What Will Make a Dog Have Continuous Tremors?

Dogs can suffer from tremors and from seizures. Tremors are different from seizures such as epileptic seizures in a couple main ways: They are more regular and they occur in a rhythmic fashion. They can be localized, typically affecting the head or hind limbs, or generalized, a condition whereby the whole dog shakes. Certain breeds are more prone to develop tremors, with small breeds more frequently affected by general tremors. Continuous tremors can be related to a variety of conditions, and some medications can induce tremors.

  1. Fear, Anxiety and Shock

    • Dogs can have continuous tremors if they are very afraid or anxious. Their anxiety can be caused by a change in surroundings, people or other animals. Some animals become frightened by loud noises such as storms or fireworks, while others may tremor when traveling in vehicles. Dogs given a new home when their owner has died can tremor for days and even weeks. Tremors can occur as an effect of shock after an event such as an attack by another animal or a car accident.

    White Shaker Syndrome

    • White shaker syndrome mainly affects small dogs with white hair. It can cause them to develop continuous tremors that are sometimes severe enough to make standing and walking difficult. Main breeds affected are West Highland terriers, Maltese terriers, poodles and bichon. Some dogs recover on their own after a few weeks, while vets treat others with steroids or sedatives. The cause of white shaker syndrome is unknown; and dogs should be kept stress- and excitement-free to minimize the tremors.

    Pain or Nerve Damage

    • Dogs can tremor due to pain from fractured or broken bones, muscular or skeletal problems, joint pain, spinal cord problems and degenerative diseases of the nervous system. Tremors brought on by pain may be localized or generalized. Kidney disease, renal failure, liver disease, canine distemper, and some hormonal diseases and other organ system problems also can cause continuous tremoring. Breeds such as red cocker spaniels are prone to multisystem neuronal degeneration, which causes tremors.

    Cold and Poisoning

    • Just like people, dogs will tremor or shiver when they are cold as a means of warming their bodies. Simply bring your pet into a warmer environment or snuggling them in a blanket will remedy such a situation. Tremors also can be a sign of poisoning by foods including chocolate, macadamia nuts or walnuts, each of which can cause muscle tremors. Ingestion of chemicals such as antifreeze could cause tremors. (Other foods that will sicken your dog, with our without tremors, are grapes and raisins, onions and garlic, and avacado. In the case of poisoning there will be other symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea or excessive drooling.