Idiopathic head tremors in dogs

Idiopathic head tremors are common in young to middle aged dogs especially bulldogs, boxers and Labradors.

There is often a familial component and the tremors can be triggered by:

• a recent painful event
• a temporary dip in blood glucose
• lowering of blood calcium
• allergens
• trauma
• nothing discernible at all

It is easy to confuse the condition with focal seizures.

Anti-epileptic medication is not beneficial in true cases of idiopathic tremors. There is anecdotal evidence that feeding a sugar-rich meal can immediately alleviate the tremors, even in those cases where blood glucose levels have been normal.

Idiopathic head tremors in Bailey the boxer. Video: LaurenDu / YouTube