When pets’ muscles shake on their own, it means their muscles are moving repeatedly, and they can’t stop it. This shaking can affect one leg or more, and it’s unpredictable. When dogs’ back legs shake, twitch, or tremble, it’s usually because of a health problem. Sometimes, it might indicate pain, In simple terms, your dog’s leg might shake due to various factors like tiredness, anxiety, or pain. Little leg shaking is usually normal, but if it shakes a lot, it could be a sign of a health issue.
In this article, we will try to explore why dog legs shake when sitting or standing uncover the reasons behind that, and cover what is the dog leg shaking treatment.
Reasons: Why Is My Dogs Leg Shaking?
Stress or Anxiety
If you see your dog’s legs shaking, it could be because they are stressed or anxious. When dogs feel this way, they might also do things like tuck their tail, walk around nervously, yawn a lot, or lick their lips or nose too much. To help your dog stop shaking in the long run, you should figure out what’s making them stressed and then treat the problem.
Sometimes, dogs get anxious when they go for car rides, visit the vet, or during thunderstorms. If anxiety is the issue, talk to your local vet. They can give you advice on how to calm your pet down, or they might even prescribe medication to help if your dog is really anxious.
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Age-related tremors
Tremors in older dogs, which are not harmful and not caused by aggression, can only be identified by a veterinarian after testing to rule out other potential causes.
Hind leg weakness
Hind leg weakness is also a key reason for leg shaking. Dogs with weak back legs often have shaky legs and muscle spasms.
Leg shaking in dogs can happen on and off. It can be due to weak leg muscles or problems with chemicals in their body or how their nerves work. This shaking can be scary for the dog and makes it hard for them to move, walk, or stand.
Emergencies that cause dog leg shaking
If you think your dog is shaking because of any of these reasons, it’s important to take them to the vet right away.
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Distemper
Canine distemper is a very contagious virus that can make dogs very sick. It spreads through the air and can come from infected dogs or wild animals like skunks and raccoons. Dogs with distemper might have twitching muscles, tilting their head, and even seizures. If your dog seems sick, call the vet right away for help.
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Pain Tremors
Shaking back legs in dogs could mean they’re in pain, often due to hip or knee issues like arthritis, torn ligaments, or hip dysplasia, making it tough for them to walk. -
Neurological Disorders
If your dog is having trouble walking or standing due to shaky legs, it’s important to have a vet neurologist check them. Shaky legs in dogs and cats can be a sign of problems in spine-to-brain communication, weakness, or discomfort from issues like slipped discs or nerve problems.
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Degenerative Myelopathy
Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) is a gradual spinal condition that affects older German Shepherds. It weakens their back legs over time, leading to muscle spasms, involuntary contractions, and trembling in the hind legs and paws due to a loss of nerve signals. -
Poisoning
Dogs often eat harmful things. Sometimes, they can eat poisonous things like chocolate, which can make them shaky. Poisoning signs may include throwing up, diarrhea, blood in poop, shaking, and tiredness.
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Shaker Syndrome
Shaker syndrome is a nerve problem in the brain and spinal cord that makes dogs, especially Maltese, Poodle, and West Highland Terriers, shake. It starts in adulthood but can be treated with prednisone, and dogs usually stop shaking within a few weeks.
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What should I do if my dog’s leg is shaking?
If your dog is shaking, here are some steps you can take:
1. Observe and take note:
- How much does your dog shake?
- Does it only happen when they’re asleep?
- Is it just in one part of their body?
2. Check for symptoms:
Have you noticed any other strange things or signs? Like upset stomach, throwing up, or feeling really tired?
3. Visit your veterinarian right away
If your pet’s legs are shaking, it could be a sign of various problems like pain, sickness, or weakness. It’s essential to contact your vet or a neurologist as soon as possible to find out what’s wrong.
In short dog legs mostly shake due to Stress or Anxiety, weakness, and age factors but in some cases, medical issues like distemper, pain, neurological issues, and poisoning etc are also causes of this. If your dog’s legs are shaking frequently make sure to visit a vet in time. We have tried to cover every aspect of Why Is My Dogs Leg Shaking? will look for more and try to add that in the next update. Do you have any questions or suggestions? feel free to tell us in the comment section below.
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FAQs: Why is my dog’s leg shaking?
Still not satisfied?? Here are some frequently asked questions:
Why is my dog’s leg shaking and limping?
Your dog’s legs might shake because they’re really excited or feeling cold. But it could also mean they’re in pain, losing muscle, or have a problem like a nerve issue in their body.
Is it normal for a dog’s leg to shake?
Dogs often shake their back legs when you scratch them, which is normal. But if a dog’s hind legs shake when they’re not being scratched, it could be due to fear, pain, tiredness, low blood sugar, or health problems like infections or nerve issues. Injuries and diseases can also cause this shaking.
What to do when your dog’s leg is shaking?
If your pet’s legs are shaking, it could be a sign of problems in their nerves, poison, kidney issues, sickness, discomfort, or weakness. It’s important to talk to your vet or a neurologist as soon as possible.
When should I be worried about my dog shaking?
If your dog starts shaking in a strange way, shows signs of being sick, or you think they ate something harmful, you should quickly take them to the vet you usually visit or go to the nearest animal hospital.
How to prevent your dog’s legs from shaking?
To prevent weak legs and tremors in your dog, focus on these steps: Keep them warm, stress-free, and at a healthy weight. Make sure they’re up-to-date on vaccines and avoid harmful substances. These measures help keep your dog from shaking.
Should I see a vet if my dog’s legs shake?
Yes, it’s possible. If your dog is shaking, check if they seem excited or anxious. It could also mean they ate something bad or have a hidden problem. If their legs keep shaking or they show signs of pain, call the vet for help.