It can be especially upsetting when an older dog begins shaking and crying, particularly if this behavior is new.
Senior dogs may become more vocal or tremble for many different reasons, and it is not always easy to tell whether they are frightened, uncomfortable, or experiencing an underlying health problem.
Changes in mobility, sleep, appetite, behavior, or bathroom habits can provide important clues.
While some causes may be manageable, persistent shaking and crying in an old dog should not simply be assumed to be a normal part of aging.
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Old Dog Shaking and Crying: Why It Happens
An old dog may shake and cry because of pain, arthritis, anxiety, nausea, age-related changes, illness, or another source of physical discomfort.
Senior dogs can develop several health problems at the same time, and a change in behavior may be one of the first noticeable signs that something is wrong.
The circumstances surrounding the shaking and crying can provide useful clues. For example, episodes may occur when your dog gets up, is touched, tries to settle down, eats, or becomes restless at night.
Old Dog Shaking and Crying: Symptoms
Depending on the underlying problem, other symptoms may occur at the same time, including:
- Stiffness or difficulty getting up
Reluctance to walk or climb stairs
Sensitivity when touched
Pacing or restlessness
Reduced appetite
Sleeping more or changes in nighttime behavior
Old Dog Shaking and Crying: Common Causes
Arthritis and Joint Pain
Arthritis is a common source of discomfort in older dogs. Changes in the joints can make walking, standing up, climbing stairs, or getting comfortable difficult.
An arthritic dog may shake or cry when moving, particularly after resting. Stiffness, slower walking, reluctance to jump, and reduced interest in activities may also occur.
Arthritis can often be managed with veterinary-guided treatment. Pain or mobility changes should not simply be dismissed as inevitable signs of old age.
Other Sources of Pain
Pain does not always come from the joints. Dental disease, ear problems, back pain, abdominal discomfort, skin conditions, and other painful issues can cause an older dog to tremble or vocalize.
A dog may become sensitive when touched, hide, pace, change sleeping positions, or behave differently.
Because dogs can hide pain, a sudden change in behavior can be an important clue. A veterinary examination can help identify the source.
Anxiety or Fear
Older dogs can become more anxious because of changes in their environment, routine, hearing, vision, or general confidence.
Anxiety can cause trembling, whining, pacing, panting, or seeking reassurance.
Some dogs become particularly unsettled at night or when left alone.
If the behavior has a clear environmental trigger, anxiety may be contributing. However, new anxiety in an older dog should be evaluated because pain, cognitive changes, or another illness can produce similar behavior.
Related: Dog Shaking and Crying (Causes and when to worry)
Cognitive Changes
Age-related cognitive changes can affect a senior dog’s sleep, awareness, and behavior. Some dogs become confused or restless, particularly at night, and may whine or tremble.
Other changes can include altered sleep patterns, wandering, increased vocalization, house-training accidents, or difficulty following familiar routines.
Cognitive changes are not the only possible explanation for new behavior in an older dog. A veterinarian can assess your dog for medical causes and discuss appropriate management.
Related: Old Dog Syndrome (Signs, Causes and treatment)
Nausea or Digestive Problems
Nausea can cause salivation, lip licking, restlessness, shaking, and loss of appetite. Older dogs may develop digestive problems or other illnesses that make them feel nauseated.
Vomiting, diarrhea, changes in bowel movements, drooling, or abdominal discomfort may also occur.
Persistent nausea or appetite loss requires veterinary attention, particularly when accompanied by lethargy or weakness.
Kidney or Liver Disease
Kidney and liver disorders can produce general signs such as reduced appetite, nausea, vomiting, lethargy, and changes in behavior. These conditions become more relevant when an older dog develops a persistent change in health.
Changes in thirst or urination, weight loss, weakness, or altered behavior may also occur.
Blood tests and other diagnostic testing can help determine whether an organ-related problem is contributing to the shaking and crying.
Neurological Problems
Neurological conditions can cause weakness, altered coordination, unusual movements, pain, or changes in awareness. An older dog may appear shaky or vocalize because of discomfort or difficulty controlling movement.
You may notice stumbling, weakness, changes in gait, head or body positioning, or unusual behavior.
Neurological symptoms warrant veterinary assessment because their causes can vary and some require prompt treatment.
Other Underlying Illness
Infections, metabolic disorders, heart or respiratory problems, and other diseases can cause an older dog to become weak, uncomfortable, or unusually vocal.
The symptoms may initially be nonspecific, making it difficult to determine the cause based on shaking and crying alone.
If the behavior is persistent or accompanied by appetite loss, breathing changes, weakness, vomiting, or other abnormalities, veterinary evaluation is important.
When to Call or Visit the Vet
An occasional tremble may have a simple explanation, but new or repeated shaking and crying in an older dog deserves attention.
Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice:
Persistent or worsening shaking or crying
Difficulty standing, walking, or getting comfortable
Obvious pain or sensitivity when touched
Loss of appetite, vomiting, or diarrhea
Significant weakness or unusual behavior
Changes in thirst or urination
Breathing difficulties
Collapse, severe distress, or rapidly worsening symptoms
Old Dog Shaking and Crying: Treatment
Veterinary treatment for an old dog that is shaking and crying starts with a thorough examination of the joints, muscles, spine, abdomen, mouth, neurological function, and overall health.
The veterinarian may recommend X-rays or other diagnostic imaging to identify problems that are not visible externally, while blood tests may be performed when appropriate to check for underlying illness or organ problems.
Treatment may include prescription pain relief, anti-inflammatory medication, treatment for an underlying illness, physical rehabilitation, supportive care, or other targeted therapy based on the diagnosis.
Key Takeaway
An old dog shaking and crying may be experiencing arthritis, another source of pain, anxiety, nausea, cognitive changes, neurological disease, kidney or liver problems, or another underlying illness.
Although senior dogs can naturally change as they age, persistent shaking and vocalization should not simply be considered part of getting older.
New behavioral changes can sometimes be an early indication of pain or disease.
If your older dog is repeatedly shaking or crying, arrange a veterinary examination to identify the underlying cause.
With appropriate evaluation and treatment, many sources of discomfort can be managed and your dog can be made more comfortable.