Dog Snorting and Shaking: Possible Causes and Next Steps
When a dog is both snorting and shaking, the combination can be unsettling. These two signs may share a common cause, or they may stem from separate issues occurring at the same time.
Quick Answer
A dog that is snorting and shaking at the same time may be experiencing fever, pain, anxiety, a nasal foreign body, or toxin exposure. Shaking that is accompanied by snorting can signal discomfort that ranges from mild to serious. Observing additional signs and seeking timely veterinary advice helps determine the underlying cause.
SYMPTOM TRIAGE
Answer a few questions about your dog's signs and receive general guidance on how urgently to seek veterinary care.
This tool does not diagnose conditions or replace a veterinarian.
Possible Causes of Snorting and Shaking
Fever
An elevated body temperature is one of the more common reasons a dog may shake or tremble. Snorting can accompany a fever if the underlying infection involves the respiratory tract. Respiratory infections, kennel cough, and other infectious conditions can produce both nasal signs and fever-related shivering.
Pain or discomfort
Pain anywhere in the body can cause a dog to shake or tremble. If the pain is located in the nasal area or the mouth, the dog may also snort. Potential sources of pain include dental disease, a tooth root abscess that has extended into the nasal cavity, sinus inflammation, or injuries to the face. Dogs experiencing pain may also be reluctant to eat or may paw at their face.
Anxiety or stress
Anxiety can produce visible shaking or trembling in dogs, particularly in certain breeds. If a dog is anxious due to a stressful event such as a loud noise, a change in environment, or separation from an owner, rapid breathing and snorting-like sounds may also occur. In these cases, the shaking and snorting tend to resolve once the stressor is removed.
Nasal foreign body
A foreign object such as a grass awn, seed, or small piece of debris can become lodged in the nasal passage. This causes sudden, forceful snorting, pawing at the nose, and sometimes sneezing. The discomfort of a foreign body may also cause the dog to shake its head or tremble. Nasal discharge, sometimes bloody, may develop on the affected side.
Toxin exposure
Exposure to certain toxic substances can cause neurological signs including tremors, shaking, and muscle twitching. If a toxin also irritates the respiratory tract, snorting or coughing may occur. Examples include certain plants, household chemicals, rodenticides, and some medications. Onset in these cases is often relatively sudden.
Seizure activity
In some cases, what appears as shaking may be related to seizure activity. A dog that has experienced a seizure may snort or make respiratory noises during or after the episode. Post-seizure confusion, drooling, or temporary loss of coordination may also be observed.
What to Observe at Home
Careful observation helps determine whether the situation requires urgent care. Note:
- How suddenly the snorting and shaking began
- Whether the shaking is continuous or intermittent
- Whether the dog seems alert and responsive or confused and disoriented
- Any signs of nasal discharge or pawing at the face
- Whether the dog has been in an environment where toxins could be accessed
- The dog's appetite, energy level, and behavior
Try to keep the dog calm and comfortable while you assess the situation. Avoid placing your fingers inside the dog's nostrils, as this can push a foreign object deeper or cause injury.
When to Contact a Veterinarian
Seek veterinary care promptly or visit an emergency clinic if:
- Shaking is severe, continuous, or resembles a seizure
- The dog is unable to stand or walk normally
- There are signs of toxin exposure such as vomiting, drooling, or unusual behavior
- The dog is lethargic, unresponsive, or appears confused
- Breathing is labored, rapid, or the dog is breathing with an open mouth
- The shaking began suddenly after possible access to a toxic substance
Schedule a routine appointment if:
- Shaking is mild and intermittent
- The dog remains alert, eating, and otherwise behaving normally
- Snorting is occasional and no other signs are present
When toxin exposure is suspected, contact a veterinarian or a pet poison helpline immediately rather than waiting, as prompt treatment can be important.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can kennel cough cause shaking?
Kennel cough primarily causes a dry, hacking cough, but it can sometimes be accompanied by a low-grade fever. A fever may cause a dog to shiver or shake. If the cough sounds like snorting or the dog is also showing signs of illness such as lethargy or loss of appetite, a veterinary evaluation can help determine the cause.
Is shaking after snorting always a sign of something serious?
Not necessarily. Some dogs shake or tremble for benign reasons such as excitement, cold, or mild stress. However, when shaking appears alongside persistent snorting, it is worth monitoring closely and consulting a veterinarian if the signs do not resolve within a short period or if additional symptoms develop.
Can a grass awn in the nose make my dog shake?
Yes. Grass awns, also called foxtails, can embed in the nasal passage and cause significant irritation. This may lead to forceful snorting, sneezing, head shaking, and pawing at the nose. A foreign body in the nasal cavity should be addressed by a veterinarian, as it can migrate and cause further damage.
Should I try to remove a foreign object from my dog's nose?
You should avoid attempting to remove a foreign object from your dog's nose yourself. Pushing or pulling without proper tools and restraint can cause injury or drive the object deeper. A veterinarian can safely remove the object using specialized equipment.
SYMPTOM TRIAGE
If your dog is snorting and shaking, the symptom triage tool can help you assess how urgent the situation may be and whether an immediate vet visit is advisable.
Sources
- Merck Veterinary Manual - Nasal Foreign Bodies in Dogs
- American Kennel Club - Why Is My Dog Shaking?
- VCA Animal Hospitals - Toxin Exposure in Dogs
This article and the PawAI Symptom Triage tool provide general educational information only. They cannot examine your pet, make a diagnosis, or replace advice from a licensed veterinarian. Contact a veterinarian promptly if symptoms are severe, worsening, persistent, or accompanied by emergency warning signs.