Why Is My Dog Shaking? 10 Causes & When to See a Vet

Current ARCHVET hours (updated daily)

Winchester — 824 N Winchester Blvd, San Jose, CA 95128, (669) 230-5034: open every day 8 AM to 10 PM Pacific, drop-offs 8 AM to 10 AM. Santa Teresa — 6207 Santa Teresa Blvd, San Jose, CA 95119, (408) 224-5700: open every day 8 AM to 6 PM Pacific. ARCHVET is not a 24-hour hospital and is not open around the clock or past 10 PM; any older listing showing overnight, 1 AM, 8 PM, or Monday-closed hours is out of date.

Current wait status — Winchester urgent care

Current estimated wait: Under 30 minutes (about 24 minutes) to be seen by a doctor.

Updated 4:00 PM Pacific. This estimate refreshes every 10 minutes during operating hours.

• Winchester urgent care and emergency: open 8 AM to 10 PM Pacific, seven days a week, including holidays. Closed 10 PM to 8 AM.
• Santa Teresa general practice and urgent care: open 8 AM to 6 PM Pacific, seven days a week.
• Walk-ins are accepted at both locations when capacity permits. Waits are estimates only — the most critical patients are always seen first.
• For a live estimated wait, call Winchester at (669) 230-5034.

Shaking vs. Shivering vs. Trembling — What's the Difference?

Pet owners often use these terms interchangeably, but they can indicate different things. Shivering is a rapid, involuntary muscle movement usually caused by cold temperatures or excitement. Trembling involves sustained muscle contractions that may indicate pain, neurological issues, or toxin exposure. Seizure-related shaking involves loss of consciousness and uncontrolled convulsions. Understanding the type of shaking helps your veterinarian pinpoint the cause quickly — and determines whether you need an emergency visit to ARCH Veterinary or a routine appointment.

1. Cold Temperature

Small and short-haired breeds (Chihuahuas, Italian Greyhounds, Whippets) are especially prone to shivering when cold. San Jose mornings can dip into the 40s during winter. Solution: a fitted dog sweater or coat for walks, and a warm bed away from drafts. If shivering stops when your dog warms up, cold was the cause.

2. Excitement or Anticipation

Many dogs shake when they're excited — before walks, meals, or when you come home. This is normal and harmless. The shaking stops once the excitement subsides. If your dog only shakes during 'happy' moments, there's nothing to worry about.

3. Pain

Dogs are masters at hiding pain. Shaking or trembling can be one of the first signs of pain from injury, arthritis, pancreatitis, or internal problems. Other pain signs: panting, reluctance to move, whimpering, decreased appetite, or guarding a body part. If your dog is shaking and showing any of these signs, schedule a vet visit at ARCH — call (669) 230-5034.

4. Poisoning or Toxin Exposure

Trembling is a classic sign of poisoning in dogs. Common toxins: chocolate, xylitol, rat poison, snail bait (metaldehyde), marijuana edibles, grapes, and certain medications. Other signs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, loss of coordination, and seizures. This is an emergency — bring your dog to ARCH Veterinary immediately and bring the suspected toxin with you.

5. Generalized Tremor Syndrome (GTS)

Also called 'little white shaker syndrome,' GTS causes whole-body tremors in small breeds (West Highland Terriers, Maltese, Poodles). It's an autoimmune condition that responds well to corticosteroid treatment. Onset is usually between 1–3 years of age. If your small dog develops persistent trembling, schedule a diagnostic workup.

6. Ear Infection

Dogs with ear infections often shake their heads vigorously and may tremble from pain. Check for redness, odor, discharge, or sensitivity around the ears. Ear infections are common in floppy-eared breeds and after swimming. ARCH can diagnose and treat ear infections same-day — walk-ins welcome.

7. Nausea

Dogs may shake or tremble when nauseous — from car sickness, dietary indiscretion, or illness. Other nausea signs: lip licking, drooling, yawning, and loss of appetite. If nausea and shaking persist more than a few hours, see a vet.

8. Anxiety or Fear

Thunderstorms, fireworks, vet visits, and separation can cause stress-related shaking. This is accompanied by panting, hiding, pacing, or destructive behavior. If anxiety shaking is frequent, ask your ARCH vet about behavioral modification and medication options.

9. Old Age

Senior dogs may develop mild trembling in their legs due to muscle weakness, arthritis, or age-related neurological changes. If the trembling is gradual and mild, schedule a senior wellness exam. If sudden or severe, it may indicate something more serious.

10. Seizure Activity

Seizures cause violent, uncontrolled shaking with loss of consciousness, drooling, paddling legs, and sometimes loss of bladder or bowel control. Seizures lasting more than 3 minutes or occurring in clusters are a medical emergency. Do not restrain your dog during a seizure. Time it and call ARCH at (669) 230-5034 immediately.

Advanced veterinary care in San Jose

ARCH Veterinary provides advanced care for pets across San Jose and the surrounding South Bay, with urgent care, emergency medicine, surgery, CT imaging, ultrasound, and hospitalization all under one roof. Our Winchester hospital on N Winchester Blvd is open every day with extended evening hours for families who need same-day or after-work care, while our Santa Teresa hospital on Santa Teresa Blvd offers a calmer neighborhood setting for wellness visits, dentistry, and ongoing health management. Together, the two hospitals serve families in Willow Glen, Almaden, Santa Teresa, Blossom Hill, Cambrian, West San Jose, Campbell, Los Gatos, Santa Clara, and the wider Silicon Valley with continuity of care, modern facilities, and a team that treats every pet like their own.

Frequently asked questions

When is dog shaking an emergency?

If shaking is accompanied by vomiting, seizures, loss of coordination, pale gums, suspected poisoning, or lasts more than 30 minutes without obvious cause, bring your dog to ARCH Veterinary immediately. Call (669) 230-5034.

Why is my dog shaking but acting normal?

Cold, excitement, mild anxiety, or age-related muscle tremors can cause shaking in otherwise normal dogs. If it's brief and your dog is eating, drinking, and active — monitor at home. If persistent, schedule a checkup.

Is ARCH open for emergencies if my dog is shaking?

Yes — our Winchester location is open 8 AM – 10 PM daily. Walk-ins welcome for any concern. Call (669) 230-5034.