, fear, or even from their dreams when they're sleeping.

Stress factors that can cause shaking include loud noises, new surroundings and separation anxiety.

Discomfort caused by cold, pain, nausea or fever can also cause your dog to shake.

How you vet will diagnose the issue

After listening to your story about your dog's symptoms, the vet performs a thorough examination. Blood samples are taken to see if there is inflammation, infection or other effects on the liver, kidneys, etc. If pain from the back or joints is suspected, an x-ray may be appropriate.

Treatment of dog with tremors

Treatment is initiated based on the dog's symptoms and diagnosis. If a diagnosis is not established immediately, symptomatic treatment can be instituted to reduce the tremors.