Why Is My Dog Shaking & Acting Weird All Of a Sudden?

Dogs can exhibit unusual behaviors for a variety of reasons, and when a pet starts shaking and acting strangely all of a sudden, it can be concerning for any pet owner. Whether they appear anxious, disoriented, or physically unwell, these changes can leave you wondering what’s wrong. Shaking can stem from a range of causes, including stress, pain, illness, or even exposure to toxins. Some cases are mild and temporary, while others signal a more serious medical concern. If your dog is experiencing unusual shaking or behavioral changes, contact Lincolnway Veterinary Clinic at (574) 256-1871 to schedule an appointment and get the care they need.

What Are Some Common Reasons Dogs Shake and Act Strangely?

Anxiety and Stress

Dogs, like humans, experience anxiety and stress, which can lead to shaking and unusual behavior. Changes in their environment, loud noises, separation anxiety, or unfamiliar people and pets can trigger these responses.

• Loud noises: Fireworks, thunderstorms, and construction sounds can cause dogs to tremble in fear.
• Separation anxiety: Some dogs become distressed when left alone and may shake, pace, or whimper.
• Unfamiliar environments: Moving to a new home, traveling, or introducing new pets can cause anxiety-induced shaking.
• Social stress: Encounters with aggressive dogs or unfamiliar people may result in trembling or unusual behavior.

Pain or Injury

Pain is one of the most common reasons a dog may suddenly shake and act out of character. Whether due to an acute injury or an underlying condition, discomfort can lead to trembling, whining, and behavioral changes.

• Arthritis or joint pain: Older dogs with joint problems may shake when standing or walking.
• Muscle strain or injury: A pulled muscle or minor injury could cause shaking in specific limbs.
• Internal pain: Conditions like pancreatitis or gastrointestinal distress can lead to shivering and changes in demeanor.

Since dogs often hide pain, any sudden changes in behavior warrant an evaluation by your veterinarian.

Health Conditions That Cause Shaking and Weird Behavior

Neurological Disorders

Certain neurological conditions can cause both shaking and unusual behavior, sometimes accompanied by disorientation, weakness, or seizures.

• Seizures: Epilepsy or other seizure disorders may cause full-body tremors.
• Vestibular disease: This condition affects balance, leading to uncoordinated movements, head tilting, and shaking.
• Brain tumors or trauma: Neurological damage can lead to behavioral changes, including confusion and involuntary shaking.

If a dog is experiencing persistent shaking or symptoms like loss of balance, a vet visit is necessary to determine the underlying cause.

Toxin Exposure

Ingesting harmful substances can cause immediate and severe symptoms, including shaking, drooling, vomiting, and disorientation.

• Household toxins: Chocolate, xylitol (found in sugar-free gum), grapes, and certain cleaning products are toxic to dogs.
• Pesticides and plants: Some garden treatments and plants, such as azaleas and lilies, can lead to poisoning.
• Medications: Accidental ingestion of human medications can cause serious neurological symptoms in dogs.

Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)

Small and toy breeds are particularly susceptible to hypoglycemia, which can cause trembling, weakness, and behavioral changes.

• Missed meals: Irregular eating can result in dangerously low blood sugar levels.
• Underlying health issues: Conditions like diabetes or liver disease can cause hypoglycemic episodes.
• Overexertion: Excessive exercise without proper nutrition can lead to drops in blood sugar.

Your veterinarian can perform blood tests to diagnose and treat potential metabolic issues contributing to shaking and odd behavior.

Environmental Factors That May Affect Your Dog

Temperature-Related Shaking

Temperature changes can significantly impact a dog’s ability to regulate body heat, leading to shaking.

Cold Weather

• Small breeds and short-haired dogs: Dogs with little body fat or thin fur may shiver in cold temperatures.
• Wet fur exposure: A damp coat can lower a dog’s body temperature, increasing the risk of hypothermia.

Heatstroke

• Overheating symptoms: Excessive panting, lethargy, and shaking may indicate heat exhaustion.
• Breeds at risk: Brachycephalic breeds (like Bulldogs and Pugs) are particularly vulnerable to overheating.

Old Age and Cognitive Dysfunction

Senior dogs may develop cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS), similar to dementia in humans. Symptoms can include:

• Disorientation and confusion
• Pacing or aimless wandering
• Increased anxiety and shaking
• Changes in sleep patterns

Veterinary care can help manage cognitive decline with supplements and lifestyle adjustments to improve quality of life.

Is It Necessary to Seek Veterinary Care for Shaking and Acting Strangely?

If your dog is shaking and acting strangely, it’s essential to assess the situation. Consider these factors when determining whether to seek veterinary attention:

• Sudden onset and severity: If symptoms develop rapidly and persist, medical attention is necessary.
• Accompanied by other symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, or difficulty walking indicate an urgent issue.
• Prolonged duration: If shaking and behavior changes last more than a few hours, consult your veterinarian.

Whether caused by anxiety, pain, neurological issues, or environmental factors, identifying the underlying issue allows for appropriate care. If you notice unusual behavior in your pet, contact Lincolnway Veterinary Clinic at (574) 256-1871 to schedule an appointment today.