My Dog is Shivering
- chinartekchandani
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
When to worry and when not to
It can be unsettling to see your dog trembling or shivering. As a veterinarian, I often get questions like: “Is my dog cold?”or “Should I rush to the vet?” The truth is, shivering can be completely normal in some situations, but in others, it’s a sign you shouldn’t ignore.
Why Dogs Shiver: Common Non-Emergency Reasons
Cold Weather or Temperature Drop
Just like humans, dogs may shiver when they’re cold. This is most common in short-haired breeds (like Beagles or Dachshunds), puppies, and senior dogs.
What to do: Provide warmth with a blanket, sweater, or move them to a warmer space. If the shivering stops once they’re warm, it’s usually nothing to worry about.
Excitement or Anticipation
Some dogs tremble when they’re excited — for example, when you pick up the leash for a walk or when they’re waiting for food.
What to do: This kind of shivering usually stops once the excitement settles down. It’s harmless.
Anxiety, Fear, or Stress
Loud noises like thunderstorms, firecrackers, or a vet visit can make your dog shiver.
What to do: Remove the trigger if possible, or create a safe, quiet space. Some dogs may need calming aids or behaviour therapy if this happens often.
Dreaming During Sleep
If your dog twitches, moves their legs, or shivers lightly in their sleep, they’re probably dreaming.
What to do: Nothing. This is completely normal.
When Shivering May Be a Red Flag
Shivering isn’t always harmless. Sometimes, it’s your dog’s way of telling you something is wrong. These are some of the common medical reasons to watch out for:
Pain or Injury
Dogs often shiver or tremble when they’re in pain. This can be due to an injury, joint issues, abdominal pain, or internal discomfort.
Watch for: Reluctance to move, whining, restlessness, or licking a specific area.
Fever or Infection
A dog with a fever may shiver even if the environment is warm.
Watch for: Warm ears or paws, lethargy, loss of appetite, or heavy breathing.
Important: Don’t give human fever medicines — they can be toxic. A vet check and temperature reading is necessary.
Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia)
Especially common in small breed puppies like Chihuahuas or Toy Poodles.
Watch for: Weakness, glassy eyes, wobbling, or collapse.
Action: Rub a small amount of honey on their gums and rush to the vet immediately.
Toxin Exposure
Certain toxins — like chocolate, xylitol (found in sugar-free gum), rat poison, or plants — can cause tremors, seizures, or shivering.
Watch for: Sudden onset of tremors, vomiting, drooling, or collapse.
Action: Treat this as an emergency. Go to a veterinary clinic right away.
Neurological Problems or Seizures
Generalized tremors or uncontrolled shivering may be linked to neurological disorders, infections like distemper (in unvaccinated dogs), or idiopathic tremor syndrome.
Watch for: Involuntary shaking, stiffness, loss of coordination, or unresponsiveness.
Old Age or Certain Conditions
Senior dogs sometimes develop age-related tremors — often in the hind legs. Though not always dangerous, these should be assessed to rule out pain or other conditions like arthritis or degenerative diseases.
When to See a Vet
Shivering doesn’t stop after warming up or calming down.
Your dog seems lethargic, weak, or in pain.
There’s vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite.
The shivering starts suddenly and is intense.
Your dog is a puppy, senior, or has an existing medical condition.
You suspect toxin exposure.
If any of these signs are present, it’s best to consult your veterinarian immediately. Quick intervention can make a big difference.
What You Can Do at Home
Check temperature: If your dog feels cold, warm them up slowly.
Note the context: Was it excitement, fear, or a change in weather?
Observe other symptoms: Energy, appetite, behavior, vomiting, or limping.
Don’t self-medicate: Human painkillers, fever meds, or sedatives can be dangerous.
Not all shivering is a cause for panic. But if it’s accompanied by other symptoms like lethargy, pain, or vomiting, it can be a sign of an underlying problem.Trust your instincts, if something feels off, get your dog checked by a vet.
