Article: My dog is shaking: causes and measures

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My dog is shaking: causes and measures

Your dog is suddenly trembling, even though it's warm and there are no apparent reasons. But why do dogs tremble? This can understandably worry you, especially if the trembling lasts for a while or occurs regularly. In this guide, you'll learn about the most common causes of trembling in dogs, what you can do, and when it's time to see your vet.

Trembling in dogs – Why dogs tremble!

Trembling in dogs is a common phenomenon that can occur for various reasons. It's important to observe the different indicators to better assess whether it's a harmless condition or a more serious problem. If a dog is trembling, it can be due to simple causes like cold or stress, but it can also indicate health issues.

To ensure your dog's well-being, as a dog owner you should get an overview of the possible causes and reasons why a dog trembles.

Cold as a cause of shivering in dogs

A common and often harmless scenario is shivering from the cold in dogs. Dogs, especially small breeds or those with short coats, can get cold quickly in low temperatures. Shivering is a natural bodily reaction to generate heat and maintain body temperature. Be sure not to leave your dog outside for too long in cold weather and use a dog coat if necessary.

Measures to be taken in cold weather:

Limit the time your dog spends outside.
Make sure your dog has access to a warm indoor area.
Use a dog coat or blanket to keep him warm.

Trembling in dogs due to fear and stress

Dogs are very sensitive creatures and can react strongly to stress and fear. Trembling is a typical reaction in such situations. Possible triggers include loud noises like fireworks or thunderstorms, but also unfamiliar environments like a visit to the vet, which can cause anxiety. Your dog is showing through trembling that it feels uncomfortable and may be afraid. It's important to remain calm and reassure your dog.

Measures to take in case of anxiety or stress:

Stay calm and collected to make your dog feel safe.
Avoid loud or stressful environments.
Offer him a place to retreat to where he feels safe.

Trembling in dogs as a sign of pain

Another reason for trembling in dogs can be pain. Older dogs, especially those suffering from joint problems or arthritis, often exhibit trembling in conjunction with reluctance to move or stiffness. Tremors can also occur with injuries or acute pain from internal illnesses. If you suspect your dog is in pain, you should consult your veterinarian to determine the cause.

Indicators that point to pain:

Tremors, accompanied by lameness or restricted movement.
Changes in behavior, such as decreased appetite or withdrawal.
Hypersensitivity to touch in certain areas of the body.

Diseases as a cause of trembling

Conditions such as shaking palsy, neurological disorders, or infections can also cause trembling in dogs. In cases of fever, the body attempts to regulate its temperature through shivering. Epilepsy can also lead to convulsive twitching or trembling. It is important to distinguish this type of trembling from other forms and seek medical help promptly.

Measures to take in case of suspected illness:

Watch for other indicators such as vomiting, diarrhea, or fever.
If your dog has neurological disorders, you should have it thoroughly examined.
Note down the frequency and duration of the trembling to give the veterinarian detailed information.

Poisoning as a cause of tremors

Dogs are curious and like to try things they shouldn't. Poisoning, for example from eating chocolate, poisonous plants, or household cleaners, can lead to tremors, vomiting, and seizures. If you suspect your dog has ingested something poisonous, you should contact your veterinarian immediately.

First aid in case of suspected poisoning:

Take your dog to the vet immediately.
Try to find out what he ate in order to give the doctor accurate information.
Keep your dog calm and prevent further ingestion of the toxic substance.

Tremors in dogs due to low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)

Small dog breeds and puppies are particularly prone to trembling when their blood sugar is low. This often happens if the dog hasn't eaten enough or has been physically active. In such cases, giving your dog something to eat quickly will help stabilize their blood sugar levels.

Measures to take in case of hypoglycemia:

Feed small, regular meals to keep blood sugar levels stable.
If he is experiencing acute trembling, you can give him a small piece of sugary food or honey.
Make sure puppies get enough nutrients.

Aging processes and tremors

An older dog often trembles due to age-related illnesses such as arthritis or neurological problems. The trembling can also be caused by muscle atrophy or limited mobility. A visit to the veterinarian is advisable to determine if your dog is in pain or if physiotherapy might be helpful.

Measures for older dogs:

Provide your dog with comfortable sleeping places and make sure he doesn't overexert himself.
Discuss with your doctor whether painkillers or dietary supplements might help.
Regular exercise and physiotherapy can alleviate joint problems.

Trembling due to excitement and anticipation

Some dogs tremble with excitement, for example, when they know they're about to go for a walk or get a meal. This trembling is usually harmless and subsides once the dog has calmed down. It's important to ensure that the dog isn't in a state of constant over-excitement, as this can lead to stress in the long run.

Measures to be taken in case of agitation:

Try to calm your dog down during exciting moments.
Train specifically to include rest periods in your workout to avoid overstimulation.
Give him clear signals when it's time to relax.

Tremors due to gastrointestinal problems

Trembling can also be a sign of gastrointestinal problems, especially if it occurs along with vomiting or diarrhea. In such cases, your dog may be experiencing abdominal discomfort. During this time, feed him only easily digestible food and consult a veterinarian if the symptoms persist.

Treatment for gastrointestinal problems:

Feed your dog a bland diet such as rice and chicken.
Make sure he drinks enough water to avoid dehydration.
Consult your veterinarian if the condition does not improve.

Tremors due to tiredness or exhaustion

Dogs sometimes tremble when they are very tired or exhausted, especially after long walks or intense play sessions. In such cases, the trembling is the body's reaction to overexertion. It usually subsides after a short rest.

Procedure in case of exhaustion:

Make sure your dog gets enough rest.
Avoid overexertion, especially with puppies or older dogs.
Make sure to take regular breaks during longer activities.

Muscle tremors after exercise

Muscle tremors can occur after intense physical activity, such as a long run or a workout. This is similar to the muscle tremors people experience after strenuous exercise. It is usually harmless as long as it is only temporary.

Measures to take in case of muscle tremors:

Give your dog enough time to recover after exercise.
Avoid excessive physical exertion, especially for untrained dogs.
Make sure your dog drinks enough after exercising.

Tremors in neurological disorders

Certain neurological disorders, such as the aforementioned "shaking syndrome" or epilepsy, can cause tremors or twitching. These conditions require accurate diagnosis and treatment by a veterinarian, as they can lead to serious health problems if left untreated.

Approach to neurological disorders:

Pay attention to unusual behaviors such as sudden cramps or disorientation.
Record the indicators carefully and discuss them with your veterinarian.
In some cases, medication may be necessary.

Tremors due to pain after surgery

Tremors after surgery can be caused by pain or side effects of anesthesia. In these cases, you should ensure your dog gets plenty of rest and administer pain medication.

Aids after surgery:

Give your dog the prescribed pain medication and monitor his recovery.
Keep him still and avoid unnecessary movement.
Consult your veterinarian if the trembling persists.

Fever as a trigger for trembling

If your dog has a fever, it may shiver as its body tries to regulate its temperature. Accompanying symptoms such as loss of appetite, lethargy, and vomiting can indicate a serious infection. In this case, an immediate visit to the veterinarian is advisable.

Treatment for fever:

Take your dog's temperature to make sure he has a fever.
Offer him enough water to avoid dehydration.
Take him to the doctor immediately to treat the cause of the fever.

Tremors due to overheating

Overheating can also cause shivering. If a dog has been in the sun for too long or has exerted itself too much, its body can overheat. In such cases, it is important to cool the dog down immediately, as overheating can be life-threatening.

Measures to take in case of overheating:

Immediately move your dog into the shade or a cool room.
Offer him fresh water and gently cool him down with damp cloths.
If his condition does not improve quickly, contact the veterinarian.

Tremors after vaccinations

Some dogs react to vaccinations with trembling, which can be due to side effects or pain at the injection site. These symptoms are usually temporary and disappear within a few hours.

Behavior after vaccinations:

Give your dog time to recover from the vaccination.
If the trembling persists or other symptoms such as vomiting occur, contact your veterinarian.
Observe your dog closely for unusual reactions.

Tremors due to hormonal imbalances

Hormonal imbalances, such as an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), can also cause tremors. If you suspect a hormonal disorder, you should have this checked by a veterinarian with a blood test.

Measures for hormonal disorders:

Pay attention to additional symptoms such as weight gain or lack of energy.
Discuss possible drug treatment.
Regular check-ups and blood tests are important to monitor the condition.

Trembling in puppies

Puppies often shiver, especially in the first few weeks after birth. This can be caused by hypothermia, low blood sugar, or a lack of control over their bodily functions. Puppies often don't yet have fully developed thermoregulation and shiver to warm themselves up.

Measures to take when dealing with trembling puppies:

Make sure your puppy is always warm enough.
Feed him regularly to avoid hypoglycemia.
Observe his behavior and contact your veterinarian if you have any concerns.

Tremors in small dog breeds

Small dog breeds, such as Chihuahuas or Miniature Pinschers, often shiver more frequently than larger dogs. This is partly because they are more sensitive to temperature changes and get cold more quickly. Stress and excitement can also trigger shivering in these breeds.

Measures for small dogs:

Make sure your dog is warm enough, especially during cold months.
Avoid stressful situations and create a relaxed environment.

puppy, dog, mammal

Trembling after bathing

Dogs often shiver after a bath, especially if they are not completely dry. This is also a natural reaction to the cold, particularly in dogs with thin fur.

Measures to take after bathing:

Dry your dog thoroughly to minimize trembling.
Use a hairdryer on a low setting to dry it quickly and safely.
Make sure it doesn't get into cold environments before it's completely dry.

Tremors during infections and inflammations

Infections, whether caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites, can cause tremors. This type of tremor is often accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, vomiting, or loss of appetite. Prompt action is needed to find and treat the underlying cause.

Measures to be taken in case of infections:

Watch for symptoms such as fever, chills, or lethargy.
Take your dog to the vet immediately to rule out an infection.
Keep your dog calm and make sure he drinks enough fluids.

Dog trembles in its sleep

If your dog trembles in its sleep, it might seem strange or even worrying at first. However, trembling during sleep is completely normal and harmless in most cases. Just like humans, dogs go through different sleep phases, including the so-called REM (Rapid Eye Movement) phase, which is considered the dream phase. During this phase, twitches or tremors can occur because the dog is dreaming.

Measures to take in case of trembling during sleep:

Observe: In most cases, your dog trembles in his sleep because he is dreaming. Observe him from a distance and let him sleep.
Quiet surroundings: Make sure your dog's sleeping place is quiet and comfortable so that he can sleep undisturbed.
Veterinary visit if abnormalities are noticed: If the trembling is excessive or your dog seems confused upon waking, talk to your veterinarian to rule out any serious health problems.

When should you go to the vet?

Not every instance of trembling in a dog requires an immediate visit to the vet, but there are certain signs that should raise concern. If the trembling lasts longer than usual or is accompanied by other symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or pain, a veterinary visit is essential.

Indications for a visit to the veterinarian:

Your dog is trembling violently and showing other worrying symptoms.
The trembling lasts longer than a few minutes or occurs frequently.
Poisoning or a serious illness is suspected.

Conclusion

Shivering in dogs can have many causes, from harmless factors like cold to serious health problems. It's important to carefully observe your dog's symptoms and act quickly if necessary. Depending on the situation, a visit to the vet is always the right decision to ensure your pet's health.