TL;DR: Shaking or trembling in dogs is often a sign of pain, anxiety, or weakness that generally requires a veterinary exam within 24 to 48 hours unless accompanied by severe symptoms like inability to walk.
What does it mean if my dog is shaking or trembling while standing?
Shaking or trembling while standing refers to involuntary, rhythmic muscle contractions that occur while your dog is upright. This can range from localized tremors in the hind legs to generalized body shaking. It is often a physical manifestation of an underlying issue, such as muscle weakness, pain, anxiety, or a neurological condition.
Is my dog's shaking or trembling an emergency?
The urgency level for a dog shaking while standing is generally Medium. While shaking alone is often not an immediate life-threatening emergency, it indicates discomfort or a medical issue that requires a professional evaluation. Seek immediate emergency care if the shaking is accompanied by:
- A sudden inability to walk
- A bloated abdomen
- Disorientation or confusion
If these severe symptoms are not present, you should schedule a veterinary appointment within 24 to 48 hours.
How can a video or photo of my dog's shaking help with triage?
Providing your veterinarian with a video of the shaking is incredibly helpful for triage because:
- Tremors can be intermittent and may not happen during the physical exam at the clinic.
- Seeing the duration, intensity, and specific location of the shaking allows your vet to differentiate between behavioral shivering, physical pain, or neurological tremors.
- Visual evidence leads to a faster and more accurate diagnosis.
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
Trembling or shivering in dogs can be caused by exposure to certain chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticides like DDT, DOD, endosulfan, lindane, and methoxychlor, with large doses potentially leading to convulsions and death. Whole-body tremors involving the limbs, trunk, head, and eyes, may indicate a demyelinating disorder, often appearing early in life (10-12 days of age). These tremors lessen during rest but reappear with arousal and increase with excitement. Affected animals may exhibit difficulty standing and ambulating, limb weakness, and deficient postural test reactions; nystagmus may also be present.
Chapter: Toxicology
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 3062)