My dog keeps shaking his head like he has something in his ear; what could be causing this? This is one of the very common questions.

In Part 1, Why Is My Dog Shaking, we discussed the different reasons that your dog might be shaking (their body, their head, their limbs, etc.), whether due to illness, fear, pain, or something else. It can be really scary to feel like, “My dog is shaking and acting weird all of a sudden… what do I do?” 

In the second part of this two-part series, What To Do If Your Dog Is Shaking, we’re going to discuss how to address the shaking, when it is a cause for concern, and how to take steps to potentially prevent shaking in dogs. 

Addressing and Preventing Shaking in Dogs

When addressing and preventing shaking in dogs, being proactive can significantly affect your pup’s well-being. Understanding the root cause of the shaking is what’s most important. 

Once you identify the cause, you can take the right steps to address it. This may involve creating a calm and comforting environment or providing regular exercises and mental stimulation. We recommend working closely with your veterinarian to develop a tailored prevention plan that can also help minimize the likelihood of shaking episodes in the future.  

Below is a list of practical tips to address and mitigate shaking episodes in your dog. 

When Shaking Is a Cause for Concern

Occasional shaking is typically nothing to worry about, but persistent or severe shaking could indicate an underlying health problem that requires attention. 

Be on the lookout for other potentially concerning symptoms that have developed along with the shaking. Or, if your dog’s shaking seems out of the ordinary, it’s best to consult your veterinarian.

How to Help Your Shaking Dog

If your dog is shaking due to stress or anxiety, try providing a calm and comforting environment that can help alleviate their symptoms. Sometimes, when fireworks or loud noises go off unexpectedly, dogs can tremble in fear.

Offer gentle petting and soothing words for reassurance, and create a safe space like a crate or bed for your dog to retreat to, someplace they feel safe. This can go a long way in helping to calm your pup down. 

Veterinary Diagnosis and Treatment

Are you still trying to figure out why your dog is shaking? Maybe, at this point, you’ve tried several different things to help stop it, but the shaking persists. Maybe you’ve noticed your dog shaking in their sleep; how can you show the vet this issue if your pet is awake when you visit them? It’s worth it to record a video of the shaking episode and give your vet a call whenever you have questions.  

Ethosvet.com suggests that, at this point, it’s time for you to consider seeking veterinary care. Your vet can perform a thorough examination, run diagnostic tests if necessary, and recommend appropriate treatment based on their findings. 

Preventative Measures

While some causes of shaking in dogs are beyond our control, there are steps we can take to minimize certain risk factors. Keeping up with regular veterinary check-ups, maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine, and staying up to date on vaccinations can all contribute to your dog’s overall well-being. 

Should I Be Worried If My Dog Is Shaking?

As we’ve discussed, shaking in dogs can be caused by various things, ranging from benign to more serious health concerns. By understanding the potential causes and taking proactive measures to address them, we can help keep our furry friends happy, healthy, and shake-free! 

If you have concerns about your dog’s shaking or health in general, don’t hesitate to reach out to your trusted veterinarian. Here’s to many wagging tails and fewer trembling moments ahead! 

Frequently Asked Questions

What to do if your dog starts shaking unexpectedly?

If you’re worried about why your dog is shaking, if this is a new behavior, is severe, or is accompanied by other symptoms, it’s a good idea to speak with your vet. Shivering, trembling, or quivering can be signs of something serious – like injury or poisoning. 

Are certain dog breeds more prone to shaking?

Smaller dogs like Chihuahuas, Terriers, and Maltese are often more likely to shake. This is sometimes known as “Little White Shaker Syndrome” because it often affects small-breed white dogs. 

What to do if my dog is shaking and throwing up?

This is possibly a sign of poison, and you should take your dog to the vet immediately, especially if there is a possibility that your dog has ingested toxins or something life-threatening.