A practical guide to tell mild from serious — but when in doubt, always ask your vet.
Last reviewed: 2026-09-05 · Reference ranges: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline & Merck Veterinary Manual
Self-care and monitoring — see a vet if it does not settle — For most cases, follow the home-care steps below and call your vet the same day if warning signs appear.
Dogs shiver when cold, excited or nervous. Trembling can also be a sign of pain, nausea, low blood sugar or, rarely, poisoning — so look at the situation.
Contact your vet if any of these apply:
Warm your dog with a blanket, remove stress triggers and offer fresh water. If trembling is not linked to cold or excitement, or continues, call your vet.
Your vet may check temperature, blood sugar and blood work, and ask about anything your dog could have eaten.
That is usually cold or anxiety. Dry and warm your dog, keep the car ride calm, and the shaking should settle. Contact your vet if it continues when warm and calm.
Trembling right after your pet may have eaten chocolate, xylitol, human medication, plants or rodent poison can be a poisoning sign — call your vet or a poison line immediately.
Same symptom in Cat: see Cat Shaking or Trembling — causes and home care can differ by species.
This page is educational triage information, not a diagnosis. Pets vary — when in doubt, ask your vet. In an emergency, contact your local emergency clinic or pet poison hotline directly.