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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

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Original poster

Dog shaking

17 replies

mooncloud1 · 04/07/2023 11:27

I have a 16 year old terrier, he has always been quite wired and has a tendency to shake (either when he is cold/excited/unhappy)
He has recently started shaking a lot, without any obvious cause. He hearing is almost gone and I think he will hear things differently which may be effecting him.
He has never liked loud noises, and fireworks used to set him off and he'd shake for hours. I've had success with a thundershirt or putting a blanket round him.
With him shaking recently I am just ignoring him (as reassurance does not help) and put a blanket in him and he will settle down, but he is now, for example if I'm just chilling watching tv and leave the room will start shaking again :(
I'm not sure if I'm the problem as he isn't super pleased to see me like he used to be, can your dog take a dislike to you?! If we go out to someone else's he is fine and doesn't shake.
I've recently purchased an adaptil plug in which will hopefully help and have a collar on the way.
I suppose my question is
Has anyone had success with adaptil
Has anyone had an older dog who has started doing this
Is it best to ignore but make sure he is comfortable
Any other advice?

Oh worth noting he has been to the vets recently and had bloods and all is fine.

I just think this must be a miserable existence and I don't like to think of him as unhappy.
Thank you.

OP posts:

DustyLee123 · 04/07/2023 11:31

Perhaps it’s anxiety mixed in with some doggy dementia.

Original poster

mooncloud1 · 04/07/2023 11:32

Yes, I did think about dementia :(
Thanks for replying

OP posts:

Newuser75 · 04/07/2023 11:34

My old dog does this too. Apparently it can be a thing that older dogs too, often without any cause. Although obviously get your dog checked out by a vet if you are concerned.

Original poster

mooncloud1 · 04/07/2023 11:38

Oh ok, that's interesting and reassuring, thank you.
Just hate seeing him like it.

OP posts:

cinnamonfrenchtoast · 04/07/2023 11:39

Please take your dog to the vet.

Original poster

mooncloud1 · 04/07/2023 11:42

cinnamonfrenchtoast · 04/07/2023 11:39

Please take your dog to the vet.

Thank you, he has been to the vet as I said, had a check up and bloods.

OP posts:

cinnamonfrenchtoast · 04/07/2023 11:45

I mean he needs to go back again. Bloods being fine doesn't mean your dog is fine.

Newuser75 · 04/07/2023 11:57

mooncloud1 · 04/07/2023 11:38

Oh ok, that's interesting and reassuring, thank you.
Just hate seeing him like it.

Yeah it's not nice. My dog is a terrier too. Wonder if it's more common with those dogs.

Original poster

mooncloud1 · 04/07/2023 12:00

@Newuser75 yes, I believe it is. I have heard terriers are more prone to shaking.

OP posts:

IngGenius · 04/07/2023 12:32

Shaking in older dogs should be checked out by vets. It can be a sign of kidney disease, heart issues and pain. Things can change very quickly in elderly dogs so having a blood test will not rule out issues with your dog.

Loads of issues need to have specialist blood tests and the "normal" bloods will not cover this.

I would be taking my dog back to the vets and at least trialling pain med.

Terriers do shake but this is usually due to excitement - it does not sound like your dog is excited

Neverinamonthofsundays · 04/07/2023 12:44

Does he stand staring at doors or door hinges? To me it sounds exactly like what my poor doggie passed away from, anxiety due to dementia :(

Original poster

mooncloud1 · 04/07/2023 13:20

Thanks all, apologies I didn't make it clear - he has been to the vets and I have had this checked, all bloods WNL for his age and suggested it is due to anxiety, he had some teeth out at the same time so had 5 days of pain meds.
I was just wondering if anyone had an elderly dog who had experienced this and if they had any tips to ease the stress.

Thanks for the suggestions.

OP posts:

Original poster

mooncloud1 · 04/07/2023 13:20

Neverinamonthofsundays · 04/07/2023 12:44

Does he stand staring at doors or door hinges? To me it sounds exactly like what my poor doggie passed away from, anxiety due to dementia :(

No, nothing like this.

OP posts:

longtompot · 04/07/2023 13:22

Mine shakes when she is in pain so it could be that? She is 11 and a cocker spaniel, but has always done it.

It might be as he is older, and lost his hearing, he might be feeling insecure as he doesn't have the same awareness of things happening around him. It does sound like he is feeling insecure as you mentioned he was ok until you left the room and then he started shaking. Do you let him know you are leaving or does he wake to find you gone? I know with mine when she has fallen asleep in the garden and wakes to find I am not there she runs indoors looking quite panicked. Maybe he does find it reassuring to have you around, even if he doesn't need any actual reassurance. Iyswim.

Beamur · 04/07/2023 13:24

My nervy dog got very anxious as an oldie. Vet recommended an adaptil collar too.
Rescue remedy perhaps too?

ComeTheFckOnBridget · 04/07/2023 13:29

I've seen it mentioned here before but classical music is really calming for scared and anxious dogs. Try putting on a soothing classical playlist and see if that helps - should at least help you work out if its anxiety or not.

cocksstrideintheevening · 04/07/2023 14:26

My old terrier is diabetic and shakes when he goes low. I know you said he has blood work but did they may might need to do a fructosamine which shows long range sugar control as if he's not low at the time it won't show when they do the bloods.

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