06/08/2026
Thoughts of the day !
Why is my dog shaking? They must be terrified! 🥺
This is something I hear from pet parents !
But this is not necessarily true …
Here’s the science why!?
One of the biggest misconceptions in dog behavior is that shaking always means fear, stress, or trauma. While those can certainly be causes, they aren’t the only explanation.
Dogs experience a wide range of emotions and physiological responses, and sometimes trembling is simply the body’s way of processing a surge of excitement, anticipation, or heightened arousal.
Heightened anxiety can also be caused from pet parents being anxious, or acting differently then normal- dogs are empaths and sponges and they do soak in everything they feel from everyone around you . So if you think your dog is anxious or scared they can feel that. The same way a pet parent reacting can make a dog reactive . Take a deep breath, be brave, show them this is nothing to be worried about and they will follow your lead.
Think about what happens when your dog arrives at the vet, grooming salon, daycare, training class, or even their favorite walking trail. They immediately recognize the environment and begin anticipating what’s about to happen. Their brain releases adrenaline and other stress hormones that prepare the body for action.
That surge of energy can cause visible trembling, much like humans who get shaky hands, butterflies in their stomach, or a racing heart before a big event. It doesn’t automatically mean they’re frightened—it means their nervous system is activated and preparing for what’s next.
In many cases, once the dog settles into the activity and that initial burst of adrenaline begins to fade, the shaking stops on its own.
Of course, context matters. Trembling can also be associated with fear, anxiety, pain, illness, cold temperatures, or discomfort, which is why it’s important to look at your dog’s overall body language and behavior rather than focusing on one sign alone.
Most of the time if I have a visually anxious dog when the parent drops them off within the first 20-30 minutes after they leave they are calm, quiet, and ready to enjoy their groom!
The next time your dog starts to shake, take a moment to consider the whole picture. Sometimes it’s fear. Sometimes it’s excitement. Sometimes it’s anticipation, sometimes they are feeling your emotions even if you’re not meaning to feel any type of way.
And sometimes, their body is simply responding to a nervous system that’s running a little faster in the moment. 🤍🐾
