When your dog is both shaking and unable to walk, it’s a clear sign of distress and potentially a medical emergency. These symptoms often reflect issues like spinal injury, neurological disease, severe pain, or toxin exposure—conditions that require immediate veterinary attention.
We outline the common causes of dog shaking and can’t walk, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help.
Dog Shaking and Can’t Walk — Why It Happens
Dogs may shake and be unable to walk due to severe pain, spinal trauma, nerve dysfunction, or systemic illness. The combination of trembling and loss of mobility indicates that the dog is experiencing significant physical or neurological distress.
Common Causes of Dog Shaking and Can’t Walk
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)
IVDD is a spinal condition where discs between vertebrae rupture or bulge, compressing the spinal cord.
This leads to sudden weakness or paralysis, especially in the back legs, often accompanied by shaking, yelping, or reluctance to move.
Small breeds like Dachshunds, Shih Tzus, and Beagles are especially at risk.
Immediate treatment—including crate rest, anti-inflammatories, or surgery—is critical to recovery.
Neurological Disorders
Neurological conditions can disrupt coordination and cause your dog to tremble and collapse.
Vestibular disease often mimics stroke-like symptoms: head tilt, circling, and inability to walk normally.
Seizures or spinal cord injuries may leave a dog unable to walk post-episode, and trembling can result from confusion or trauma.
Advanced testing, such as MRI or CT scans, is often required to diagnose the underlying problem.
Read more: Dog Shaking and Limping (Is it injury or something more serious?)
Severe Pain or Trauma
Pain from fractures, dislocations, or internal injury can render a dog immobile.
Even without visible wounds, internal injuries may cause collapse, panting, and uncontrollable shaking.
Look for signs like vocalization, limping before collapse, or reluctance to be handled.
Immediate vet care—including imaging and pain management—is essential to determine severity.
Toxicity or Poisoning
Toxins such as rodenticides, chocolate, xylitol, and some medications can cause tremors, seizures, and loss of motor control.
Other signs include vomiting, salivation, dilated pupils, or collapse.
Even brief exposure can have rapid and life-threatening effects.
If you suspect poisoning, don’t wait—get to an emergency clinic immediately.
Tick Paralysis
Some tick species inject a neurotoxin that causes ascending paralysis.
Symptoms may start with weakness in the hind legs and progress to full paralysis, often accompanied by shaking and breathing difficulty.
Removing the tick can sometimes reverse early symptoms, but late-stage cases require intensive care.
Tick prevention is key, especially during peak seasons.
Advanced Arthritis or Orthopedic Disease
In older dogs with advanced arthritis, mobility may decrease to the point where they refuse to stand.
Pain from inflamed joints, muscle atrophy, or joint instability may lead to trembling and collapse.
These cases often worsen after activity or in cold weather.
Pain relief, joint supplements, and supportive care can greatly improve comfort and function.
What to Do If Your Dog Is Shaking and Can’t Walk
Keep your dog calm and still. Do not attempt to move them unnecessarily or force them to walk.
If transportation is needed, use a blanket or towel to create a makeshift stretcher.
Do not give over-the-counter medications—many human drugs are toxic to dogs.
Monitor for other symptoms like vomiting, confusion, or difficulty breathing.
Call your vet or the nearest emergency clinic for immediate advice and support.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
Seek urgent veterinary attention if your dog:
Suddenly collapses or refuses to stand
Is shaking uncontrollably or appears disoriented
Has suffered recent trauma (falls, car accident)
Is unable to control bowel or bladder
Shows signs of toxin exposure (vomiting, seizures, foaming)
Swift veterinary action is the best chance for diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.
Read more: Dog Shaking and Whining (Pain, fear—or something else?)
Key Takeaway
If your dog is shaking and can’t walk, don’t wait—it’s a serious red flag that something is very wrong.
Prompt veterinary care can make the difference between recovery and permanent damage. Stay calm, act quickly, and give your dog the best chance to heal.