Follow Us: Dogs experience shaking and leg tremors because they are suffering from a medical problem or because they are nervous, according to PetMD. Young dogs also develop the shakes after eating a toxic item such as a plant. …

Shivering or trembling is a natural byproduct of overexcitement. When excited, your puppy may exhibit all manner of frantic behavior including jumping, barking, urinating and shivering or shaking violently. While it may seem scary at first, there is nothing wrong with the puppy.

Puppy trembling is caused by many different situations and conditions – excitement, pain, and nausea are among the most common causes. Shivering can be a sign of something more serious, however. Poisoning, kidney disease, and even neurological problems frequently cause puppies to shake.

When to See a Vet Shivering and trembling may be symptoms of something serious — like poisoning, kidney disease, or injury. So, if your dog suddenly starts trembling or shivering, it’s important to take note of other symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, or limping. Then talk to your vet right away.

Keeping your dog warm, relaxed, up-to-date on preventative care, well-exercised, and away from toxic “snacks” can all help keep her from shaking. That said, certain breeds or individuals might be more prone to the mysterious “Generalized Tremor Syndrome,” which has no known way to treat or prevent.

“All dogs dream, and some manifest dreaming with twitching, paddling, or kicks of their legs. These movements are often brief (lasting less than 30 seconds) and intermittent,” he says. “Seizing dogs’ limbs, on the other hand, tend to be rigid and stiffer, with more violent movement.”

During the deep REM phase of sleep many dogs—and even people—may twitch, shake, paddle or even bark a bit. These involuntary movements are usually brief. In addition, your dog will be sleeping peacefully, their eyes will be partially or completely closed, and their body supple and relaxed.

While it may seem like the seizure lasts for a long time, most seizures are over quickly. It is important to just let the dog have the seizure and do not interfere. Do not put your hand in the dog’s mouth! He will not swallow his tongue, and since he is unconscious and moving involuntarily, you could get hurt.”

Uncontrolled seizures can kill your dog or cause permanent brain damage. Some dogs present with cluster seizures where one episode is quickly followed by another. This is a serious and often fatal condition if it is not treated intensively at a veterinary hospital.

Your dog is most likely to suffer from seizures if he or she is a Belgian Tervuren, Shetland sheepdog, beagle, Labrador retriever, golden retriever, keeshond, or vizsla. Other breeds more prone to seizures include the Finnish spitz, Bernese mountain dog, Irish wolfhound, and English springer spaniel.