Many factors can explain why dogs shake , shiver , or tremble . Learn what causes a dog to agitate — including the phenomenon behind shaking in small dogs — and when to seek veterinary treatment .
It ’s no confidential — dogs are irritable brute , often overcome with tail wags and full body shakes , specially before a walk of life or treat . Maybe she also reach you a near stir shake off after bath time . And , admit it , you ’ve been ready with your camera more than once seek to appropriate that adorable full consistence vibration when she stretch out after a nap .
These are all normal , sound cause for a dog to escape from , say Kim Khouri Haddad , DVM , medical director at theVCA San Carlos and VCA San Mateo Animal Hospitals , vice chairperson of the gameboard for theGlobal Federation of Animal Sanctuaries , and board member ofJameson Humanein Calif.
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What Causes a Dog to Shake, Shiver, or Tremble?
Many ingredient can stimulate your hound to shake , and this behavior can present itself in a variety of ways , spreading throughout the whole torso , or limited to a particular neighborhood , such as the head . get ’s start there : whydodogs shake off their heads ?
" Excessive shakiness of the head can be a sign of an ear infection , " Haddad say . " Bacteria andyeastcan result in itchy and abominable ears . Sometimes a alien object like plant life material can get into the ear channel and cause discomfort . "
A hot dog with anear infectionwill rock her forefront and scratch her auricle oft . You may also notice redness , sack , and/or an unpleasant smell around the infected pinna . chat your veterinarian for an official diagnosing and discourse .
Dogs shake their whole body for a numeral of reason , Haddad say , including :
Dreaming
If you ’ve ever wonder why frump sometimes shake in their sleep , the reply is simple : it ’s possible that they ’re woolgather ! Like humans , dogs experience rapid eye movement ( REM ) sleep , the sleep stage link with daydream . According toSleep Foundation , mammals all have the same fundamental rest bicycle and REM sopor may cause dogs to skin or squeeze their pegleg similar to the way humans may move about or talk in their sleep .
Cold Weather
" There are many variables that affect a dog ’s ability to tolerate or thrive in cold climates , includingbreed , eccentric of coating , age , dieting , physical structure term , and acclimatisation , " Haddad says . But extreme temperatures that get you to shiver may alsocause your heel to shudder or tremble when cold . This behavior is normal , but Haddad recommends erring on the side of cautiousness . If your dog seems reluctant to move , has sustained shivering , has deoxyephedrine on her coat , or is otherwise play abnormal , get her indoors .
Fear and Anxiety
If your frump is trigger by a loud noise , such as thunder orfireworks , or has an impending sensation of doomsday during the all - too - conversant trip-up to the vet office staff , shaking is a normal manifestation of that fear . However , if yourdog ’s anxietyis not confine to casual initiation or events , she may haveseparation anxiety upset , Haddad tell . Hiding , pacing , excessivebarking , and destructive behaviors commonly accompany this disorderliness and are well addressed with a visit to your vet .
Toxic Substances
If your dog corrode something she should n’t have — atoxic industrial plant , human foodor medication , or chemical — she may exhibit shaking or tremors . Call the 24 - hour ASPCA Poison Control melodic phrase at 888 - 426 - 4435 if you suspect your dog has ingested atoxic sum .
Old Age
aged pups , especiallylarger breed , may go through shake off in their hind leg due toarthritis . If your dog has lost vision or hearing , she may tremble out of increased anxiety .
Do Small Dogs Shake More Than Others?
Old dogs are not the only ones more susceptible to stimulate . Maybe you figure yoursmall dogis just more excitable than her expectant canine companions , but there is really a neurologic status link up with this phenomenon . Shaker syndrome , otherwise get it on as " Little White Shaker Syndrome , " is most commonly found in smallwhite dog breeds , such as theMaltese , West Highland white terrier , andpoodle , according toVCA Hospitals .
However , Haddad tell this condition can affect dogs of all shapes , size of it , and colors . It typically presents itself early in a dog ’s lifetime through head and body tremors . If you figured your dog was just excitable , you were n’t all wrong : excitement is one of the triggers for tremors for firedog with this condition .
Do n’t fret — your veterinary surgeon can name and cover your pup , with most dogs seeing immediate advance upon seeking discussion , harmonize to VCA Hospitals .
When to Seek Veterinary Treatment for Your Dog’s Shaking
If you ca n’t pinpoint a causa for your dog ’s shaking , she may have an underlying health condition , Haddad says . likely underlying causes include :
It is always best to chit-chat your vet to govern out these conditions and other sickness . Maintaining yourdog ’s one-year veterinary stop - upmay help you key out a likely concern early .
You have it away your puppy substantially than anyone . If you fear something is wrong , do n’t agitate it off — ask your vet how they can aid .
