Noticing a dramatic change in your dog can be very concerning. And it can be hard to know when it’s something small, or something that needs a vet trip. So let’s take a deeper look at some of the common causes and when you should seek help when you’re asking yourself why your dog is shaking.
If your dog has any other symptoms such as vomiting or foaming at the mouth, you should take your dog to the vet immediately.
Normal Shaking in Dogs
There are some perfectly normal reasons why your dog might be shaking.
Shaking off Water
If your dog just had a blast splashing around or had a much-needed bath, you might catch them shaking themselves. This behavior is how dogs get rid of excess water from their fur. That prevents skin conditions, or fungus buildup under their thick coat.
Shaking With Excitement
Some breeds and individual dogs might shake when they get excited. You might notice your dog shaking after or during an intense play session. Dogs can get amped up during playtime. Shaking helps release some of that built-up adrenaline.
Shivering in Cold Weather
Just like us, dogs can catch a chill in colder temperatures. When the weather turns frosty, you might see your pup shivering. It’s their body’s way of generating heat to stay warm. So, if it’s cold outside, consider providing them with a cozy dog jacket.
Emotional Factors
While external factors can cause a dog to shake, there are some mental and emotional reasons that can cause your dog to shake.
Anxiety And Fear-Related Shaking
Spotting signs of anxiety can help you determine why your dog is shaking. Noticing these other signs might help you narrow things down when you talk to your vet about the shaking.
Paw Licking and Excessive Grooming
If you notice your pup constantly licking their paws or grooming themselves excessively, it might be a sign that they’re feeling on edge. You can try to give your pup CBD oil to help.
Panting and Pacing
Coupled with heavy panting, it’s like they’re trying to shake off their nerves physically. So when you see your dog wearing a rut in the carpet, take it up with your vet.
Destructive Behavior
This behavior is often associated with “bad dogs”, but when dogs are anxious, they might take it out on things around them. Chewing, digging, or tearing things apart can be their way of coping with their inner turmoil.
Trembling or Shaking
Anxiety and fear can make your dog shake. If their shaking seems to happen out of the blue or in specific situations, anxiety might be the culprit.
Loss of Appetite
Anxiety can mess with your dog’s appetite. If you notice any change in your dog’s appetite, it could be anxiety or another serious problem.
Remember, every dog is different, and your dog might show more subtle signs of anxiety than others. If you notice any of these symptoms and suspect anxiety might be the cause of your dog shaking.
Things like storms, fireworks, and other sounds can cause an anxious dog to shake.
Medical Reasons for Shaking
If you’ve been to the vet recently and you notice your dog shaking there could be some medical reasons why. And if you haven’t been and notice other symptoms you may want to take your dog in.
Pain and Discomfort
Just like us, dogs can experience aches and pains that make them shake. It could be anything from a sore muscle from too much fun or an injury we haven’t noticed. When they’re hurting, shaking can be their way of telling us something is wrong. Dogs in pain can also lash out, so it’s best to find the cause and get it under control.
Fever and Infections
When dogs are running a fever or fighting off an infection they might be fighting off a fever. Or worse an infection. The two are commonly seen together. However, keep in mind that a dog’s body temperature is higher than ours naturally.
Gastrointestinal Upset
Dogs can experience tummy troubles just like humans. If they have an upset stomach or are dealing with nausea, it might lead to wobbly legs.
Tick-Borne Diseases
Oh, ticks. Such a small creature can cause a lot of damage to your pup. These tiny pests can carry nasty diseases like Lyme disease. Which can cause shaking and tremors in dogs. If you live in a tick-prone area or notice any other symptoms, it’s time to give your vet a buzz.
Neurological Issues
Now, this one might sound a bit scary, but don’t worry – it’s not always the case. Certain neurological conditions can lead to shaking in dogs. Things like seizures or other nervous system disorders can cause involuntary tremors. If you notice your pup shaking uncontrollably or having other unusual behaviors, best to get them checked out by a professional.
Environmental Factors
As if all the reasons above weren’t enough, there are still a few more dangerous reasons why your dog might be shaking. And when you notice your pup tremble, their environment is the first place you should look.
Toxic substances and poisoning
Dogs are curious creatures. Sometimes their exploration can lead them to get into things they shouldn’t. Here are some common toxic substances to watch out for that can cause your dog to shake.
Household Chemicals
Household cleaning products like bleach, detergents, and disinfectants might keep our homes spick and span, but they can pose serious risks to our dogs. Ingesting or coming into contact with these chemicals can lead to a range of symptoms, including shaking, vomiting, or even more severe reactions.
Human Medications
Medications that are safe for us can be dangerous for dogs. Common pain relievers like acetaminophen and ibuprofen, as well as some prescription medications, can be toxic to our furry friends. Always store your medications securely and never give your dog any medication without consulting your veterinarian.
Certain Foods
While some human foods are okay in moderation, others can be downright hazardous for dogs. Chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, and xylitol (a sugar substitute found in some peanut butter and sweets) are just a few examples of foods that can be toxic to our canine companions.
Plants
Some plants can be deceptive and harmful to dogs. Azaleas, lilies, daffodils, and sago palms are just a few plants that can cause symptoms ranging from mild gastrointestinal upset to severe poisoning if ingested.
Pest Control Products
Got pesky pests invading your home or garden? Be cautious with pest control products, as they often contain chemicals that can be toxic to pets. Keep your dog away from treated areas and store these products safely out of their reach.
If you suspect that your dog has ingested a toxic substance or is experiencing any unusual symptoms, don’t wait! Contact your veterinarian or a pet poison helpline immediately. Time is of the essence when dealing with potential poisoning, so getting professional help right away can make a big difference.
Allergies and sensitivities
Just like some of us might sneeze or itch when exposed to allergens, dogs can have their share of sensitivities too! Environmental allergens like pollen, dust, or even certain cleaning products can make their skin crawl – literally! Shaking might be their way of trying to shake off the itchiness.
Furthermore, itchy skin from food allergies may be a culprit as well. Keep an eye out for excessive itching, dry skin, and redness.
When to Seek Veterinary Care
It’s only natural to worry when your dog starts shaking unexpectedly. While some shaking can be harmless and normal, there are situations when it’s best to hit the vet’s office. Let’s talk about when it’s time to seek professional care for your shaking pup.
Persistent and Frequent Shaking
If your dog’s shaking seems to be going on for a while or happening frequently. It’s a good reason to give your vet a call. Frequent shaking can be a sign that something’s bothering your pup, and they might need some medical attention.
Severe Shaking or Tremors
We all have little twitches now and then, but if your dog’s shaking is severe or looks more like tremors, that’s definitely cause for concern. Tremors can be a sign of neurological issues or other underlying health problems that need to be addressed.
Shaking Accompanied by Other Symptoms
Keep an eye out for any other unusual symptoms that might accompany the shaking. Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite. These can all be red flags that something serious is going on.
Change in Behavior
Dogs are creatures of habit. Any sudden changes in behavior can be a clue that something’s amiss. If your once outgoing and happy-go-lucky pup suddenly becomes withdrawn or anxious. It’s time to see your vet.
Exposure to Possible Toxins
If you suspect your dog might have ingested something toxic, don’t wait to see if symptoms develop. Some toxic substances can cause immediate reactions and require immediate medical attention.
Pre-existing Health Conditions
If your dog has any pre-existing health conditions, such as epilepsy or diabetes, and the shaking is new. It’s crucial to seek veterinary care. Existing health issues can sometimes lead to complications that need professional management.
Always remember, you know your dog best! If your gut tells you something is off, don’t hesitate to reach out to your veterinarian. They have the knowledge and expertise to diagnose any underlying issues and recommend the best course of action for your furry friend.
Conclusion
So as you can see there are various reasons why your dog is shaking. However, each symptom tells us something different. Understanding why dogs shake is crucial for responsible pet ownership, as it enables us to provide the appropriate care and support they need.
There are some natural behaviors that can cause a dog to shake. Such as after a bath.
However, sometimes, shaking can be a signal of deeper emotions or medical issues.
Fear and anxiety can cause dogs to tremble. Loud noises, unfamiliar environments, or separation can also cause your dog to shake. Recognizing the signs of anxiety allows us to create safe spaces and provide comforting reassurance to help them through uneasy times.
On the medical front, shaking can be a red flag indicating pain, infections, or even tick-borne diseases. It’s essential to pay attention to other symptoms and seek veterinary care when necessary to address any potential health concerns promptly.
Environmental factors, such as exposure to toxic substances or allergens, can also trigger shaking in our furry friends. Awareness of the hazards in our surroundings and taking preventive measures can go a long way in ensuring their safety and well-being.
When in doubt, always talk to your vet about your dog shaking. But once you understand the why, you can come up with a plan on how to handle those shakes.