Differential Diagnosis for a Dog Shaking
- Single most likely diagnosis:
- Anxiety or stress: This is a common cause of shaking in dogs, often triggered by loud noises, separation, or new environments.
- Other Likely diagnoses:
- Pain or discomfort: Dogs may shake due to underlying medical issues such as arthritis, dental problems, or injuries.
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar): This can cause shaking, especially in dogs with diabetes or those that have gone without food for an extended period.
- Hyperthermia (heatstroke) or hypothermia: Extreme temperatures can lead to shaking in dogs.
- Seizure activity: Some dogs may exhibit shaking as a precursor to or after a seizure.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.):
- Neurological disorders (e.g., epilepsy, vestibular disease): These conditions can cause shaking and require prompt veterinary attention.
- Insecticide or toxin exposure: Certain toxins can cause shaking, and timely treatment is crucial.
- Addison's disease (adrenal insufficiency): This hormonal disorder can lead to shaking, among other symptoms.
- Rare diagnoses:
- Generalized tremor syndrome: A rare condition characterized by persistent shaking, often with no identifiable cause.
- White dog shaker syndrome: A rare condition affecting small, white dogs, causing shaking and tremors.
- Distemper: A viral disease that can cause shaking, among other symptoms, although it is relatively rare in vaccinated dogs.