When an elderly dog suddenly starts trembling, the owner might be surprised. The first thoughts might be fear or coldness, but trembling can also occur as a sign of pain or illness. To be able to provide immediate care and treatment tailoared to the cause of the trembling, owners should be aware of what they need to know. There are three main causes of a dog’s trembling, categorized as “physiological,” “psychological,” and “pathological.”

Don’t assume “it’s okay because the trembling stopped,” but rather, strive to alleviate the dog’s discomfort through appropriate measures based on the cause. It’s important to be able to handle situations calmly when needed and understanding the mechanism of trembling is crucial.

Causes of Trembling in Elderly Dogs – Part 1 “Physiological Trembling”

Cause: Not a disease, but a result of muscle weakening due to aging

As dogs age, they find it challenging to exert force due to the weakening of muscle strength, making trembling more likely to occur. Muscles also play a role in increasing basal metabolism and generating heat; thus, when muscle strength declines, body temperature drops. While a dog’s normal body temperature is generally in the mid-38 degrees Celsius range, it’s not uncommon for the body temperature of elderly dogs to hover in the mid-37 degrees Celsius range.

Weakening of Muscle Strength In addition to aging, a reduction in opportunities for exercise makes maintaining muscle strength difficult. Weakened hind legs contribute to increased trembling when standing or sitting.

Temperature Changes Inability to maintain normal body temperature leads to a decrease in body temperature, resulting in trembling. This is especially true for single-coat dogs sensitive to cold, such as Poodles, Yorkshire Terriers, or Maltese.

During Bowel Movements, Urination, or Meals Trembling may occur when exerting force during bowel movements or urination, or when there is increased strain on the legs during meals.

Treatment: Carefully plan exercises to maintain muscle strength

Maintaining muscle strength involves designing exercises to prevent the atrophy of thigh muscles. Since dogs are front-wheel-driven animals, it’s crucial to make them consciously use their hind legs. Strategies like slowly climbing a slope or walking on surfaces of varying heights are effective. Providing a diet with high-quality protein that aids in muscle building is also recommended. If protein restriction is necessary, such as in cases of chronic kidney disease, consult a veterinarian to confirm the protein intake that minimizes muscle burden. Using a balance ball for rehabilitation at home is also advisable, but consult with a veterinarian while practicing to avoid muscle injury.

Avoiding rapid temperature changes is equally essential. For instance, when transitioning from the living room to a corridor or outdoors, dress the dog in clothing or a snood to prevent sudden temperature changes, and remove it once the dog has acclimated to the external temperature.

During bowel movements, urination, or meals, use non-slip floor materials to ensure the dog can exert force securely. This also helps prevent joint injuries or degenerative disc diseases.

Causes of Trembling in Elderly Dogs – Part 2 “Psychological Trembling”

Cause: Elderly dogs are more susceptible to psychological influences

Elderly dogs tend to feel stress even from minor stimuli. The decline in sensory organs such as vision and hearing can intensify feelings of anxiety and fear, or conversely, make it difficult for them to notice scary things.

Increased anxiety and fear Diminished sensory organs increase vigilance, making them more prone to feelings of anxiety and fear. Environmental changes Anxiety may arise from changes such as moving, having visitors, or being hospitalized at the veterinary clinic. Seeking attention Dogs may tremble to capture the attention of their owners.

Treatment: Owner’s Comforting Presence

When a dog feels scared, the presence of the owner becomes crucial. Just a reassuring tone saying “It’s okay” can often help calm the dog. If the triggers for the dog’s fear or vigilance are known, the most effective approach is to keep them away from those stimuli. For unavoidable noises like thunder or sirens, prepare a safe zone (next to the owner or in a crate).

During changes in the environment, such as moving, try to keep the layout of the dog’s living space as consistent as possible. If hospitalization is necessary, bringing towels with the smells of family members or the dog might help alleviate stress. Emphasizing socialization training from a young age and raising a dog that is resilient to stress is also crucial.

Causes of Trembling in Senior Dogs – Part 3 “Pathological Trembling”

Cause: Trembling is a symptom of various diseases throughout the body.

Provide your regular veterinarian with an explanation of your dog’s chronic conditions to understand the symptoms. Injury It may occur when stumbling, leading to injuries from collisions with furniture, etc. Digestive System Diseases Such as acute gastroenteritis, pancreatitis, etc. In addition to trembling, symptoms may include loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling, gurgling in the abdomen, licking of the tongue, heavy breathing, and restlessness. Bone, Muscle, Joint Diseases For example, patellar dislocation or intervertebral disc herniation. Abnormalities in gait or movement may result in trembling due to pain or numbness.

Brain, Nervous System, Spinal Cord Diseases Examples include encephalitis, hydrocephalus, and intervertebral disc herniation. Abnormalities in nerve transmission can lead to trembling and paralysis. Metabolic Diseases Such as hypoglycemia, hypercalcemia, hyperammonemia, advanced chronic kidney disease, portal shunt, etc. Various organ abnormalities related to metabolism can cause trembling. Hormonal Diseases Such as hypothyroidism, Cushing’s syndrome (adrenal cortical hyperfunction). While it can occur in young dogs, it is more common in older dogs. A decrease in body temperature and muscle strength can make them more prone to trembling. Symptoms of Poisoning Eating harmful foods or plants for dogs may cause poisoning, resulting in trembling due to pain or discomfort.

Treatment: Do not overlook diseases with the owner’s observational skills

To avoid missing pathological trembling, it is essential to observe your dog carefully in daily life. Since only the owner knows the dog’s daily condition in everyday life, even casual observations may be helpful in providing useful information when trembling occurs. Past injuries or illnesses that have been treated may worsen or recur with age. For example, patellar dislocation, which did not require surgery in youth, may recur due to muscle weakening associated with aging, causing trembling. Consider past medical history while paying attention to current health conditions. Or you can check your dog’s disease with our Antigen Rapid Test kit.

Trembling Symptoms Requiring Immediate Veterinary Attention Checklist

While it may be challenging for owners to differentiate illnesses based on the state of trembling, checking the circumstances of the trembling can help determine whether it’s a situation to observe for a while or if immediate veterinary attention is necessary. If your beloved dog is trembling, utilize the checklist of “When, Where, Which Part, and How” to assess the situation.

Symptoms indicating an urgent need for veterinary attention include trembling in a state of “frequent, involving the entire body, or loss of consciousness.” Among them, a serious condition is unconscious “seizures” (epilepsy). The symptoms range from small tremors to large convulsions (violent shaking of the entire body). Before a seizure, there is often an increase in yawning and drooling, so be vigilant for changes in daily life.

When your dog experiences trembling, it’s advisable to record a video on your smartphone for later confirmation or to show the veterinarian. Although it may be challenging to remain calm during the trembling, the post-trembling behavior can provide clues for diagnosis. Even if there is no pathological cause, dogs feel discomfort from physiological and psychological trembling. If you notice trembling in an elderly dog, it’s important not to ignore it and consult with a veterinary hospital.

About Antigenne

As a socially responsible company, Antigenne is also actively involved in charitable causes. The company provides health protection and disease diagnosis support for pets in poor areas through cooperation with charitable organisations and product donations. This kind of active public welfare action not only shows the company’s sense of social responsibility, but also adds more positive energy to the company’s brand image.

In conclusion, Antigenne’s ITGEN has become a pioneering brand in the field of pet health and disease diagnosis by virtue of its excellent technology, innovative products and high quality services. In the future, ITGEN will continue to develop more efficient and convenient diagnostic products to provide better health management solutions for pet owners around the world.

Antigenne, holding the banner of enjoying living together with animals and protecting the health both of animals and humans, is dedicated to building a harmonious society for humans and animals. Insisting on the values of innovation, honesty and integrity, sticking to the principle of “quality is the cornerstone of future existence.” through innovative products and dimensional services, Antigenne is looking forward to cooperating with you and expecting to create a bright future with a win-win result. 

Together, we can make a difference. Contact Antigenne now and let’s unlock the future of animal health.