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Why is my senior dog shaking constantly like he's cold or has chills?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Female | spayed | 130 lbs

My 13 yr old Labrador is shaking, like chills but constantly. Please help!

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on March 17th, 2018

There could be a couple of reasons why Elliot is shaking constantly. These things include pain, being cold, injury, fever, nausea, or a serious illness. I'm not sure if she is showing any other signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, limping, or lethargy. If she is only shaking but is otherwise behaving normally, eating normally, drinking normally, and moving normally, it's fine to wait until Monday to have her seen a vet for this problem. Keep her quiet and warm, and rest her as much as possible. Should she start showing other signs such as the ones I mentioned above or any other concerning ones, then I would take her into a vet right away for evaluation and treatment. I hope this helps!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on January 4th, 2020
Shaking in this manner is possibly a sign of pain or a neurological condition. I would recommend video taping these instances and showing it to your vet for clarification first, then go from there. If she is painful the vet will want to do a thorough exam to try and locate the source of her pain. Arthritic pain can also cause shaking and make it difficult for pets to get up from a sitting position or unable to move quickly.
I hope that you are able to pinpoint Ella’s possible pain source and get her treatment through your vet soon. Best wishes and take care.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Ana M, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on January 5th, 2020
Thank you for submitting your question regarding Betty. I do recommend seeking veterinary care for her today. Shaking can indicate pain or even a fever. Both can be serious at her age. The veterinarian will carefully examine her and determine how best to treat her. In the meantime, keep her quiet and carry her as needed. Do not give over-the-counter pain medications as these can be toxic to dogs. I hope this information helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on December 26th, 2018
Hannah is experiencing very general symptoms of disease, these symptoms could fit almost any internal condition, maybe she is suffering from nausea due to a gastrointestinal disease and maybe she is in pain, from the symptoms described it's very hard to know. i would recommend taking her to the vet as soon as possible in order to get her checked, if she doesn't show any other obvious symptoms during the examination, a blood test and possibly an ultrasound will be needed in order to try and find out what is wrong with her.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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