You should seek the advice of your veterinarian if your pet is ill as only he or she can correctly advise on the diagnosis and recommend the treatment that is most appropriate for your pet.

Dogs sometimes tremble, twitch  or dither - why ?

There are several reasons why a dog  may appear to tremble, twitch or dither :

• Behavioural problems are the most common cause :
  • The dog has a nervous disposition
  • The dog is apprehensive - does not recognise a person who approaches it
  • The dog is afraid - perhaps the person is unknown to the dog, or has mistreated it previously
• The dog has pain in a limb (or limbs) and cannot place it (or them) properly
• The dog has a neuromuscular problem causing uncontrolled muscle shaking - eg a trapped nerve 
• The dog has an infectious disease that causes uncontrolled muscle contractions eg canine distemper
• The dog has a metabolic disease that affects muscle contractions eg low blood calcium concentrations
• The dog has a fever - shivering can be interpreted as dithering
• Some poisons (eg lead) can cause hyperexcitation and shaking prior to collapse and seizures developing
• Minor epileptic fits (seizures) may show as uncontrolled muscle twitches

Your veterinarian will be able to determine the most likely cause by examining the dog and conducting a few diagnostic tests. Because some of the underlying causes are potentially serious you should seek veterinary attention as soon as your dog starts showing signs like this.

Updated October 2013