If a dog is excessively licking and shaking, it’s often a sign that something isn’t right. These behaviors can point to discomfort or underlying health issues that need attention.
We outline the common reasons why a dog may excessively lick and shake, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help.
Dog Excessive Licking and Shaking — Why It Happens
When a dog licks excessively and shakes, it usually means they are experiencing irritation, pain, or stress. Allergies are one of the most common causes, as they cause itching and discomfort that dogs try to soothe through licking. Pain from injuries, joint problems, or ear infections may also lead to these symptoms.
Anxiety or stress can manifest as compulsive licking, often paired with trembling. In some cases, more serious conditions like neurological disorders or toxin exposure may be involved.
Dog Excessive Licking and Shaking: Common Causes
Allergies
Allergies are a leading reason why dogs lick excessively and shake. Dogs may develop allergies to food ingredients, pollen, dust, or even flea bites.
Licking often targets the paws, belly, or skin folds, while shaking is the body’s reaction to itchiness or discomfort. Allergic reactions can escalate into skin infections, hair loss, or ear problems if left untreated.
Read more: Dog Excessive Licking and Itching (Why it happens)
Ear Infections
Ear infections are uncomfortable and often painful for dogs. Excessive licking may occur as a way to cope with discomfort, while head shaking is a clear attempt to relieve pressure or irritation inside the ear.
Symptoms often include redness, swelling, foul odor, or discharge from the ear canal. If untreated, infections can worsen and lead to chronic ear problems or hearing loss.
Pain or Injury
When dogs are in pain, especially in their joints, muscles, or paws, they may lick the sore area repeatedly.
Shaking can also be a response to discomfort, especially if the pain makes them restless or unsettled.
Injuries like sprains, cuts, or insect stings are common triggers. Persistent licking at a wound or limping combined with shaking are warning signs that shouldn’t be ignored.
Anxiety and Stress
Dogs often express emotional distress through physical behaviors. Excessive licking can become a self-soothing habit for anxious dogs, similar to how humans might bite their nails.
Shaking often occurs during stressful events such as thunderstorms, fireworks, or vet visits. Chronic stress may lead to compulsive licking that damages the skin, creating a cycle of discomfort and anxiety.
Neurological Disorders
Certain neurological conditions can cause unusual behaviors such as repetitive licking and tremors.
Seizure disorders, nerve damage, or degenerative diseases may present with shaking and compulsive movements.
Unlike allergies or pain, neurological issues often include other symptoms such as difficulty walking, disorientation, or muscle twitching. These conditions require prompt veterinary evaluation.
Toxin Exposure
If a dog has ingested or come into contact with toxins, licking and shaking may appear suddenly. Some substances irritate the mouth or skin, leading to frantic licking.
Others affect the nervous system, causing tremors or full-body shaking. Common dangers include poisonous plants, household cleaners, and certain foods like chocolate or xylitol. This scenario is an emergency and demands immediate veterinary care.
What to Do If Your Dog Is Excessively Licking and Shaking
At home, monitor your dog closely and try to identify possible triggers. If allergies are suspected, wiping paws after outdoor walks and switching to hypoallergenic food may help reduce irritation.
For mild skin irritation, a vet-approved topical treatment or medicated shampoo can bring relief.
Keep your dog’s ears clean and dry to prevent infections, but avoid inserting cotton swabs deep into the ear canal. If anxiety is the root cause, creating a calm environment, using comforting routines, or trying anxiety wraps may ease symptoms.
Never ignore sudden or severe episodes. If you notice your dog licking frantically and shaking without relief, seek professional advice as soon as possible.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
If your dog’s licking and shaking persists for more than a day or two, or if it escalates quickly, veterinary attention is needed. Red, inflamed, or infected skin requires prompt treatment to avoid worsening.
Contact your vet immediately if your dog shows additional symptoms like vomiting, loss of appetite, ear discharge, open wounds, or neurological signs such as seizures or disorientation. Difficulty standing or uncontrollable tremors are red flags for emergency care.
Even if the symptoms appear mild, a vet visit can help identify the root cause and prevent complications.
Read more: Dog licking excessively (Discover what it might mean)
Key Takeaway
Excessive licking and shaking in dogs is never something to dismiss. While some causes may be mild, such as allergies or anxiety, others signal serious medical issues requiring urgent attention.
Trust your instincts—if your dog seems distressed, uncomfortable, or unwell, contact your veterinarian.
Acting early can make all the difference in relieving your dog’s discomfort and protecting their long-term health.