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Why does my senior dog's back legs shake and tongue hang out?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Jack Russell Terrier | Female | spayed | 12 years and 9 months old | 20 lbs

Hallo My female Jack Russel is turning 12 in April. She has been shaking in her back legs for a few months now. Her toung hangs out whenever she starts shaking, like shes hot or need water. But its neither heat or water. Sometimes i think shes going through menepause. Heat strokes etc. Shes still very alive, runs with me every morning, hearing has gone a bit, but she is still the same old girl i got as a pup! What could it be?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on February 8th, 2017

Dogs do not go into menopause like humans do, so that will not be the cause of her symptoms. In senior dogs like Mia, arthritis is very common, and that would cause her back legs to shake. Dogs are quite good at hiding pain, so it could be that even though she is running with you and seems normal, it is painful to her, leading to the leg shaking and tongue hanging out. It could also be a sign of muscle weakness or simply a result of her aging. I would have Mia seen by a vet tomorrow. If she does have arthritis, the vet can prescribe some pain medications for her. Please do not give her any human pain medications, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Catherine Stecyk
Veterinarian
Published on July 9th, 2018
Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I'm sorry to hear about Julie, it sounds like she is pretty sick and struggling. Depending on what the cause of issue with her hind legs is, there may or may not be a treatment for it. If she is weak in the hind end because of arthritis, there are certain pain medications that can be prescribed by your veterinarian to help with this. If, instead, she is having neurologic issues that is causing her to be unable to use her hind legs, this may not be treatable. Just a reminder to never give pain medications that are intended for humans to dogs, as these can be fatally toxic to dogs. If her wound became infected, this could make her feel sick and cause her not to eat. Alternatively, she could have any other systemic illness, such as liver disease, kidney disease, or cancer, that could reduce her appetite. Given her age, I'm concerned about a cancerous process that could be causing her clinical signs. If she is unable to walk and not eating, sadly, you may have to consider a quality of life discussion with your veterinarian. I hope this is helpful.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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