If you notice your dog shaking and tail down, it can be quite alarming. These signs may indicate anything from fear or anxiety to pain or serious health issues.
While an occasional shiver or lowered tail isn’t always a sign of a major problem, persistent or unusual behavior like shaking and a tail tucked between the legs often points to something more serious.
We outline the causes of dog shaking and tail down behavior, what it means, and when you should be concerned. We’ll also offer insights on what you can do at home and when it’s best to seek veterinary care.
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Here’s Why Dog Shaking and Tail Down Happens
Dog shaking and tail down typically signals that your dog is experiencing fear, anxiety, pain, or illness. This body language often reflects a dog’s emotional or physical discomfort. Shaking can be a stress response, especially when paired with a tail tucked between the legs—a classic sign of submission, nervousness, or fear.
However, these symptoms may also point to medical issues such as injury, poisoning, hypothermia, or neurological problems.
Common Causes of Dog Shaking and Tail Down
1. Fear or Anxiety
Fear and anxiety are the leading causes of a dog’s tail going down and body trembling.
Loud noises like fireworks or thunderstorms, unfamiliar environments, vet visits, or new people or animals can trigger anxious responses.
When dogs are scared, their body enters a stress mode – shaking and tucking their tail is their way of coping with perceived threats.
Signs that anxiety is the issue include:
Pacing
Panting
Hiding
Whining
Avoiding eye contact
If your dog is shaking and tail is down during specific events like storms or fireworks, anxiety is likely the cause.
Related: Dog Shaking and Lethargic (Explained)
2. Pain or Injury
When a dog’s tail is down and they are shaking, it might indicate physical pain.
Dogs instinctively hide pain, so subtle signs like trembling or tail tucking could be your only clue. This is especially true for issues such as:
Muscle strains
Joint problems
Broken bones
Tail injuries
Internal injuries
Pay attention to whether your dog shows stiffness, reluctance to move, or whines when touched.
If your dog is shaking and keeping their tail down even when resting, it’s wise to get them examined by a vet.
3. Cold or Hypothermia
Just like humans, dogs can shake when they are cold.
Small breeds, senior dogs, or short-haired breeds are especially vulnerable to chilly weather.
If your dog has been outside in the cold and is shaking with their tail tucked, they may be trying to stay warm.
Look for signs like:
Cold ears and paws
Shivering after a bath
Avoidance of cold surfaces
If your dog’s tail is down and they’re shivering, especially in a cool environment, help warm them up with blankets or bring them inside promptly.
4. Stress or Overstimulation
Stress in dogs doesn’t always come from fear.
Overstimulation, such as being around too many people, new environments, or other animals, can trigger shaking and a lowered tail.
Stress-related symptoms often include:
Panting
Yawning
Licking lips
Ears pulled back
Tail tucked low
If your dog displays tail-down shaking behavior in a chaotic or new setting, it’s likely emotional stress.
Calming techniques, such as quiet time, calming chews, or safe zones, can help.
5. Neurological Issues
More serious causes of dog shaking and tail down posture include neurological conditions.
Dogs suffering from seizures, tremors, or nerve damage may exhibit uncontrolled shaking along with changes in tail position and posture.
Neurological disorders might also cause:
Head tilting
Loss of coordination
Disorientation
Dragging limbs
If your dog exhibits any of these along with trembling and a tucked tail, contact your vet immediately for a thorough evaluation.
6. Toxin Ingestion or Poisoning
If your dog starts shaking and drops their tail suddenly, especially if this behavior begins without warning, consider the possibility of poisoning.
Ingesting toxins can cause tremors, muscle weakness, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Common toxins include:
Chocolate
Xylitol (found in sugar-free gum)
Grapes/raisins
Household cleaners
Insecticides
Time is critical in cases of poisoning.
If your dog is shaking with their tail tucked and shows signs of illness or disorientation, call your vet or animal poison control right away.
7. Infections or Fever
Systemic infections can cause fever, which often leads to shaking in dogs with a drooping tail.
Infections like urinary tract infections (UTIs), canine influenza, or internal abscesses can cause a sudden drop in energy, trembling, and tail-tucking due to overall discomfort.
Additional signs may include:
Lethargy
Loss of appetite
Vomiting or diarrhea
Warm ears or nose
If your dog is shaking and their tail is down along with signs of illness, it’s best to have them evaluated for an infection.
Related: Dog Shaking and clingy (Explained)
8. Anal Gland Issues
Dogs with impacted or infected anal glands may display signs of discomfort that include a tail down and shaking.
Because the glands are located near the base of the tail, any swelling or irritation can cause your dog to lower their tail and even shake in pain.
Look for additional signs such as:
Scooting on the floor
Licking the rear area
Difficulty defecating
Anal gland issues are common and treatable, but can be painful if left unaddressed.
What To Do
If your dog is shaking and tail down, your response should depend on the context and accompanying symptoms.
Here are some steps you can take:
Observe Closely – Note any additional symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, limping, or changes in appetite or behavior.
Warm Them Up – If the weather is cold, offer blankets or bring them inside.
Check for Injuries – Gently examine your dog for signs of pain, wounds, or swelling.
Offer Comfort – If fear or anxiety seems to be the cause, speak gently and create a calm environment.
Avoid Giving Human Medication – Never give your dog medicine without consulting your vet.
Monitor Their Condition – If symptoms last more than a few hours or worsen, contact your veterinarian.
When to Seek Veterinary Help
If your dog exhibits shaking with a tail down and any of the following, get veterinary attention immediately:
Vomiting or diarrhea
Loss of consciousness or seizures
Difficulty walking or standing
Signs of extreme pain or swelling
Blood in stool or urine
Suspected poisoning
Continuous shaking or drooping tail for more than a day
Puppies, senior dogs, and dogs with existing health conditions are especially vulnerable, and you should act quickly if they show unusual symptoms.
Key Takeaway
If your dog is shaking and has their tail down, it’s a signal something is wrong—be it fear, pain, cold, stress, or a more serious medical condition.
While occasional trembling can be harmless, persistent or severe signs should not be ignored.
Understanding what’s normal for your dog and responding quickly when they show signs of discomfort can help you prevent more serious issues down the road.
When in doubt, it’s always best to consult with your veterinarian to rule out underlying health problems and ensure your dog receives the care they need.
By staying observant and responsive, you can help your dog feel safe, healthy, and supported—no matter what’s causing their shaking and tail-down behavior.