Why is your old dog trembling all of a sudden? Check the emergency signs first, then learn the most common causes in senior dogs, from pain and cold to nausea and toxins, plus a step-by-step checklist for home.
If your senior dog is shaking and acting strangely, first rule out an emergency: collapse, trouble breathing, pale gums, repeated vomiting, confusion, a seizure, or trembling that lasts more than a few minutes means call an emergency vet now. Otherwise, the most common reasons an older dog shakes are pain (often arthritis), feeling cold, nausea, anxiety, or weak back legs. A new tremor that keeps coming back still needs a vet visit within a day or two.
Is it an emergency?
Call an emergency vet now: collapse or cannot stand, trouble breathing, pale or gray gums, repeated vomiting, not responding to you, a seizure (stiff limbs, paddling, loss of awareness), or shaking for more than a few minutes.
Call your vet today: shaking and not eating, pain when touched, hiding, or a possible toxin such as xylitol (sugar-free gum or peanut butter), chocolate, rodent bait or medicines. ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 (a fee may apply).
Watch at home: shaking that stops once your dog is warm and relaxed, or happens only in the cold or during storms.
Common causes in senior dogs
1. Pain. Arthritis, back, dental or belly pain often shows as trembling, panting or restlessness.
2. Cold. The American Kennel Club notes that older dogs lose some ability to regulate body temperature.
3. Nausea. Trembling with drooling, lip licking and refusing food. In seniors it can come from kidney or liver disease or a medicine.
4. Weak back legs. Muscle loss makes the hind legs tremble when standing, but nerve or spine problems should be ruled out.
5. Anxiety or dementia. Storms, fireworks and canine cognitive dysfunction can cause shaking, pacing and panting, often at night.
6. Poisoning. Xylitol, chocolate and human medicines can cause tremors and seizures.
7. Medical problems. Low blood sugar, Addison's disease, tremor syndromes and new seizures all need a vet diagnosis.
What the combination can mean
Shaking and not eating: nausea, pain or illness. Call your vet today.
Shaking and panting at night: pain, anxiety or cognitive decline.
Shaking only when standing: weak hind legs or joint pain.
What to do right now (checklist)
1. Move your dog to a warm, quiet room with a soft bed. Avoid very hot heating pads, which can burn a dog who cannot move away.
2. Check the gums: they should be pink and moist.
3. Take the temperature if you can. Normal is about 101 to 102.5°F. Call your vet at 103°F or higher, or below 99°F.
4. Look for anything your dog could have eaten.
5. Film the shaking so your vet can tell a tremor from a seizure.
6. Note when it started, how long it lasted, and any changes in eating, drinking or peeing.
Tools that help at home (#ad)
[iProven Dog & Cat Thermometer](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BDFZCSV?tag=silverpaw02-20): flexible tip, reads in about 20 seconds, waterproof. Knowing the temperature helps you judge how urgent it is.
[K&H Self-Warming Crate Pad](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PKDNRZX?tag=silverpaw02-20): reflects your dog's own body heat, no cord, non-slip bottom, machine washable. Warmth without the burn risk of a heating pad.
What your vet may check
A physical and neurological exam, a pain check of the joints and spine, and often blood work and a urine test. X-rays or a neurology referral may follow.
Related guides
[Help a senior dog with arthritis move comfortably](/blog/help-senior-dog-arthritis-move-comfortably-home)
[Senior dog dementia symptoms at night](/blog/recognizing-senior-dog-dementia-symptoms-night)
[Keeping a thin-coated senior dog warm](/blog/keeping-thin-coated-senior-dog-warm-clothing)
[Old dog vomiting: when to worry](/blog/old-dog-vomiting-when-to-worry)
Frequently asked questions
Why is my old dog shaking and acting weird all of a sudden? Most often pain, nausea, fear or a toxin. Check the emergency signs first, then call your vet the same day if it does not settle.
Is shaking normal in senior dogs? Mild leg trembling or shivering in the cold can be, but new, frequent or whole-body shaking is not normal aging.
How can I tell shaking from a seizure? With a tremor your dog usually stays aware of you. During a seizure dogs usually lose awareness, stiffen or paddle. If unsure, film it and call your vet.
Can I give human pain medicine? No. Ibuprofen, naproxen and acetaminophen can be dangerous for dogs. Ask your vet.
Sources: [AKC: Why Is My Dog Shaking?](https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/why-is-my-dog-shaking/); [Garden State Veterinary Specialists: Dog Shaking Emergency](https://www.gsvs.org/woodbridge-nj/blog/dog-shaking-emergency/); [VCA: Shaker Syndrome in Dogs](https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/shaker-syndrome-in-dogs).
This guide is educational and does not replace your veterinarian. SILVERPAW earns from qualifying Amazon purchases at no extra cost to you.
Shop related senior dog essentials
Affiliate disclosure: SILVERPAW is a participant in the Amazon Associates Program. As an affiliate of ILYESHOPI LLC, we earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we believe help senior dogs. Prices, ratings, reviews, and stock are confirmed on Amazon.