When your dog is shaking and crying, it’s often a clear cry for help—whether they’re in physical pain, distress, or frightened.
These combined behaviors are rarely random and typically point to a condition that requires attention.
We outline the common causes of dog shaking and crying, what you can do, and when to seek veterinary help.
Table of Contents
Dog Shaking and Crying: Why It Happens
Dogs may shake and cry due to pain, injury, emotional stress, digestive distress, or neurological issues. These symptoms can develop suddenly or worsen over time, and they signal that your dog is struggling to cope with discomfort or fear.
Dog Shaking and Crying For No Reason
A dog that is shaking and crying for no apparent reason is usually experiencing pain, fear, anxiety, illness, or discomfort that may not be immediately obvious.
Dogs may vocalize and tremble when they have an injury, abdominal pain, neurological problem, fever, or significant stress.
What appears to be “no reason” is often a sign that something is physically or emotionally wrong.
If the behavior is sudden, severe, or recurring, the dog should be examined by a veterinarian to identify the underlying cause.
Dog Shaking and Crying: Common Causes
Acute Pain or Injury
One of the most common reasons dogs shake and cry is sudden pain. This could result from a muscle strain, joint injury, back pain, or even something as serious as a broken bone or internal trauma.
Dogs may whimper, yelp, avoid movement, or tuck their tail. A physical exam by your vet is essential to identify and treat the cause.
Gastrointestinal Upset
Stomach discomfort can lead to shaking, restlessness, and whining.
Serious conditions like bloat (GDV) cause pain, a distended abdomen, drooling, and collapse—and are life-threatening.
Less severe GI issues like gas or nausea can also cause these behaviors, especially if accompanied by vomiting or diarrhea.
A vet visit is vital if signs are sudden or worsen quickly.
Related: Dog shaking and not eating (Causes and what to do)
Fear, Anxiety, or Panic
Fear triggers a strong physical response in dogs: trembling, panting, and vocalizing.
Common triggers include loud noises, unfamiliar places, separation anxiety, or past trauma.
A fearful dog may cling to you, hide, or bark excessively along with crying and shaking.
Training, calming aids, and behavioral therapy can help reduce anxiety over time.
Read more: Dog Shaking and Clingy (What it means)
Neurological Problems
Seizures, nerve disorders, or spinal conditions can result in trembling, yelping, and behavior changes.
Dogs may lose coordination, appear confused, or collapse briefly. Intermittent crying or muscle spasms may also indicate nerve pain.
These issues require urgent veterinary assessment and often imaging or lab work to diagnose.
Toxic Ingestion or Allergic Reaction
Dogs who ingest toxins or allergens may experience pain, vomiting, trembling, and vocalization.
Shaking and crying can happen quickly, especially with insect stings, medication toxicity, or spoiled food.
Look for symptoms like drooling, swelling, disorientation, or diarrhea. Immediate vet care can prevent serious complications.
Dog Shaking and Crying When Touched
When a dog shakes and cries when touched, pain is one of the most common explanations.
Injuries, arthritis, muscle strains, spinal problems, ear infections, or abdominal discomfort can make even gentle handling painful.
Some dogs may also react this way if they are frightened or have had a negative experience associated with being touched.
A dog that becomes sensitive to touch should be evaluated, especially if the reaction is new or worsening.
Dog Shaking and Crying When Picked Up
A dog that cries and shakes when picked up may have pain in the back, neck, joints, abdomen, or chest.
Small breeds are particularly prone to spinal problems and injuries that become noticeable during lifting. The pressure or movement involved in being picked up can aggravate painful areas.
Repeated discomfort when lifted should not be ignored, as it often indicates an underlying medical issue that requires veterinary attention.
Dog Shaking and Crying in Sleep
Dogs sometimes twitch, whimper, or make noises during dreams, which is usually normal. However, repeated episodes of shaking and crying during sleep may indicate pain, anxiety, cognitive dysfunction, or neurological problems.
Some dogs wake suddenly because discomfort becomes more noticeable when they change positions.
If the episodes are frequent, intense, or accompanied by symptoms while awake, a veterinary examination is needed.
Dog Shaking and Crying After Shots
Mild shaking and discomfort after vaccinations can occur as part of the body’s normal immune response.
Some dogs may feel tired, sore at the injection site, or slightly uncomfortable for a day or two after receiving vaccines. Crying may occur if the injection area is tender.
However, severe shaking, facial swelling, vomiting, difficulty breathing, or extreme lethargy may indicate a vaccine reaction and should be treated as an emergency.
Dog Shaking and Crying After Eating
Shaking and crying after eating can be caused by dental pain, throat irritation, stomach discomfort, bloating, pancreatitis, or gastrointestinal disease.
Some dogs may become visibly uncomfortable if eating triggers abdominal pain or digestive upset.
If this behavior occurs repeatedly after meals, veterinary evaluation is important to determine whether a digestive or oral health problem is present.
Dog Shaking and Crying at Night
A dog that shakes and cries at night may be experiencing pain, anxiety, digestive discomfort, cognitive dysfunction, or illness that becomes more noticeable during quiet hours.
Senior dogs, in particular, may become restless at night due to arthritis pain or age-related cognitive changes.
Persistent nighttime symptoms should be investigated, especially if they interfere with sleep or are becoming more frequent.
Old Dog Shaking and Crying
In older dogs, shaking and crying are often associated with arthritis, joint pain, neurological disease, cognitive dysfunction, organ disease, or other age-related health conditions.
Senior dogs may have difficulty communicating discomfort, so shaking and vocalization are often important signs that something is wrong.
Because these symptoms can indicate significant pain or illness, an older dog that is frequently shaking and crying should be evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible.
What to Do If Your Dog Is Shaking and Crying
Try to keep your dog calm and restrict their movement to prevent worsening an injury.
Check for visible injuries or bloating, but avoid pressing or manipulating their body.
Avoid offering food, water, or medication unless advised by your vet.
Speak in a soft, reassuring voice and keep them warm and secure.
Take note of when symptoms began, what preceded them, and how they progressed.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
Call your vet immediately if your dog:
Is crying and shaking uncontrollably
Has signs of pain like limping, hunched posture, or yelping
Vomits repeatedly, has diarrhea, or seems bloated
Shows neurological symptoms like disorientation or collapse
Is unable to rest or seems increasingly distressed
Prompt medical attention can make a critical difference in your dog’s comfort and safety.
Read more: Dog Shaking and Panting (What it means)
Key Takeaway
When your dog shakes and cries, they’re expressing that something is wrong—physically or emotionally.
The best response is swift action: comfort them, monitor symptoms closely, and get in touch with your vet.
With early care, many underlying issues can be managed, bringing your dog the relief they need.