This article was updated on September 18th, 2026
Even if everything has gone according to plan and the surgery was a success, some dogs might experience post-surgical trembling or shaking — making the post-operative period a little bit nerve-wracking for pet owners. When it comes to our furry friends, it’s only natural to be concerned about the after-effects of a surgical procedure.
In this article, I have compiled all of the essential things you should know to help manage this issue.
1. Shaking is a normal, temporary after-effect of undergoing surgery.
“Surgery and general anesthesia can often leave your pooch feeling a little out of sorts. All in all, postoperative shaking is normal and typically not something to be overly concerned with.”
For most dogs, shaking after surgery tends to be mild and temporary, lasting no more than a day or two, as long as the animal is kept warm and comfortable. Remember that the effects of anesthesia and recovery period will differ on a case-by-case basis, so don’t worry if your dog is shaking for longer than expected – they are working their hardest to recover!
The duration of postoperative shivering will depend on the type of surgery performed, the length of the procedure, the age of your dog, and their general health status. Shaking after surgery can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days, though it’s usually quite short-lived. In most cases, shaking will resolve and your dog will return to his normal behavior within 24-48 hours.
2. Causes include a physiological response to anesthetic, tiredness, coldness, and separation anxiety.
There are several reasons a dog may shake or shiver after undergoing surgery. Here are the most common causes:
2.1 Physiological Response
“In short, the intense physiological response triggered by a general anesthetic can cause delicate muscles in a dog’s body to contract involuntarily, resulting in differing degrees of shivering, trembling or twitching as you see the anesthetic wearing off. This may be restricted to one area or might affect their entire body.”
2.1 Tiredness
Since general anesthesia is known to depress many bodily functions, such as blood pressure and the respiratory system, your dog may become very tired from the excessive effort required to breathe on their own after coming out from under. This tiredness can then manifest itself in the form of trembling or shaking.
2.2 Separation Anxiety
Another contributing factor to a dog shaking after surgery is separation anxiety. Fear of being in a strange environment and having just undergone a stressful procedure can cause your dog to tremble.
2.3 Temperature
Anesthetic drugs decrease your dog’s metabolic rate, affecting their internal thermostat. Because of this, dogs are often cold after surgery, which can cause them to shiver until they’re able to increase and regulate their body temperature.
2.4 Pain or Discomfort
Finally, it is important to bear in mind that sometimes dogs will shake after surgery due to pain or discomfort that they may be feeling as a result of their procedure. If this is the case, your veterinarian will take care in prescribing appropriate pain medication to manage their condition.
3. What to do: post-surgery care is vital to help your pup recover from surgery.
“With surgery comes post-operative care, and it’s important to note that this has just as much importance as the procedure itself. A vet should always be consulted before and after any kind of operation, and they will give you a few tips on how best to look after your pet. They may even provide a tailored guide to post-surgery care for your dog, if necessary. “
While it is highly recommended to seek professional advice from your vet beforehand (as different operations will have different post-op considerations), and to keep up with any pain control medication your pet may have been prescribed, there are some easy home care measures you can take to assist with the healing process while your dog recovers. These include:
3.1 Making sure your pet is eating and drinking well.
Nutrition is key for recovery! Try feeding your dog a bland diet such as chicken, white fish and rice. Also, ensure that you provide them with plenty of water to keep them hydrated.
3.2 Limiting exercise and helping your dog rest.
Exercise should be limited for a while to help your dog recover; light walks are fine but nothing too strenuous. Gentle exercise in the form of short lead walks is recommended. Keep your dog calm and provide a quiet, relaxed environment to let them rest.
3.3 Monitoring the incision site.
Monitor the surgical site closely for signs of infection (and contact your vet if it seems infected.) Make sure to keep the incision site clean. After all, prevention is better than cure!
The tips above are good general advice, but it’s extremely important to take into account what procedure your dog has had before doing any of them as they may be directly contraindicated – always follow your veterinarian’s advice.
4. Consult your vet if the shaking lasts more than a few days or gets progressively worse.
Most dogs will stop shivering on their own in the days following their procedure. However, if the shivering continues for longer periods of time or becomes more intense, it’s important to consult your vet.
“If shaking persists for more than a few days post-op, then you should check back in with your vet – just to make sure everything is A-OK. But, if your dog is shaking a seemingly uncontrollable amount or appears to be in extreme pain or discomfort, you should contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. “
Your vet will know exactly what to look for when they examine your pup, and they’ll be able to provide the best advice on what you should do next.
If any other issues arise outside of the shaking, including nausea, lethargy, vomiting or diarrhea, apparent disorientation, or other alarming symptoms, you should also get in touch with your emergency clinic right away. In very rare circumstances, shaking may indicate a life-threatening condition.
Watch Over Your Dog’s Path to Recovery
Shaking or shivering is a common issue that most dogs experience after having surgery. While it is usually not a cause for concern, the key recommendation for post-op care is to monitor your dog carefully on his path to recovery. Ideally, this includes regular check-ins with your vet.
As your pup gets back to his old self after surgery or a general anesthetic, pet parents need to be vigilant and recognize signs of complications before they become serious health issues. If you keep an eye on your pet’s behavior and follow all of the tips outlined in this article for post-surgery care, then odds are that your furry friend will go from shaking to smiling in no time!
Common issues after surgery:
Dog’s Incision or Stitches Broke Open: Vet Advice + 1st Aid - If your dog has stitches for any reason, there’s always a chance that those stitches… [...]
Dog with Diarrhea After Surgery: Tips From Our Vet Surgeon - Post-surgery diarrhea is a frequent concern among pet owners after their animal undergoes a procedure.… [...]
Dog Whining or Crying After Surgery [Vet Surgeon Advice] - A common issue after a dog's surgery is excessive crying or whining. As a veterinary… [...]
Dog Constipated After Surgery? Our Surgeon Explains What to Do - Is your dog feeling a little clogged up after surgery? Having performed numerous surgeries on… [...]
Dog Not Eating After Surgery? Our Surgeon Shares What to Do - As a veterinary surgeon, one of the main problems I see in my practice is… [...]
Author
Disclaimer: This website's content is not a substitute for veterinary care. Always consult with your veterinarian for healthcare decisions. Read More.
