Just like people, dogs can become more fragile as they age. If you notice your older dog trembling or shaking—not as an isolated incident, but over a period of time—it could be a sign of a behavioral or health issue that warrants medical attention.
Before calling your vet, try to observe whether your dog is just shaking their head (which could indicate an ear infection or some other ear condition); or if their hind legs have a tremor (which is caused by the loss of muscle mass over time); or if their whole body is trembling at random moments. You should share this info with your vet.
Age-related shaking is common, but it also needs your vet’s attention so you can find ways to help your dog. Below we’ll take a closer look at some of the common causes of shaking in senior dogs.
Cold temperatures
Any dog might shiver when temperatures drop, but cold weather might affect older dogs even more, since some may no longer be able to effectively regulate their body temperature.
After a walk outside, you might see an elderly dog shiver for hours. In those instances, help your dog settle in their bed and cover them with a warm blanket or towel for comfort. You might consider buying a fleece coat (with a waterproof cover for rain and snow conditions) for your aging dog to help them stay as warm as possible on walks. Being cold can exacerbate joint pain in older dogs, leading to stiffness and other mobility issues.
Anxiety, cognitive decline
Some dogs are more prone to anxiety than others, and it can affect older dogs even more deeply. Things that used to be of no concern to your young pup—such as motorcycles or fireworks—might now be a source of real stress for your senior dog, especially if their hearing, sight, or cognition have declined. Dogs with cognitive dysfunction syndrome may be suffering from anxiety which can manifest in shaking.
Many senior dogs are more sensitive to environmental changes of any kind, like the new noises created by a new baby in the house or long term construction noise outside your apartment. Interestingly, a 2018 study actually linked noise sensitivity to physical pain in older dogs. Because fear can activate muscle tension, trembling could be a manifestation of pain as their body tightens up.
Be mindful of any changes in your home environment, or other sources of noise or stress. And if your dog is showing signs of cognitive difficulty—like disorientation, or changes in behavior or sleep patterns—be sure to speak to your vet.
Pain and nausea
In some cases, trembling, shivering, and shaking whether in their hind legs or whole body, may indicate a weakening of muscle joints, or arthritic pain.
Older dogs commonly experience joint pain or arthritis that makes sitting and laying down uncomfortable; they might shiver or be unable to settle. Your veterinarian can offer guidance on the best way to address joint issues and treat pain, including medication, exercise (such as hydrotherapy), supplements, or dietary changes. Never give your dog medication intended for people—or medication of any kind—without guidance and authorization from your vet.
Sometimes dogs can shake when they are experiencing nausea. In addition to shaking, signs of nausea include restlessness, drooling, lip licking, and of course, vomiting.
There are many reasons your dog may be nauseous. If your dog is shaking for a prolonged period of time, combined with other signs of nausea, it could indicate a serious medical condition such as kidney or liver disease (medications prescribed for other health issues may also cause nausea).
Nausea may also indicate your dog has ingested something toxic. If you suspect they may have eaten something poisonous, or if they seem very uncomfortable, get in touch with your veterinarian right away.
How to help if your senior dog is shaking
As you observe your senior dog trembling or shaking, the best response will depend on the root cause, which should be determined with the help of your vet.
If the issue is loud noises, such as ongoing construction—and the shaking seems out of character for your otherwise healthy senior dog—you might want to consult a trainer about managing the stress through behavior modification. If it’s possible to reduce or eliminate the environmental stressors, you should do that, too.
A vet visit can also help assess whether your older dog’s noise sensitivity is caused by, or aggravating, physical pain, such as arthritis—and if anti-inflammatory or anti-anxiety medications might help.
Your vet might also recommend supplements, such as glucosamine, or cannabidiol (CBD) oil, which has been used to treat arthritic dogs, and has also been found to have a calming, relaxing effect on anxious dogs. However, keep in mind that these supplements are not regulated by the FDA. That means you should consult with your vet on where to purchase high-quality supplements, the correct dosage, and whether the product is safe for long-term use.
Preventing shaking in older dogs is typically not an option, but with the guidance of your vet, you can manage the condition and help your senior pup be more comfortable at home.
