Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Dogs

PawTracks may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Is your old dog shaking? 1 of these 6 problems is the cause

Gabrielle LaFrank
By

Some of the smallest breeds of canines — Chihuahuas in particular — are known for their tendency to tremble, but it can be a bit startling when your old dog starts shaking. Especially if they’re a larger breed or have no history of tremors, you might find yourself taking to Google: “Why is my old dog shaking?”

Just like with any health condition, there’s more than one cause for this symptom. Your old dog’s shaking may or may not have anything to do with their age, though it’s not uncommon for older dogs to develop issues that result in tremors. Whatever the cause, you can help your senior pup stay happy and healthy with your keen eye and lots of TLC. If you’re concerned, don’t ever hesitate to contact a trusted vet, either. That’s why they’re there!

Related Videos
a senior long-haired chihuahua lies on the ground outside

Are weakening muscles the cause of your old dog shaking?

As dogs age, it’s common for them to lose muscle mass — regardless of their diet and exercise regimen. One way weakening muscles present themselves is through instability and shaking, especially in the legs.

You may see your pup’s neck muscles start to atrophy if their head seems to bob or tremble (it may also be time to switch to a lighter collar). A quick checkup from your vet will make sure that your dog isn’t in pain, but they can recommend therapies and medications either way. Every pup has their own journey!

a senior boxer rests on the couch with their paw hanging over the arm
Holly Michele/Shutterstock

Arthritis or joint pain–common reasons for tremors in senior dogs

As a dog gets older, they may develop canine arthritis–some people can relate! Over time, the cartilage that separates bones from one another can erode, weaken, or swell up — all of which can lead to discomfort in the joints.

According to ASPCA Pet Health Insurance, dogs may be more at risk of developing arthritis if they:

  • Are overweight or obese, as this puts more pressure on the joints
  • Previously injured the joint (ligaments, tendons, or the surrounding bones)
  • Have developmental deformities such as hip dysplasia
  • Have spinal deformities or injury

a senior cocker spaniel lies in the grass outside

Shaker Syndrome is a startling yet harmless (and self-explanatory) cause for old dog shaking. 

According to VCA Animal Hospitals, Shaker Syndrome — also called generalized tremor syndrome or steroid-responsive tremors — is a painless, treatable autoimmune condition that causes rhythmic tremors throughout a dog’s body. They may shake from nose to tail, but they may tremble only at one part of their body as well. Shaker syndrome may look scary, but it’s not painful or fatal.

Shaker syndrome is sometimes known as Little White Shaker Syndrome because many dogs who develop this condition in early adulthood are small white pups like poodles. Still, any dog can develop this autoimmune complication.

A woman hugs and kisses her senior dog.

Even stress or fear can result in trembling for senior canines

Similar to tremors from the cold, stress shakes will affect your senior dog’s whole body rather than just their head or legs. You can expect these tremors to go away once your pup is relaxed again, though something like a ThunderShirt or exposure therapy can help ease your dog’s fears.

To know whether your dog is shaking from fear, look out for some of these other symptoms of stress:

  • Excessive drooling or licking
  • Restlessness
  • Whining or barking
  • Tucked tails
  • Panting
  • Changes in frequency of urination, defecation, etc.
a girl pets a senior black lab somewhere outside
JPRFPhotos/Shutterstock

Old dog shaking can be caused by pain, too.

Sometimes, a dog will express pain through shaking in the hind legs. If you notice your senior pup doing this, be aware that the pain may not be coming from his hind legs even though that’s where they’re shaking.

This pain could be from arthritis or another chronic condition, but if it happens suddenly, you should let your vet know. It could be an emergency if any other severe change in behavior accompanies this shaking.

An old hound dog wears a winter coat with the hood up
Dog in cold snow

If your senior pup is trembling, they may just be cold.

Sometimes, just like people, your dog will shake just because they’re cold. These shivers will happen over the whole body, as opposed to just the head or hind legs. Thankfully, this isn’t a serious issue and has several easy fixes: dog sweaters, a self-warming mat, or a good snuggle from the person they love.

It’s normal for smaller dogs like Chihuahuas to shake from chilliness rather often. With less body mass, they also have less fat and muscle to keep them warm, though their coat of fur always helps!

If your older dog starts shaking, don’t panic! Many causes of tremors are not urgent, but you should have your vet double-check if shaking is a new issue for your pup. It never hurts to make sure, especially when your fur baby’s health and comfort are at stake. Besides, treating the problem behind trembles isn’t terribly difficult; it’s all about a change in routine and lots of TLC for your sweet senior buddy.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
6 affectionate and cute dog breeds for owners who love to cuddle
Different dog breeds that are cute and that any owner would love
Cavalier King Charles spaniel lies on a pillow and looks into the camera with big eyes

Sometimes, a dog simply falls into your life with no notice. Other times, however, you have the opportunity to plan for welcoming your new furry friend. You might even want to research different dog breeds to decide the kind of pet you're looking for. Do you want an athletic canine bestie? Or would you prefer a buddy who wants to hang out on the couch?
Affection is one other quality that many look for in a pet. After all, nothing beats a good cuddle with your pup after a long day. Luckily, all the cute dog breeds on this list are known for their affectionate natures, so they'll be just as happy for a snuggle session as you will. Take a look!

Great Dane
Although a lot of people think of small dogs as the cuddliest, that's not always the case. The American Kennel Club (AKC) explains that this breed "need[s] lots of affection and socialization with people and other animals, making them great family pets." They are called "Gentle Giants" after all.

Read more
Why you shouldn’t feed your dogs trail mix
3 reasons why dogs can't eat trail mix or their common ingredients
A Yorkshire terrier licks their lips and looks into the camera

At first glance, trail mix might look like a healthy snack for everyone in your home. It has a little sugar, some healthy fats, and a small number of carbohydrates to keep you going throughout the day. Sounds great, right?
Although people can eat as much trail mix as they please, the same isn't true for our canine friends. There are many ingredients in this popular combo that aren't safe for dogs to eat. Let's go over a few of the reasons why as we answer some of the most common questions:

Can dogs eat raisins?
Why can't dogs eat trail mix?
Which nuts are safe for dogs to eat?

Read more
5 safe and fun adventures you can plan with your small dog
Your small dog can do just as much as a big one if you follow these tips
Cute small dog stands in front of a blurred background

As a small dog owner, you might gaze longingly at the humans who can play endless games of fetch with their shepherds and go for 5-hour walks accompanied by their collies. But you can have all sorts of good times with your little guy. Don't let their size stop you from planning outings together. While, of course, you'll need to work within your beastie's physical constraints, there are lots of things you can do while accommodating their diminutive size.

Hang at the dog park
This is the pastime of many dogs, both large and small. Don't stay away from the park just because your bud can't race around for hours on end. Many parks now specifically set aside sections for small breeds. Take your pup there to find friends of a similar size. If you want to foray into the big dog section (or there isn't an area available for your pup), you can always ask the group if the dogs in there are friendly to their little cousins.
Go for hikes
While it might take a little preparation (and possibly a dog sling), your tiny Fido can enjoy hiking, too. You should work up to this by doing a little bit more each day or each week until they're ready to strike out for a longer adventure. Also, be sure to prep with necessary accouterments, such as water, treats, possibly a dog carrier, and mushers wax if it's winter.
Travel together
One of the biggest benefits of having a little dog is they can go on planes and trains. If your pooch seems to enjoy exploring new places, take them with you on vacation. The fees to travel by air can be a little high and there are some rules (you need them to lie down quietly under the seat for the duration of the flight). But for many doggies, they prefer the flight to staying behind with a sitter.

Read more