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My dog keeps shaking, clenching jaws, and collapsing. Is it seizures?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Maltese | Female | spayed | 13 lbs

Hi, I have a 2 year old white maltipoo. Two days ago she started shaking and clenching her jaws. She would try to stand on her legs but her legs would give way. The same thing had happened a few months ago. When it first happened, by the time we got ready to rush her to the vet she had stopped shaking. So when it happened again 2 days ago, I just held her and comforted her. Do you know what is wrong with her? Thank you.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Chad Brown, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 28th, 2018

I am so sorry to hear about Coco. I know how scary this can be for the dog as well as the owner. You have my sympathies. The first disease that comes to mind when you were describing her symptoms was one called idiopathic epilepsy or seizures. Unfortunately, dogs of her breed can start to have seizures at an early age. Another disease of small small breed dogs is a condition called hypoglycemia or low blood sugar. This disease can also cause the same symptoms as seizures. I strongly encourage you to make an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible even if she is acting completely normal. In fact, that would be the best time to do a physical exam as well as diagnostic testing like bloodwork so that you can have medications on board or at home to give if she exhibits the symptoms again. Not to mention, with something as serious as this could be, you need to have a correct diagnosis performed by your local veterinarian so that they can help you treat any problems you may have in the future. I hope this helps.

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