HOW COME MY DOG IS SHAKENING?

The canine body language is quite expressive. As much as we’d all benefit from them being able to speak to us directly, we have to make do with deciphering the meaning of their physical cues.

Understanding our dog’s body language might be challenging because we rely so much on verbal communication.

Dogs often tremble for a number of reasons. Although trembling and shivering are usually nothing to worry about, it’s still helpful to know the possible causes in case they’re related to something more serious.

COLD CHILLS

On a frigid winter day, no matter how many layers you wear, you always seem to feel a little chilly even though you’re sure you’re prepared. Your entire body is trembling; you can see your breath in the air and hear your teeth chatter.

Dogs shake for no apparent reason.

I can’t understand why my dog keeps trembling.
Shivering and shaking when exposed to cold weather is a natural, reflexive response shared by humans and canines. Shaking occurs when muscles contract and relax rapidly; this rapid blood circulation helps raise core body temperature. So, this aids in keeping the body temperature up and warding off hypothermia.

If your dog’s temperature drops below 37 degrees Celsius, you should be concerned about hypothermia. Take your dog to the vet immediately if you notice that they are shivering excessively, or if they are showing any of the other symptoms listed above, including lethargy, a slow heart rate, chattering teeth, and a feeling of coldness on their body.

ARE SOME BREEDS MORE LIKELY TO GET THE CHILLS?

Small, delicate canines like Chihuahuas are especially vulnerable to the effects of cold weather. The Chihuahua is the tiniest dog breed, weighing in at just 1.5–3 kilogrammes (kg). As a result, the tiny dog has a hard time keeping warm.

In addition, their rapid metabolism means that their boundless energy and body heat are swiftly burned off, despite their diminutive stature.

The shivering can also strike sighthound species like Whippets and Greyhounds. Sighthounds are sleek and lean, with a short, smooth coat. This suggests they are easily frightened.

It’s normal for some dogs to be more sensitive to the cold than others; this isn’t cause for alarm. Get your furry buddy a warm coat or a cute little canine jumper to wear when you take them for walks if they always seem to be shivering.

Make sure they have a comfortable spot to retreat to when they get home. Give them a blanket to wrap up in on those chilly winter evenings.

WASH AND BLOW DRY

Not much explanation is needed here. After a soak in the tub or a doggy paddling during a stroll, Fido will require a good shake to get rid of the dripping wetness on his fur.

Shaking off is an instinctive behaviour for dogs. With just a little shake, they are able to remove as much as 70 percent of the water from their coat, making it warmer and less likely to cause hypothermia.

My dog has no idea what’s wrong, yet he keeps shaking.

When did my dog start shaking?
After giving your dog a bath, you may not have time to grab a towel before it drenches you and everything around you.

Frankly, your dog can do a better job drying you off than a towel can. Expect to take a bath or a shower yourself.

EXCITEMENT

When you get home from a long day at the office and open the door to an overly enthusiastic dog, it’s hard not to feel a little bit of warmth.

Your dog might quiver and shake when greeting you or when they know they’re heading for a stroll. Nothing to worry about, your dog is just happy.

Dogs’ trembling is a universal canine method of expressing excitement, but the reason behind it remains a mystery. Younger dogs, who have not yet learned to exercise self-control, are the most likely to exhibit eager trembling. Although some dogs’ hyperactivity mellows with age, many puppies are born full of life and boundless energy.

Although there are no risks associated with this action (the shaking will stop once they relax again), you may wish to discourage it nonetheless. If your dog is easily overexcited, it’s important to start early lessons in self-control.

Though it’s difficult to contain one’s enthusiasm when first seeing one’s dog, it’s best to maintain a level head when greeting him or her. You may assist your dog remain calm by training them to sit when they see you come in the door.

FIREWORK FEAR

Another powerful feeling that makes our teeth tremble is this one. Nightfall on Bonfire Night means the start of a dazzling fireworks display. Many domesticated dogs suffer from anxiety if there are fireworks, thunderstorms, or times when they are left alone in the house.

You don’t want your dog to feel anxious or worried out, so there’s no need to worry if this shaking method doesn’t hurt. Behaviours including pacing, panting, whimpering, whining, and hiding might accompany trembling as a result of fear or worry. There’s no doubt this will make you feel all the feels.

This is a common problem in dogs, but it’s important to try to fix it. Learn what’s making your dog anxious, and then consistently reassure him with praise, rewards, and hugs until the problem disappears. Both of these are great diversions that many dogs will appreciate. Keep your cool, as dogs have an uncanny ability to mirror our emotions.

In more severe situations, a slow desensitisation process may be required. A combination of positive reinforcement and sweet treats, as well as a gradual introduction to the trigger that is triggering your dog’s trembling, should do the trick.

For a dog that is terrified of loud noises, you could, for instance, play a tape of fireworks very softly while lavishing your pet with praise and treats whenever it behaved normally. Playing time and volume can be increased over time.

This technique works wonders, particularly for dogs with a moderate phobia, but it will require a lot of time, patience, and understanding from you.

If your dog encounters the trigger frequently, a behaviourist may be able to help if you can’t get rid of it on your own.

ATTENTION

This one is sometimes the result of trembling from nervousness. When it comes to controlling you, your dog has it all figured out (paw).

Your dog may learn that when he or she shakes in fear, such as during a rainstorm, you rush to them with strokes, cuddles, and rewards.

While not necessarily harmful, you may find that your dog resorts to the shakes whenever he wants attention or a treat. If your dog begins to tremble (for no apparent reason), the best thing to do is to ignore it until the shaking stops.

SWEET DREAMS

Everyone has been guilty of drifting off to sleep while watching their dog because it’s so cute. Moreover, you may be experiencing an abundance of thankfulness because they’ve decided to rest instead of putting you through your paces.

Your dog may cry, bark, quiver, and shake while sleeping. Your dog is probably dreaming, perhaps of frolicking in a field all day, playing with some toys, or chowing down on some tasty treats. The fact that they tremble and twitch is a perfectly normal response to whatever it is.

My dog has no idea what’s wrong, yet he keeps shaking.

My dog has no idea what’s wrong, yet he keeps shaking.
Similar patterns of behaviour occur throughout both sleep and dreaming. This is because the dreaming stage of sleep known as rapid eye movement (REM) occurs during sleep for both humans and their canine companions.

MEDICAL CONCERNS

Your dog may be shaking for a variety of reasons, some of which may be serious. Canine distemper, a frequent virus among younger puppies who have not yet received all of their vaccinations, is one cause of trembling and shaking in dogs.

Your dog’s unusual trembling could potentially be caused by Addison’s illness, hypoglycemia, or an inflammatory brain disease.

You should keep a close check on your dog and look for any more signs of illness. Especially if the shaking is part of a pattern of other unusual behaviour, you should take your pet to the vet if you notice it has started doing so recently.

It’s also possible that your dog has generalised tremor syndrome (shaker syndrome), which causes him to tremble uncontrollably and rhythmically all over his body.

Although the root causes of this condition are still unknown, it was initially observed in petite, white breeds like the Maltese and the West Highland White Terrier. Thankfully, this is usually very simple to treat.

EAR INFECTIONS

Ear infections are especially common in dogs with long, floppy ears, but any dog can have one. Incorporate the ears of a Basset Hound and a Cocker Spaniel.

Your dog may have an ear infection if you notice them tossing their head and moving their floppy ears from side to side. A temporary respite from the irritation can be had with a rapid shake of the head.

When bathing your dog or allowing it to do the doggy paddle, keep in mind that water entering the ear canal is a typical cause of ear infections. To avoid infection, make sure their ears are completely dry.

NAUSEA

Your dog may quiver if they are feeling sick. Many canines experience motion sickness during automobile rides, resulting in symptoms like as excessive salivation, foaming at the mouth, yawning, licking, and even shaking.

If your dog gets car sick, even if you’re just taking him for a long walk, the prospect of getting in the car may cause him distress.

Because of this, your dog may begin trembling before you even put them in the car, an indication that they are already feeling queasy. Because of their dread, anxiety, and stress, dogs often tremble, and this relates to the previous point.

POISONING

Our dogs are naturally inquisitive, and they frequently find themselves in hot water once they decide to snack on someone else’s property.

Chocolate and the sugar substitute xylitol, found in a number of chewing gums, are just two examples of the many common human foods and drinks that can be harmful to our dogs.

It’s crucial to know what plants are dangerous for your dog, as many common garden plants and blooms are also harmful to canines.

Tremors and trembling are just one of many symptoms of poisoning. Disorientation, fatigue, drooling, vomiting, and diarrhoea are also symptoms. Consult your vet immediately if you think your dog has eaten something harmful or if they are already experiencing symptoms.

OLD AGE

Unfortunately, as our dogs age, they become increasingly vulnerable to a wide range of illnesses. An older dog’s trembling is most noticeable towards the back.

Our canine companions, like humans, experience a natural decline in muscle strength as they age, and this can manifest as trembling.

This could be a symptom of joint pain and arthritis, a degenerative ailment commonly seen in geriatric canines.

If you suspect your puppy is experiencing discomfort due to this, you should make an appointment with a veterinarian to discuss treatment options. Hydrotherapy, massage, and other forms of physiotherapy may be recommended by your vet to help strengthen their muscles and reduce their pain and discomfort.

SHAKING VS SEIZURES

You will be able to recognise the symptoms of a seizure as distinct from those of a simple shake or shiver. When your dog is having a seizure, they will twitch, jerk, collapse, and become unconscious because their muscles are spasming. Dogs that are simply shaking won’t appear to be having seizures and will nonetheless respond to your commands.

Repeated convulsions in a dog may be a symptom of epilepsy, just as they are in people. Dogs that have never experienced seizures before should be rushed to the clinic so that the cause can be identified.

RECAP

If your dog is exhibiting unusual shaking and you can’t put your finger on the cause, you should take them to the doctor to make sure it’s nothing serious.

Most of the time, you’ll be able to attribute your dog’s trembling to a specific event or sensation, such excitement, worry, fear, or even simple discomfort from the weather. The majority of these won’t cause much concern or harm.

Keeping a watch on your dog’s body language, including how he or she is shaking, can provide a wealth of information about the dog’s personality and behaviour.