My dog is shaking – is this a symptom of a disease?
Sometimes dogs seem to tremble and shake all over, which worries their owners. Here are some reasons why your dog may be shaking.
• Dogs get cold and shiver just like us, especially those with very short hair. That’s why you see so many chihuahuas in sweaters, and why the puppies seem to be shaking all the time.
• A dog that trembles can also be a dog that feels pain. If your dog seems hesitant before performing a normal activity, he could indicate that he is in pain. A sore back or an upset stomach can make a dog shake.
• A fearful dog is an unstable dog. If your pet is scared or nervous, she may shake and run to hide. There are many dogs that are naturally anxious and tremble frequently.
• Shaking and shaking that won’t stop may indicate something more serious than a stomach ache. Diabetes and kidney disease, among other serious medical conditions, can cause tremors in a dog’s paws. Tremor along with weakness could mean damage or disease to the brain or spine. Poisoning can also cause tremors, which are usually followed by seizures.
Now that you know some of the common causes of shaking and shaking in your dog, you may be wondering how to distinguish one from the other.
• If you are cold and your dog is shivering, he is probably cold. They feel the chill in the air just as much as we do, which is why you may want to pick up a dog sweater. They come in various sizes, are inexpensive, and keep your pet more comfortable. You can also help by letting your dog into the house when it’s cold, or at least providing a warm place for him to go. A bed that is sheltered from the wind and cold ground is ideal, and providing a few blankets or an old comforter will give it something to hide under.
• We all know our dogs well, so you probably already know if you have a dog prone to nervousness and anxiety. A dog that is nervous will shiver when he feels threatened or frightened, but will not show any other signs of trouble. Dogs can have an anxiety disorder just like people, and there are treatments and medications available for them too. There is no reason for your dog to be nervous all the time.
• Dogs are great at pretending everything is okay, even when they’re in pain. It’s up to you, as the owner, to spot the subtle signs that your dog may be suffering. In addition to shaking, your dog may seem reluctant to move and refuse to jump or climb stairs. Obviously, limping and moving stiffly are indicative of pain, and a dog that normally knocks you down for his dinner and doesn’t come to eat is probably in pain. Take it to the vet, who can offer different types of medications and treatments so your pet doesn’t get hurt.
• When the tremor is due to something more serious, there are often other signs of an underlying problem. Vomiting and depression are often noted in dogs with kidney or brain disease and diabetes. These conditions can also cause your dog to drink excessive amounts of water.
If you notice any of these last signs and symptoms in your dog, in addition to tremors, take him to the vet. These diseases respond better to treatment when detected early.
Also, if you’re worried or the tremors don’t seem to have a cause (or just won’t stop), take him to the vet just in case. Better to get a clean bill of health than possibly miss out on something serious.
The next article in this series will discuss coughing in dogs and the common causes of it.
Hopefully, the article will help you learn how to notice possible serious conditions in your pet before they get out of hand.
Most of us think of our dogs as loved ones, and anything we can do to prevent them from getting sick or injured is well worth reading more about. Noticing a problem and getting your dog to a vet in time to stop a serious problem is priceless.
