Written by Kate Austin | Furria Team
Published on: 3 August 2025
If you’ve noticed your dog’s back legs shaking, you’re probably wondering whether it’s normal or a sign of something serious. The answer depends — not all trembling is a cause for concern, but in some cases, it can indicate pain, weakness, or a developing medical issue.
In this guide, we’ll break down the most common reasons why a dog’s back legs might shake, how to tell what’s normal vs. alarming, and when to take action.
Common and Harmless Reasons for Shaking Back Legs
In many dogs, especially older ones or smaller breeds, a slight tremble in the hind legs isn’t necessarily a medical emergency. Possible benign causes include:
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Age-related tremors: Older dogs often develop slight shakiness due to muscle loss or nervous system changes.
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Fatigue after exercise: A long walk or play session can temporarily overload muscles, causing trembling.
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Excitement or stress: Some dogs shake when they’re anxious, overstimulated, or overly excited.
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Cold: Like humans, dogs may shiver if their body temperature drops — especially short-haired breeds.
These types of shaking are usually temporary, not paired with pain, and go away with rest, warmth, or reassurance.
Medical Causes of Shaking in the Back Legs
If the shaking is persistent, gets worse over time, or comes with other symptoms, there may be an underlying medical cause. Some possibilities include:
1. Pain or discomfort
Dogs often tremble when they’re in pain, especially in the joints or spine. Conditions like hip dysplasia, arthritis, or back injuries may trigger shaking even before lameness appears.
2. Neurological issues
Tremors can be an early sign of conditions like Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) or degenerative myelopathy (DM) — especially if the dog also stumbles or hesitates when walking.
3. Muscle fatigue or weakness
A dog recovering from surgery or illness may show shaking due to reduced strength or endurance, especially in the back legs.
4. Low blood sugar or electrolyte imbalance
Small breeds are prone to sudden drops in glucose, which can cause full-body trembling — sometimes more noticeable in the back legs.
5. Toxin exposure
Some poisons, including chocolate, xylitol, slug bait, or human medications, can trigger tremors and neurological symptoms. This usually happens quickly and is paired with vomiting, drooling, or collapse.
When to Worry: Signs It’s Not “Just Shaking”
You should contact your vet promptly if the shaking is:
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Accompanied by limping, yelping, or stiffness
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Progressively worsening over days or weeks
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Triggered by touching or movement
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Linked to incontinence, vomiting, or lethargy
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Occurring after a fall or trauma
Recording a video of your dog’s symptoms can be very helpful during the vet consultation.
How to Help at Home
While waiting for your vet visit, or if the cause is mild, here’s how to keep your dog comfortable:
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Provide a warm, non-slip environment — especially if your dog is older
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Limit jumping or stair climbing until you know more
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Massage or gentle touch may help reduce anxiety or mild stiffness
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Monitor and document when the shaking occurs, for how long, and under what conditions
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Avoid giving human pain meds — they can be toxic
Long-Term Support for Shaky Back Legs
If the cause turns out to be chronic — like arthritis or mild neurological damage — you can still help your dog maintain a good quality of life.
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Joint supplements (omega-3s, glucosamine)
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Gentle exercise and physiotherapy
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Weight management
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Support harnesses or wheelchairs for moderate to severe weakness
For small dogs (2–12 kg) with weak or trembling back legs, Furria offers lightweight, vet-informed dog wheelchairs designed to stabilise movement and reduce joint stress. They’re ideal for dogs with long-term conditions like IVDD, DM, or spinal weakness.
Final Thoughts
If your dog’s back legs are shaking, don’t panic — but don’t ignore it either. Occasional trembling can be completely normal, but consistent or worsening symptoms deserve a closer look.
By understanding the possible causes, observing your dog carefully, and acting when needed, you’re doing the best thing you can: staying proactive and protecting your dog’s wellbeing.
For more resources on dog mobility, read our guides:
→ Why Is My Dog’s Back Legs Giving Out?
→ Understanding Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) in Dogs
