Shaking in dogs can be scary! Whether it’s your dog shaking or one you just noticed from across the street, it’s crucial to understand the cause since it could signal an underlying issue that needs attention.
A lot of people have their dogs for companionship and protection. The idea of losing their dogs makes them nervous.
It causes them to take their dogs for a check-up every time they start to shake. In this post, there are some explanations for this strange behavior. We’ve also highlighted remedies for it. Read to the end!
What Does It Mean When A Dog Shakes
Dog shaking is a behavior that is involuntary quivering followed by weak movement.
The shake syndrome (generalized tremor syndrome) may occur in the head or neck, but it usually starts in the back and moves forward to the front of the dog’s body.
Tremors begin shortly after birth in shaking puppy syndrome, with symptoms appearing as early as two weeks of age. Aside from shaking, the puppy may have difficulty walking, balance, and coordination issues.
Ear infections make the dog shake only its head. Its other symptoms like redness, itchiness, and many others.
Common Causes Of Shaking Or Shivering In Dogs?
Cold Weather
When the weather outside is cold, your dog may start to shiver and shake. It is the natural way of trying to generate heat to keep your dog warm. If your dog is otherwise healthy and chilly, there’s no need to worry.
But if your dog is shaking uncontrollably or seems to be in pain, it could be something more serious, and you should take them to the vet.
As a pet owner, it can be hard to tell when your pup is simply hot versus when they’re suffering from an illness. The easiest way to know if your dog is hot (or overheating) is by feeling its chest for rapid panting.
A quick test: see how long you can hold one hand on the side of their rib cage without them moving away from you.
Hyperthyroidism
One potential reason why your dog is shaking could be hyperthyroidism. It occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much of the hormone thyroxine.
Symptoms include
- weight loss,
- increased appetite,
- increased thirst and urination.
If your dog has any of these symptoms, it’s vital to take them to the veterinarian immediately for a check-up.
Your vet will conduct a physical exam and may also perform blood tests. You can treat thyroid problems with medication or surgery, depending on what treatment is best for your pet.
Anxiety
Anxiety is a common emotion that humans experience daily. Many dogs can also encounter it, which may manifest in different ways, including shaking. Separation, Storm, Fear, or routine change can cause anxiety.
In Pain
Another possibility is that your dog is in pain and is trying to shake off the pain. If your dog is limping or if you notice any other abnormal changes in its behavior, it’s best to take them to the vet to get checked out. It could be a sign of something serious like arthritis.
Viral Infection
If your dog is shaking and seems unwell, it could be a viral infection. Canine parvovirus, for example, is a highly contagious virus that can cause severe gastrointestinal illness in many dogs.
Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and fever. If your dog shows any of these signs, take them to the vet immediately. Parvo has no cure, but it can be managed with medication if caught early enough.
Old Age
When it comes to aging, dogs are just like people. Their bodies and minds begin to change. Some of these changes are normal, while others can be illnesses.
One of the most common changes that people notice in older dogs is the change in food intake. They often begin to eat less, because they aren’t hungry.
It is nothing to worry about and is usually a part of the aging process. If your older dog is starting to eat less, you may notice that it is losing weight and shaking.
Poisoning
If you’re still wondering if your dog may have ingested poison, you should be aware that the signs of poisoning will depend on the type of toxin.
Dogs can ingest poisons by eating something that contains them or licking their fur.
Examples of toxins that can cause shaking in dogs are
- Chocolate,
- Caffeine,
- Rodenticides/Insecticides, Methomyl
- Illicit Drugs.
Seizures
If your dog starts shaking hard and you’re uncertain, it may be a seizure. They are sudden, uncontrollable shaking of the muscles.
Sometimes dogs shake only part of the dog’s body and may also lose control of their bladder or bowels.
Excitement
Dogs shiver for a lot of reasons, and one of those reasons is excitement. It is proof they are happy and waiting for something to happen.
It is common for dogs to shake when they are about to be fed or when they are about to go for a walk because they are so excited to do those things.
Nausea
Nausea which is an upset stomach can cause dog shaking. Other symptoms include;
- Puking
- Lip-smacking
- Slobbering
- Frequent gulping
What Should I Do If My Dog Keeps Shaking?
Many dog owners will be familiar with this question and the helplessness that comes with it. When your pup has an uncontrollable twitch or seizure-like motion, you want to help, but you’re not sure how.
While there isn’t always a quick fix, there are some things you can do to ease its discomfort and make sure they get the best care possible if they are experiencing seizures or something serious like epilepsy.
Diagnosing Why Your Dog Shakes
Dog’s shaking or trembling could be due to any of the causes above, and if it is accompanied by other symptoms, like vomiting or diarrhea, it could be a sign of something serious.
Dogs With Anxiety
If your dog displays signs of anxiety, here are a few things you can do to help them feel more comfortable.
- Identify what is causing their anxiety and remove or avoid that trigger.
- You can also help your dog relax by providing them with a quiet space to rest or by offering them a special toy or treat that they only get when they are anxious.
- If their anxiety is severe, you may need to consult with a veterinarian immediately.
Natural Remedies
Natural remedies you can use when your dog is shaking are
- Ensure they’re getting enough exercise. A good walk or run will help release any excess energy that might be causing the shaking.
- You can also massage their muscles to help relax them.
Vet Visit
A vet can determine if there is a medical reason (canine distemper) for the shaking and provide veterinary medicine if necessary. In the meantime, try to keep your dog calm and comfortable.
What Does It Look Like When A Dog Has Tremors?
Tremors are involuntary movements of the body. In dogs, tremors occur due to a variety of disorders and diseases. The most common causes include cold, pain, and fever. A common example of tremor is the generalized tremor syndrome also known as white shaker dog syndrome.
Signs of tremors in dogs may include:
- Unusual body movements that are not normal for your pet.
- Inability to stand still.
- Weak muscles or lips.
- Lack of coordination – moving one leg at a time instead of using both legs to walk, run or play.
How Long Do Dog Tremors Last?
The duration of tremors depends on the underlying cause and severity.
For example, the most common cause of tremors in dogs is a traumatic brain injury, which affects the nervous system and leads to a wide range of neurological signs such as trembling, wobbly legs, freezing, seizure disorders, and muscle weakness.
In some cases, these symptoms can be mild or temporary. Brain injuries also cause long-term neurologic changes leading to more severe health problems like blindness and renal failure.
If your dog has tremors that last longer than a few days or begin accompanied by other symptoms such as chronic pain or muscle weakness, you should take veterinary medicine prescribed by your vet.
FAQs
What do dog seizures look like?
Seizure disorders are more than just a series of spasms. They are not just a result of epilepsy.
It is a temporary involuntary disruption of normal brain function accompanied by uncontrollable muscle activity.
If a dog has a seizure, it is vital to assess what type of dog seizure is occurring and its possible causes. The causes of dog seizures may include but are not limited to:
- Brain tumors
- Low blood sugar
- Low oxygen levels
- Heart disease
- Allergies
- Infections
- Poisoning
- Brain hemorrhage
- Metabolic problems
- Brain infections
- Stroke.
What’s the difference between tremors and seizures?
One key difference between these two neurological functions is that Tremors are rhythmic and repetitive, while seizures are unpredictable and can occur at any time.
Tremors can be present during sleep or while awake, but seizures are always only present when a person is awake.
Also, seizures often precede auras, but tremors do not.
When to see a vet?
It may seem like a normal thing to see your dog shaking. It happens to most dogs, but they usually stop after a while. If this is the case, then there is no cause for alarm.
If it continues, you should take your dog to the vet. If a dog shivers, pants, drools, or has a rigid body movement, there is a problem.
Diseases can be fatal, and your dog has an illness that needs medical attention.
The sooner you can get your dog to the vet, the greater the chance it will make a full recovery.
Conclusion
Shaking is a common symptom of anxiety in our dogs. It may occur in dogs from many sources, but I suspect it is trying to adjust to living with a new person or family. They are pack animals and rely on us for leadership and structure. When we move, bring home a new dog, or even change our daily routines more than usual, our dogs can become stressed and uncomfortable until they learn to cope in this new environment.
Related topic: Why do dogs sniff butts?
*photo by PantherMediaSeller – depositphotos