# Tremors in Dogs: Treatment Options and What to Expect Tremors in dogs treatment depends entirely on the cause, so the first step is always a veterinary workup to find out why your dog is shaking. Some causes, like toxin exposure, are emergencies that need same-day care, while others, like idiopathic generalized tremor syndrome, respond well to medication. This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment. ## Quick Answer - Generalized tremors in dogs are most often caused by intoxication (46% of cases) or idiopathic generalized tremor syndrome (24.7%), followed by low calcium, brain inflammation, low blood sugar, high calcium, and degenerative brain diseases [1]. - Treatment is cause-specific. Toxin ingestion may need decontamination and supportive care, while immune-mediated tremor syndrome typically responds to corticosteroids [2]. - A dog with sudden severe tremors, vomiting, or possible access to moldy food, compost, or trash needs emergency care right away [3]. - Most diagnostic workups include blood work, a neurologic exam, and sometimes imaging or spinal fluid analysis [1][4]. - Many dogs recover fully once the underlying cause is treated, but some conditions require lifelong management. ## What Are Tremors in Dogs? A tremor is a rhythmic, involuntary muscle movement that makes part of the body shake. In dogs, tremors can affect the whole body (generalized) or just the head, jaw, or a limb. They can be fine and rapid or coarse and slow. Tremors are different from seizures. During a tremor, most dogs stay conscious and aware of their surroundings. A seizure typically involves altered consciousness, and the movements are not rhythmic in the same way. Paroxysmal dyskinesia is another episodic movement disorder that causes transient dystonia, dyskinesia, and tremor in dogs with preserved consciousness, and it can be hard to tell apart from focal epilepsy [4]. The distinction matters because treatment is completely different. Your veterinarian will ask you to describe or, better, video record the episodes so they can classify the movement accurately. ## Signs Owners Notice Owners often describe the same handful of things. Your dog may: - Shake all over, even at rest - Have a head that bobs or nods - Tremble only when trying to eat or reach for something (intention tremor) - Stumble or walk with a wide, unsteady gait - Vomit or seem nauseated before the shaking starts - Seem overly sensitive to touch or sound - Have a fast heart rate In one review of 198 dogs with generalized tremors, the most common signs alongside the shaking included vomiting, intention tremors, hyperesthesia, ataxia, nystagmus, tachycardia, and seizures in toxin-related cases [3]. Vomiting can actually be the first sign and may help limit how severe the poisoning becomes [3]. If the shaking comes and goes in short episodes while your dog stays fully alert, that pattern points toward a paroxysmal movement disorder instead of a seizure [4]. If your dog seems dazed, collapses, or is not responsive during episodes, that is more concerning. For a closer look at related movement patterns, see our guide to [head shaking in dogs](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/symptom-guides/dog-head-shaking-master-guide) and this [video of head tremors](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/clinical-methods/dog-head-tremors-video). ## Causes and Risk Factors The list of possible causes is long, but a few categories account for most cases. ### Toxins and Moldy Food This is the single most common cause of generalized tremors in dogs. Tremorgenic mycotoxicosis happens when a dog eats food or trash contaminated with mold, particularly Penicillium species. Mold can grow on walnuts, peanuts, dairy products, silage, and compost, producing toxins called penitrems, roquefortine C, verruculogen, and thomitrems [3]. Penitrem A, made mainly by Penicillium crustosum, is the most recognized culprit [5]. Signs usually start within a few hours of ingestion. Small amounts tend to cause fine muscle tremors lasting hours to days, while large amounts can cause seizures and death [3]. There are no established dose-effect relationships for single toxins, so any exposure is treated seriously [3]. ### Idiopathic Generalized Tremor Syndrome (IGTS) IGTS is the second most common cause. It causes an acute onset of full-body tremors, sometimes with vestibulo-cerebellar signs like head tilt or unsteady balance [2]. It is believed to have an immune-mediated origin and responds to corticosteroids [2]. Dogs with IGTS tend to be female and younger, with an acute progressive presentation [1]. ### Metabolic and Electrolyte Problems Low blood calcium (hypocalcemia), low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), and high blood calcium (hypercalcemia) can all cause tremors. These made up roughly 12% of cases combined in the 198-dog review [1]. These are diagnosed with blood work and are often reversible once the underlying problem is corrected. ### Brain and Nervous System Disease Meningoencephalitis of unknown origin (MUO) and degenerative encephalopathies each accounted for about 4.5% and 2.5% of tremor cases [1]. Rare inherited conditions also exist. A novel EMC1 mutation was identified in a mixed-breed puppy with progressive cerebellar ataxia and head tremors [6]. A SERAC1 variant was linked to multiple system degeneration with intention tremors and cerebellar atrophy in another dog [7]. ### Paroxysmal Dyskinesia This episodic movement disorder has several subtypes, including suspected idiopathic, genetic, gluten-sensitive, reactive, and structural forms [4]. Gluten sensitivity is one recognized trigger in some dogs. ### Other Risk Factors Young age and female sex raise the odds of IGTS [1]. Access to compost, garbage, or moldy food raises the odds of toxicosis. Breed and family history matter for the inherited degenerative conditions [6][7]. ## How Veterinarians Diagnose Tremors Diagnosis is a process of elimination, and it usually moves from least invasive to most invasive. ### Step 1: History and Video Your vet will ask when the shaking started, what it looks like, how long episodes last, and whether your dog is conscious during them. A phone video is one of the most useful things you can bring. ### Step 2: Physical and Neurologic Exam The vet checks for fever, heart rate changes, hydration, and neurologic deficits like head tilt, nystagmus, or weakness. The presence of vomiting, hyperesthesia, and tachycardia together raises suspicion for toxin exposure [3]. ### Step 3: Blood Work A complete blood count, chemistry panel, and electrolyte check screen for hypoglycemia, hypocalcemia, hypercalcemia, liver disease, and infection. These tests catch many reversible causes quickly. ### Step 4: Toxin Testing If toxin exposure is suspected, gastric contents (from induced vomiting or lavage) and sometimes serum can be tested for penitrems A through F, paxilline, alpha-cyclopiazonic acid, and ergoline alkaloids using immunoassay and HPLC-MS/MS [5]. This testing is not available everywhere and is not always necessary if the history is clear. ### Step 5: Advanced Imaging and Spinal Fluid If blood work is normal and the shaking persists, your vet may recommend MRI and cerebrospinal fluid analysis to look for inflammation, structural lesions, or degeneration [4][7]. These tests help distinguish immune-mediated disease from inherited or structural conditions. ### Step 6: Genetic Testing For young dogs with progressive signs and a suspected inherited condition, whole genome sequencing or targeted genetic panels can identify mutations like EMC1 or SERAC1 [6][7]. | Diagnostic Step | What It Finds | When It Is Used | |---|---|---| | History and video | Tremor type, consciousness, triggers | First visit, always | | Neurologic exam | Head tilt, nystagmus, ataxia, weakness | First visit, always | | Blood and electrolyte panel | Hypoglycemia, hypocalcemia, hypercalcemia, organ disease | First visit, always | | Toxin testing (gastric content, serum) | Penitrems, paxilline, CPA, ergoline alkaloids | Suspected mold or trash ingestion [5] | | MRI and CSF analysis | Brain inflammation, structural lesions, atrophy | Persistent tremors with normal blood work [4][7] | | Genetic testing | EMC1, SERAC1, other inherited variants | Young dogs with progressive signs [6][7] | ## Tremors in Dogs Treatment Options Treatment always targets the cause. There is no single drug that fixes every tremor. ### Toxin Exposure If your dog ate moldy food or trash, the first priorities are decontamination and supportive care. Inducing vomiting or performing gastric lavage can remove toxin still in the stomach, and vomiting itself may limit severity [3]. Your vet may give activated charcoal, intravenous fluids, and medications to control tremors and seizures. Most dogs with mild exposure recover over hours to days, while severe cases need hospitalization [3]. ### Idiopathic Generalized Tremor Syndrome IGTS is treated with corticosteroids, and most dogs respond [2]. The starting dose and tapering schedule are set by your veterinarian based on your dog's weight, response, and overall health. Some dogs relapse or have persistent mild signs after treatment, so follow-up monitoring matters [2]. ### Metabolic Causes Hypoglycemia is corrected with food or intravenous dextrose. Hypocalcemia and hypercalcemia are managed by treating the underlying disease and correcting the electrolyte imbalance. Your vet calculates any supplement or fluid dose from your dog's weight and lab values. ### Brain Inflammation Meningoencephalitis of unknown origin is typically treated with immunosuppressive medication, often a combination of steroids and a second agent. Response varies, and some dogs need long-term therapy. ### Paroxysmal Dyskinesia Treatment depends on the subtype. Gluten-sensitive cases may improve with a gluten-free diet [4]. Others may be managed with anti-seizure medications or may not need treatment if episodes are brief and infrequent. ### Inherited Degenerative Disease For conditions like EMC1-associated cerebellar degeneration or SERAC1-related multiple system degeneration, there is no cure. Care focuses on comfort, mobility support, and managing seizures if they occur. ### Supportive Care for Any Cause Quiet, low-stress surroundings help. Avoid handling that provokes tremors. Keep your dog cool and hydrated. If your dog is unstable, confine them to prevent falls. If cost is a concern, this breakdown of [what the vet will do and typical costs](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/vet-visit-decisions/dog-shaking-vet-visit-cost) can help you plan. ## Recovery, Outlook, and Long-Term Management Outlook depends heavily on the cause. - Toxin-related tremors often resolve within hours to days with supportive care, though severe ingestions can be fatal [3]. - IGTS has an overall good outcome, but relapses and persistent mild signs do occur [2]. - Metabolic tremors usually resolve once the electrolyte or glucose problem is fixed. - Brain inflammation and degenerative conditions have a more guarded outlook and often need ongoing management [1][7]. Long-term management may include: - Regular rechecks to adjust medication - Blood work to monitor for side effects - A gluten-free diet if gluten sensitivity is confirmed [4] - Home safety changes like blocking access to compost and trash - Physical therapy or mobility aids for dogs with cerebellar disease Keep a log of episodes. Note the time, duration, what your dog was doing, and whether they were conscious. This record helps your vet fine-tune treatment. ## Prevention You cannot prevent every cause of tremors, but you can lower the risk for the most common one. - Keep compost bins, garbage cans, and recycling secured. - Do not let your dog eat moldy bread, nuts, dairy, or leftovers. - Check outdoor areas for fallen walnuts or spoiled food. - Store pet food and treats in sealed containers away from moisture. - Supervise your dog in the yard and on walks. - Ask your vet about genetic testing if you have a breed or line with known inherited neurologic disease [6][7]. If your dog has a known seizure or movement disorder, follow your vet's medication schedule closely and do not skip doses. ## Limitations and When to Contact a Veterinarian No article can tell you what is causing your dog's tremors. Only a veterinarian who examines your dog can do that. Call your veterinarian the same day if: - Tremors started suddenly and are getting worse - Your dog vomited and you suspect moldy food or trash - Your dog seems weak, wobbly, or unable to stand steadily - Episodes are happening more often Go to an emergency clinic now if: - Your dog is having a seizure or is unconscious - Tremors are continuous and severe - Your dog is having trouble breathing - You know or suspect your dog ate a large amount of moldy material [3] Schedule a routine visit if: - Tremors are mild, brief, and your dog is otherwise normal - You want to discuss a video of the episodes - Your dog has a known tremor condition and you need a medication check For related concerns, see our articles on [dog shaking and restlessness](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/clinical-methods/dog-shaking-and-restless) and [head shaking with tilting to one side](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/clinical-methods/dog-shaking-head-and-tilting-to-one-side-treatment). ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is the most common cause of tremors in dogs? Intoxication is the most common cause, followed by idiopathic generalized tremor syndrome. Together these two account for roughly 70% of generalized tremor cases in dogs. Metabolic problems like low blood sugar and low calcium are the next most common group. ### Can tremors in dogs go away on their own? Some do. Mild toxin-related tremors often resolve within hours to days as the body clears the toxin. Tremors from low blood sugar or low calcium resolve once the imbalance is corrected. Tremors from immune-mediated or degenerative conditions usually need treatment and may not go away without it. ### Is it a seizure or a tremor? The main difference is consciousness. Dogs stay awake and aware during a tremor, while seizures typically involve altered awareness and a postictal period afterward. Paroxysmal dyskinesia also causes tremor with preserved consciousness and can look similar to focal epilepsy. Video recording the episodes helps your vet tell them apart. ### What should I do if I think my dog ate moldy food? Call your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline immediately, even if your dog seems fine. Do not wait for symptoms. Bring the packaging or a sample of what your dog ate if you can. Early decontamination can reduce how sick your dog gets. ### Will my dog need medication for life? It depends on the cause. Toxin and metabolic causes usually need short-term treatment only. Immune-mediated tremor syndrome may need months of medication with tapering. Inherited degenerative conditions often need lifelong supportive care and sometimes anti-seizure medication. Your veterinarian will set the plan based on your dog's response. ## Related Articles - [Comprehensive Guide to Head Shaking in Dogs: Causes, Diagnostics, and Treatment](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/symptom-guides/dog-head-shaking-master-guide) - [Dog Head Tremors Video](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/clinical-methods/dog-head-tremors-video) - [Dog Shaking And Restless](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/clinical-methods/dog-shaking-and-restless) - [Dog Shaking Head And Tilting To One Side Treatment](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/clinical-methods/dog-shaking-head-and-tilting-to-one-side-treatment) - [Dog Shaking or Trembling: What the Vet Will Do and How Much It Costs](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/vet-visit-decisions/dog-shaking-vet-visit-cost) - [Dog Keeps Shaking Head And Tilting To One Side Treatment](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/clinical-methods/dog-keeps-shaking-head-and-tilting-to-one-side-treatment) - [Tremors in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, and What They Mean](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/symptom-guides/tremors-in-dogs-causes-symptoms) - [Why Is My Dog Quivering? Causes of Tremors and Shaking](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/symptom-guides/dog-quivering-causes) - [Seizures and Tremors in Dogs With Kidney Failure](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/senior-and-chronic-care/kidney-failure-seizures-in-dogs) ## References 1. [Generalized Tremors in Dogs: 198 Cases (2003-2023)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40152656/). Journal of veterinary internal medicine, 2025. 2. [Canine idiopathic generalized tremor syndrome, immune-mediated?](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39372900/). Frontiers in veterinary science, 2024. 3. [Tremorgenic Neuromycotoxicosis in Dogs - Toxicology](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/toxicology/mycotoxicoses/tremorgenic-neuromycotoxicosis-in-dogs). Merck Veterinary Manual. 4. [Canine paroxysmal dyskinesia: distribution of etiological subtypes and structural and reactive causes in a retrospective tertiary care cohort](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42601911/). Frontiers in veterinary science, 2026. 5. [Five cases of tremorgenic mycotoxicosis in dogs - clinical aspects and analytical methods](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42579237/). Veterinary research communications, 2026. 6. [Granuloprival cerebellar cortical degeneration in a mixed breed dog with an EMC1 mutation](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42066428/). Journal of comparative pathology, 2026. 7. [Clinical, imaging, and neuropathological characterization of multiple system degeneration associated with a novel SERAC1 variant in a mixed-breed dog](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42442369/). Journal of veterinary internal medicine, 2026. ## Further Reading - [Merck Veterinary Manual: Dog Owners](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/dog-owners) - [Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center: Canine Health Information](https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information) - [American Veterinary Medical Association: Pet Care](https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare)