trembling in cocker spaniel

Question
QUESTION: My cocker spaniel is about 13 or 14 yrs old. She's doesn't see as good as she use to. But I've noticed she is trembling alot more...especially when she sleeps I notice her back legs tremble. What could be causing this and is she in pain?  Thank you

ANSWER: Rose, you said "especially" when she sleeps.  Where does she sleep?  And at what other times have you noticed trembling?  Does she have any trouble walking or going upstairs?  What is the climate like where you live?

At her age I'd certainly recommend a glucosamine supplement.
I really like Flexicose for Pets which you can order online.
Vets tend to give out Cosequin but I've found it gives a lot of elderly dogs diarreah.

Older dogs need "warmth" since like elderly people their body temperature can drop more easily.  A heated bed might give her comfort.  Putting a little doggie-sweater on her when she trembles may help.

But write back and answer my questions above and we'll see.
Delores

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: We have tile through out our house except in the bedrooms. I have laid out rugs for her to sleep on. And she will lay on them but sometimes she will sleep directly on the tile. She also trembles when she first wakes up and she is walking slower than she use to. I notice she favors her back hind legs.  She doesn't have the strength in them like she use to. We live in Las Vegas Nevada.

Answer
An elderly, arthritic dog sleeping on a cold tile floor is a problem.  Even a rug isn't enough..too hard.

No wonder she's chilled.  And she's undoubtedly in an air conditioned house.  Get a sweater on this old girl and get her a heated doggy bed.  Don't allow her to lay on cold tile.  

I'd definitely get her on some glucosamine.  Just type in "Flexicose For Pets" and their website will pop up.
Start with 1/4 tsp. morning and night and after two weeks you can reduce to 1/4 tsp. daily.
Delores