6 Causes of Shaking, Shivering, and Trembling in Dogs
Even dogs dressed in cute sweaters and caps can experience shakes and shakes. It is because cold weather isn’t all that causes our furry friends to shake.
What Causes Dogs to Shiver?
The dogs often shiver for harmless reasons; however, their shivering could also indicate a need for assistance. What triggers a dog to be chilly? When should you intervene? Here are the most common causes of dogs shaking and the steps you should take to assist.
1. Chilly
The most straightforward answer to “Why does my dog shake?” is that they’re cold. It shivers in cold weather as a voluntary response to protect against hypothermia. Due to the low mass and its tiny size, Chihuahuas are more prone to shiver than other breeds.
If your dog doesn’t like cold weather, you need to reduce the amount of exposure. A coat or dog sweater can aid in keeping it warm. A dog bed next to an electric heater and warm blankets will be ideal on cold winter nights.
2. Anxiety, Stress, and Fear
Fear and anxiety are also powerful emotions that can lead to the sensation of shivering. While shivering is not always dangerous in this instance, stress isn’t more beneficial for your pet than for you.
Reassure your pet and as much as you can remove the cause of stress. If your dog is shaking during storms, you can try playing with soft toys or masking the noises.
If you observe that the same thing causes dogs to shake, diverting their focus. Dogs are also extremely sensitive, and they are very adept at mimicking your emotions of you in times of stress or nervousness.
If you are at peace and avoid a stressful situation in your home, your dog will be able to notice and discover that there’s no reason to be worried.
3. Excitement
If a dog is happy or excited, it might feel a shiver. There is no reason for this; however, a theory suggests it’s an expression of extreme emotion. The shivering described above isn’t hazardous; it is likely to stop when the person is calm.
Most of the time, you can avoid this kind of shaking. Dogs can become exuberant and hyperactive if you fail to take control of their behavior. Reward your dog for a calm demeanor and keep your eyes off it whenever it behaves badly.
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4. Attaining Attention
If you are quick to soothe your pet when it starts to shiver, the dog might discover that shivering can effectively gain your attention. Some dogs may even shake when begging for food to earn your sympathy.
According to Millan, even though this behavior isn’t always harmful, enforcing it isn’t a good decision. If your dog isn’t experiencing any other cause of shivering, it is best to ignore this obvious tug at your heart as the best choice.
5. Illness or Pain
Shivering can signify that the dog may be suffering from pain or disease. The shivering and muscle tremors could be indications of serious ailments like hypoglycemia, distemper, and Addison’s disease. They can also be signs of inflammation of the brain and more minor conditions like digestive issues.
Shivering that is constant could indicate generalized tremor syndrome, sometimes called shaker syndrome, a stable condition that your vet can treat by administering medications.
Be on the lookout for any other indications of injury or illness. Consult your veterinarian immediately If your dog is shivering and exhibits behavior that is not usual. Finding a reputable pet hospital San Diego will benefit you and your pet.
6. Old Age
Tremors are common in dogs as they get old because of weakening leg muscles. However, shivering may be an indication of joint pain or arthritis. If you notice your elderly dog shaking, it may need a dog orthopedic surgeon San Diego.
Seizures vs. Shaking
Normal shaking and shivering are not identical to a seizure, where the muscles become tense, and the dog loses mobility and awareness of the surroundings. If you suspect your dog may suffer from an attack of seizures and has not received any treatment, immediately take your dog to an emergency vet.
Final Thoughts
Shivering is a common cause of stress for dogs and is not very serious; however, we recommend talking to your vet when you are unsure, “Why is my dog shaking?” They can help you understand why your dog shivers and determine if something more serious happens. Even if there’s no reason to be concerned, having an opinion from a vet will provide you with peace of mind.
