Stop the shake — expert help for dogs with trembling issues

Dogs can tremble or shake for many different reasons, ranging from completely normal to potentially serious. Understanding the possible causes can help you determine when to seek veterinary attention. Here are the most common reasons why dogs tremble: 1. Emotional Causes • Excitement: Many dogs tremble when they're excited or anticipating something pleasant like a walk or mealtime • Anxiety or Fear: Loud noises (thunderstorms, fireworks), new environments, strangers, or car rides can trigger fear-based trembling • Stress: Changes in routine, moving houses, or the addition of new family members can cause stress trembling 2. Environmental Factors • Cold: Shivering to generate body heat when in cold environments (especially in small or short-haired breeds) • Old Age: Senior dogs may develop tremors as they age due to muscle weakness • Fatigue: Excessive exercise or activity can lead to muscle fatigue and temporary trembling 3. Pain or Discomfort • Injury: Trauma, sprains, or fractures can cause trembling as a pain response • Arthritis: Joint pain, especially in older dogs, can manifest as trembling when standing or moving • Internal Pain: Abdominal, dental, or other internal pain can trigger full-body trembling 4. Medical Conditions • Generalized Tremor Syndrome (GTS): Also called "white dog shaker syndrome," causes full-body tremors • Seizures: Neurological events that can appear as localized or full-body trembling • Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar): Common in small breeds, diabetic dogs, or puppies • Poisoning: Certain toxins (chocolate, xylitol, medications) can cause tremors • Addison's Disease: Adrenal insufficiency that can cause weakness and trembling • Kidney or Liver Disease: Advanced organ disease can lead to trembling 5. Other Factors • Medication Side Effects: Some medications may cause trembling as a side effect • Genetic Predisposition: Some breeds are more prone to certain types of tremors • Canine Distemper: This viral infection can cause neurological symptoms including tremors Understanding the context and accompanying symptoms can help determine the seriousness of your dog's trembling.

Not all trembling is cause for concern, but it's important to know when to seek veterinary advice. Here are signs that your dog's trembling may be serious: • Duration: Brief trembling that stops quickly is less concerning than prolonged episodes • Frequency: Occasional trembling vs. frequent or increasing episodes • Intensity: Mild vs. severe trembling that interferes with normal activities • Trigger Pattern: Trembling with an obvious cause (cold, excitement) vs. trembling that occurs randomly • Associated Symptoms: Trembling alone vs. trembling with other symptoms Warning Signs That Require Immediate Attention: • Trembling accompanied by difficulty breathing • Collapse or inability to stand • Loss of consciousness • Rigid limbs or whole-body stiffness • Elevated temperature (over 103°F or 39.4°C) • Pale or blue-tinged gums • Excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth • Vomiting or diarrhea with trembling • Signs of pain (whining, crying, aggression when touched) • Disorientation or confusion • Seizure activity (paddling legs, loss of bladder control) • Known exposure to toxins or poisons For puppies and small breeds, even mild trembling with lethargy or decreased appetite could indicate hypoglycemia, which is a medical emergency. If you're unsure about the seriousness of your dog's trembling, it's always better to err on the side of caution and consult with a veterinarian.

While serious causes of trembling require veterinary attention, there are ways to help your dog at home, especially for milder or known causes of trembling: 1. For Cold-Related Trembling • Provide a warm, draft-free sleeping area • Use dog sweaters or coats for walks in cold weather • Offer warm bedding (heated pet beds can be helpful for older dogs) • Keep indoor temperature comfortable, especially for small or short-haired breeds 2. For Anxiety or Fear-Related Trembling • Create a safe space where your dog can retreat when anxious • Use calming products like ThunderShirts, pheromone diffusers, or calming music • Maintain a consistent routine to reduce stress • Consider desensitization training for specific fears (like thunderstorms) • Keep your own demeanor calm and reassuring • For predictable stressors (like fireworks), talk to your vet about situational anti-anxiety medications 3. For Age-Related or Mild Tremors • Ensure your dog has comfortable, supportive bedding • Keep floors non-slip to prevent falls • Consider joint supplements for senior dogs (with veterinary approval) • Provide gentle, regular exercise to maintain muscle tone 4. General Care Tips • Ensure your dog always has access to fresh water • Feed a balanced, high-quality diet appropriate for your dog's age and size • Keep all toxic substances securely stored away from your dog • Monitor blood sugar in prone breeds by feeding regular, small meals • Keep a journal of trembling episodes to help identify patterns or triggers Remember that home care is appropriate for mild cases or as a complement to professional veterinary care for diagnosed conditions. Never delay seeking veterinary attention if your dog's trembling is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms.

At Telavets, we understand that seeing your dog tremble can be worrying. Here's how our virtual veterinary service can help you address your dog's trembling: 1. Video Assessment • Our experienced veterinarians can observe your dog's trembling via video consultation • We'll ask targeted questions about when the trembling occurs, how long it lasts, and any associated symptoms • Visual assessment of tremor type (localized vs. generalized, fine vs. coarse) to help determine potential causes 2. Medical History Review • Discussion of your dog's complete medical history • Evaluation of any medications your dog is currently taking • Assessment of breed-specific predispositions to certain conditions 3. Diagnostic Guidance • Help determining whether the trembling requires in-person emergency care • Recommendations for relevant diagnostic tests when needed • Interpretation of any existing lab work or diagnostic results 4. Treatment Options • Prescription medications for anxiety, pain, or other treatable conditions • Recommendations for over-the-counter supplements or aids • Behavioral modification plans for anxiety-related trembling • Nutritional advice for hypoglycemia or metabolic issues • Environmental modification suggestions to reduce stress or cold 5. Monitoring and Follow-up • Regular check-ins to assess effectiveness of treatment plans • Adjustments to medications or management strategies as needed • Continued support throughout your dog's treatment journey 6. Emergency Referral When Necessary • If your dog's trembling indicates a serious condition requiring hands-on care, we'll help you find emergency services in your area • We can communicate with your local veterinarian to ensure continuity of care With Telavets, you can get expert advice about your dog's trembling without the stress of transport, waiting rooms, or exposing your anxious pet to unfamiliar environments—all of which can make trembling worse.

When your dog is trembling, getting timely veterinary advice is important. Here's why Telavets is an excellent choice for addressing your dog's trembling issues: • Stress-Free Evaluation: Many dogs tremble from anxiety in clinic settings, making it difficult for in-person vets to determine if trembling is a symptom or just nervousness. With Telavets, your dog can be assessed in the comfort of your home. • Immediate Access: Don't wait days for an appointment—connect with a licensed veterinarian quickly to determine if your dog's trembling requires urgent attention. • Convenient Monitoring: For ongoing trembling issues, we can observe your dog over multiple short consultations, helping to identify patterns or triggers that might be missed in a single clinic visit. • Specialized Expertise: Our network includes veterinarians with experience in neurology, internal medicine, and behavioral issues who can provide insights into complex trembling cases. • Medication Delivery: If your dog needs prescription medications for anxiety, pain, or other conditions causing trembling, we'll deliver them directly to your door—no need to make a separate trip to the pharmacy. • Holistic Approach: We consider all aspects of your dog's environment, diet, activity level, and medical history when addressing trembling issues, not just the symptom itself. • Ongoing Support: Trembling conditions often require adjustment of treatment plans over time. We provide follow-up consultations to ensure your dog's treatment is working effectively. • Peace of Mind: Even if your dog's trembling turns out to be harmless, knowing you've consulted with a professional veterinarian can provide reassurance and peace of mind. At Telavets, we're committed to helping you understand why your dog is trembling and providing effective solutions to keep your pet comfortable and healthy.