Has your dog been experiencing shaking or trembling issues lately? This might concern you a little bit. Shaking is normal in dogs. Dogs shake for different reasons, but things can get serious when they shake a lot. Sometimes, they may act that way out of excitement, anxiety, or catching a cold. However, some dogs seem to shake more than others, which can be a bit confusing for us as pet owners. In this article, we’ll discuss the reasons behind their shaking and share some tips on better supporting them.
The Common Reasons for Shaking Dogs
Dogs can shake for many reasons, and paying attention to their behavior can give us important clues about their feelings. Like us, dogs go through emotional highs, lows, and physical pain. If you see your dog shaking, it could be a sign that something isn’t quite right.
Let’s explore some common reasons why our furry friends might shake so we can help them feel more comfortable and secure.
1. Fear or Anxiety
Dogs often feel anxious or scared, especially during serious changes like moving to a new home, meeting new people, or being in unfamiliar places. If you notice your dog trembling or shaking often, it’s a sign that something might be bothering them.
Pay attention to what triggers them. Things like fireworks, loud noises, or even being left alone for too long can all add to their stress. Identifying these signs can help your furry friend feel more comfortable and secure.
2. Urge to Get Soaked
Have you ever seen your dog shake off after swimming or splashing in the water? It’s their way of getting rid of excess water and drying off. Dogs naturally shake to feel more comfortable, and honestly, it’s pretty entertaining to watch. On the contrary, shaking is normal for dogs and also helps prevent hypothermia.
So, if your dog does this, don’t get afraid. They are just trying to get rid of excess water. Having extra water in their body makes them irritable. Some dogs don’t want to take showers because of this. They feel uneasy when they get close to water. By removing extra water, dogs tend to shake their body.
3. Excitement
One of the common reasons dogs shake their body out of excitement. Especially when they get excited about playing with or getting attached to you, which makes them happy. When you give attention to your dog, they are over the moon. Since dogs are social creatures, they enjoy your companion. So, being close to you gets them so excited. It also helps them to lower excess energy and keep them contained. However, pay attention to their activities and body language. Don’t get scared when they shake their body to show their excitement.
4. Getting Aged
Getting old is common in every natural being. That also happens in dogs. Sometimes, dogs shake their bodies as they get old. Their muscles become weak. But shaking too much is quite unusual for your dog. Sometimes, they shake their legs due to the pain from the arthritis in their joints. If you sense some other symptoms along with shaking, don’t be too late to see your vet.
5. Sickness
You have noticed some health issues in your dog lately. Your dog is shaking quite often out of character. This may also happen when your dog feels bad or suffers from sickness. Shaking and muscle trembling are the most common symptoms of serious conditions. Dogs may experience distemper, hypoglycemia, and Addison’s disease, common diseases caused by an upset stomach. If these signs constantly show up, hurry to see your vet.
6. Seizures
Now, this might be a little bit concerning to you. When your dog is shaking, foaming at the mouth, or collapsing, it might be having a seizure. Some dogs might act impulsively before the seizure to show impatience. However, they can often be cured with medication. During that time, remember to keep your dog safe by moving any nearby objects that could cause harm and staying with them until the problem passes.
7. Temperature
Dogs also shake their body because of low temperatures. This is very common to act that way. Even as human beings, we sometimes shake due to low temperatures. Dogs often shake their body to balance their body temperatures. However, if your dog experiences some oddness, you can help by creating a cozy spot for them to curl up. A warm blanket or a favorite bed can make all the difference!
When You Should Be Concerned About Shaking?
If your dog is shaking out of the blue, wait a little while. Shaking can be a normal act to show curiosity and excitement. But sometimes, it gets serious for your dog. If your dog suddenly starts trembling or shaking and shows other signs like diarrhea, vomiting, or limping, it’s important to take them to the vet right away. Contact your vet right away if you think your dog may be experiencing heatstroke. They might advise you on how to care for your dog in chilly weather.
Conclusion
Understanding your dog’s behavior while shaking can be a sensitive topic. While shaking can sometimes be harmless, it can also cause serious issues, such as anxiety, discomfort, or even a medical issue. Pay attention to those behaviors and identify the signs of their sudden oddness.
A vet can offer you some suggestions on what to do in a critical situation. Also, considering the other symptoms, such as shaking or trembling, your dog might need surgery. Making them feel safe is our top priority. To give them security, let’s wrap them in a warm blanket on chilly days and give them a quiet space when they’re feeling stressed.
