Veterinarians often encounter owners who ask: “Why is my dog shaking?” Below are several reasons and solutions to reduce tremors in dogs, as well as cases in which it is important to consult a veterinarian.
Cold
If you notice your dog shaking, don’t panic. The causes of chills, shaking, and shaking may not be that serious. Your dog may be shivering because he has short fur, no undercoat, and the temperature outside or inside is low.
Dogs shiver just like we humans do when they are cold. If you live in an area with a particularly cold climate, it’s worth investing in a jacket or coat for your dog. It’s also very important if you have a small or thin-coated dog: don’t let him stay outside for too long.
In rare cases, if dogs are left in cold air for too long, hypothermia (i.e., a condition in which the dog’s body temperature drops below that needed to maintain the body’s metabolism and functioning) can occur.
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If you notice that your dog is shaking and lethargic, contact your veterinarian immediately.
StressS
Dogs may also tremble due to fear or stress. In many cases, dogs are shaking and panting (breathing with their tongue hanging out) due to stress or anxiety. If your dog is afraid of fireworks or other loud noises, he may react by shaking when he hears them. Dogs often feel stressed when unusual and new things happen in their environment.
If your dog experiences severe stress due to loud noises, we recommend that you consult your veterinarian. Veterinarians can prescribe medications to reduce your dog’s stress, which you can give them as needed or before stressful events, especially on New Year’s Eve.
Joy
Sometimes dogs tremble with joy. If you notice your dog shaking when you return from work or after being away for a long time, don’t worry, it’s part of the expression of joy and positive emotions. This is a natural physical reaction in dogs, during which they use excess energy to calm themselves.
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Illness and pain
If you notice that your dog is shaking for reasons other than stress or low ambient temperatures, then you should be concerned. In many cases, dogs shiver due to poisoning, injury, immunodeficiency disorders, viral or other diseases. If your dog is shaking for these reasons, it is important to consult a veterinarian.
Trembling in dogs can be a sign of pain. Most often, pain and tremor are associated with joint diseases such as arthritis. Especially arthritis in the hind legs causes tremors in the hind legs of dogs.
Chills after physical activity
Dog owners sometimes worry when their pet starts shivering late in the evening, but there is no need to worry if you have walked your pet during the day or participated in intensive training or other types of exercises.
In many cases, dogs may shiver after strenuous physical activity in the evening or the next morning. This happens due to increased muscle innervation, muscle fatigue or the release of lactic acid. A dog may tremble due to muscle pain if he is not used to increased activity or if he is rarely very active.
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There is no need to worry if this occurs during the first two days after strenuous exercise. You can help your pet by taking him for light walks, but it’s better to take shorter, more frequent walks. If your dog trembles for longer, you should consult your veterinarian.
It is very important to remember that your pet’s physical activity should be regular, based on its physical capabilities, or increased gradually. Unfortunately, intense physical activity or exercise for an unprepared dog can cause not only tremors but also serious orthopedic diseases.
The dog trembles during sleep
Sometimes, in the veterinary clinic, owners anxiously talk about the fact that their dog trembles during sleep. However, just like humans, dogs dream. A dog may tremble while dreaming.
When dreaming, dogs not only tremble, but whine and may even bark. Dog tremors during sleep may be linked to relaxation of the body and changes in the dog’s sleep phases (from wakefulness to deep sleep and vice versa).
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If there are no additional symptoms that may cause concern, there is no need to worry. You should consult a veterinarian if your pet not only trembles during sleep, but also urinates, defecates, or drools. Such sleep disturbances may be symptoms of more serious problems.
Dog trembling after anesthesia
Sometimes dogs tremble before or after surgeries. This happens because the drugs used to induce general anesthesia affect the thermoregulatory center in the animal’s brain. Dogs are more likely to shake after surgery when trying to wake up from general anesthesia.
The Begemotas Veterinary Medical Center offers a method of general anesthesia that has less effect on the thermoregulatory center: inhalation anesthesia. The drugs used during inhalation anesthesia are eliminated from the body more quickly, allowing dogs and cats to wake up much faster, so their thermoregulatory center is not affected by the drugs for as long.
When should you see a vet about your dog’s tremors?
If the tremor lasts more than an hour and/or is accompanied by other symptoms, such as vomiting, it could be a sign of a serious illness, so your vet should examine your pet immediately. It is also important to consult a veterinarian if your dog is trembling and panting, trembling and not eating, and the tremor is accompanied by seizures, vomiting, drooling, diarrhea, and apathy.
If your puppy is shaking and it’s not due to a cold or stress, you need to see a vet. Puppies often shiver when they have viral infections, which can occur if the puppy has not been fully vaccinated or has contracted a viral disease when its immunity has not yet developed.
Begemotas veterinarians are always happy to advise all caring owners. Call us or register online to receive all the information you need from real veterinary professionals.
Furthermore, if your pet is at risk of poisoning or illness, the Begemotas Veterinary Medical Center will carry out targeted and necessary examinations and prescribe treatment. Begemotas veterinarians will ensure the happiness and health of your pets.
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