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My dog shakes like he's drying off often. Is it normal or stress?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | unneutered | 6 months and 4 days old | 46 lbs

Should I be concerned about my pet shaking? I’m referring to the kind of shaking dogs do when they are drying off when wet. He has started to do this often examples are after waking up from a nap, when I am getting his food ready, when I put his harness on before walks, and during walks. It is not just his head shaking, it extends down to his tail the same why a dog does when trying to dry off.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Dr. Strydom, DVM

Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on May 27th, 2020

This behavior can be normal for him or it could be a symptom of underlying stress and/or anxiety. Here is a link to an article about this issue in dogs.

https://www.dogster.com/lifestyle/what-does-it-mean-when-my-dog-does-the-shake-off

You may want to start him on a calming supplement - a good, high quality one - not one of the local store bought ones that are usually a waste of money. Use one that has some science behind it. I would use Solliquin or Zylkene. It is worth a try to give it consistently for a few months to see if the shaking stops or reduces in frequency.

https://worldtails.securevetsource.com/itemView/view/198944_HomeDelivery.pml?productId=117298

https://worldtails.securevetsource.com/itemView/view/198944_HomeDelivery.pml?productId=115875
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