Dog Eye Discharge and Shaking: What These Signs May Mean | PawAI Lab

Seeing your dog develop eye discharge alongside shaking or trembling can be unsettling. These two symptoms together can arise from several different conditions, some of which are straightforward and others that may need more in-depth investigation.

Quick Answer

Eye discharge and shaking in dogs can be associated with infections, pain, fever, anxiety, neurological conditions, or toxin exposure. The type of discharge and the pattern of shaking can help narrow down possible causes, but a veterinary examination is generally recommended to determine the source and appropriate course of action.

SYMPTOM TRIAGE

Concerned about your dog's symptoms? Use our free Symptom Triage Tool to assess the situation and understand whether veterinary care may be needed.

What You Might Be Observing

Eye discharge can appear as watery, clear tearing; yellowish or greenish pus; or thick, crusty material collecting in the inner corners of the eyes. It may be present in one eye or both, and it can range from a slight moistness to a heavy flow that stains the fur below the eye.

Shaking in dogs can take several forms. Generalized trembling or shivering often affects the whole body and may be continuous or intermittent. Head shaking is more localized and can suggest ear discomfort or irritation. Some dogs exhibit a fine, muscle-fasciculation tremor, while others show a more pronounced, full-body shake that resembles what dogs do when wet but occurs without an obvious trigger.

When these symptoms appear together, it is worth considering whether they might stem from a single cause or whether two separate issues are occurring at the same time. In many cases, a shared underlying factor is responsible.

Possible Causes to Consider

Several categories of conditions can produce both eye discharge and shaking.

Infections with fever. One of the more common reasons for this symptom pairing is an infection that produces a fever. Dogs with a fever often shiver or tremble as their body temperature rises. At the same time, bacterial or viral infections such as conjunctivitis, respiratory infections, or canine distemper can lead to ocular discharge. If your dog feels warm to the touch, seems lethargic, and has both discharge and shaking, a fever-related infection may be involved.

Pain or discomfort. Dogs that are in pain may tremble or shake. If the source of pain is near the eyes, such as a corneal ulcer, scratch, glaucoma, or foreign body in the eye, discharge often accompanies the pain. Dental pain from an abscessed upper tooth can also radiate toward the eye area, causing both discharge and shaking or head tremors.

Ear infections. Ear infections are a frequent cause of head shaking in dogs. Because the ears and eyes are closely connected anatomically, ear infections can sometimes cause secondary eye discharge, particularly if the infection involves the inner ear or extends to surrounding tissues. You may also notice redness, odor, or discharge from the ear canal itself.

Anxiety or stress. Stress and anxiety can cause trembling in dogs. If your dog is experiencing anxiety due to a new environment, a stressful event, or generalized anxiety, the physical stress response may manifest as shaking. Concurrent eye discharge could be related to an existing allergy or mild infection that becomes more noticeable during a stressful period.

Neurological conditions. Certain neurological conditions can cause tremors or shaking and may also affect the eyes. Distemper, for example, can cause both neurological tremors and ocular discharge. Brain lesions, seizures, or conditions affecting the cranial nerves may also produce unusual eye symptoms along with tremors or shaking episodes.

Toxin exposure. Ingestion of certain toxins, including some plants, chemicals, medications, or foods that are toxic to dogs, can cause trembling or shaking as a neurological symptom. Eye discharge may develop if the toxin causes systemic illness, dehydration, or specific ocular effects.

Hypoglycemia or metabolic imbalances. Low blood sugar, particularly in small breed puppies or dogs with diabetes being treated with insulin, can cause trembling and weakness. Eye discharge may result from concurrent illness or immune suppression associated with metabolic instability.

Cold or hypothermia. In cold conditions, dogs may shiver, and if they are also experiencing mild eye irritation or a pre-existing condition, discharge may become more visible. While cold exposure alone does not typically cause eye discharge, it can worsen existing symptoms.

What to Monitor

Keeping a record of your observations can help your veterinarian identify the cause more efficiently.

Type of shaking. Note whether the shaking is full-body, localized to the head, continuous, or episodic. Record whether it occurs at rest, during movement, or in specific situations.
Discharge details. Document the color, thickness, and whether the discharge comes from one or both eyes. Take photos if possible.
Temperature. If you are able, take your dog's temperature with a rectal thermometer. A normal canine temperature is typically between 101 and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit (38.3 to 39.2 degrees Celsius).
Appetite and behavior. Note any changes in eating, drinking, energy level, or mood.
Additional symptoms. Watch for vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, sneezing, ear scratching, pawing at the face, drooling, or difficulty walking.
Timeline. Record when each symptom was first noticed and whether it has progressed.

What to Do

The appropriate response depends on the severity and context of the symptoms. If your dog is alert and otherwise behaving normally, a non-emergency veterinary appointment within a day or two may be sufficient. If the shaking is severe, constant, or accompanied by other concerning signs, more urgent evaluation is warranted.

Avoid giving your dog any human medications, including pain relievers or eye drops, without veterinary guidance. Many human medications are toxic to dogs, and applying the wrong eye treatment can worsen certain ocular conditions.

Keep your dog in a calm, comfortable environment. If you suspect cold exposure, bring them indoors and provide warmth. Ensure they have access to fresh water, as both infections and metabolic conditions can lead to dehydration.

When to Contact a Veterinarian

Seek veterinary attention promptly if you observe any of the following:

Constant or severe shaking or tremors that do not stop
Collapse, inability to stand, or difficulty walking
Seizure-like activity or loss of consciousness
High fever (above 104 degrees Fahrenheit or 40 degrees Celsius)
Eye discharge that is thick, bloody, or accompanied by extreme swelling
Visible cloudiness, bulging, or damage to the eyeball
Signs of pain such as whimpering, hiding, or aggression when touched
Known or suspected toxin exposure
Symptoms that are rapidly worsening

If your dog is a puppy, a senior, or has a pre-existing health condition, earlier veterinary evaluation is generally advisable, as these dogs can deteriorate more quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can an ear infection cause both eye discharge and head shaking?

Yes. Ear infections are a common cause of head shaking in dogs and can lead to secondary eye discharge due to the proximity of ear and eye structures. Your veterinarian can examine the ears to determine whether an infection is contributing to both symptoms.

My dog is shaking and has clear eye discharge. Is this an emergency?

Clear, watery discharge is generally less concerning than thick yellow or green pus. However, shaking can have many causes, some of which require urgent attention. If the shaking is mild and your dog is otherwise alert and eating, a veterinary visit within a day or two is reasonable. If the shaking is severe or your dog seems very unwell, seek care immediately.

Can anxiety cause a dog to shake and have eye discharge?

Anxiety can cause trembling or shaking. If eye discharge is present at the same time, it may be coincidental, related to a separate condition such as allergies, or worsened by stress. While anxiety itself does not typically produce eye discharge, stress can exacerbate existing mild symptoms.

Could my dog have distemper if they are shaking with eye discharge?

Canine distemper is one possible cause of both symptoms, particularly in unvaccinated dogs or puppies. However, many other conditions can produce the same combination. A veterinary examination and diagnostic testing are necessary to determine the cause. Vaccination history is an important factor your veterinarian will consider.

SYMPTOM TRIAGE

Use our Symptom Triage Tool to evaluate your dog's symptoms and receive guidance on whether a vet visit may be needed.

Sources

American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO)
Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS)
Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
Merck Veterinary Manual

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary advice. If your dog is experiencing eye discharge and shaking or any other health concern, consult a licensed veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Every dog's health situation is unique, and only a qualified veterinary professional can assess your pet's individual needs.