If you’re wondering why your dog shivers, you’re not alone. There are a variety of causes, ranging from stress to anal sacs. While shivering itself isn’t harmful, the symptoms aren’t much better than those of humans. Below, we’ve outlined the top reasons for dog shaking. Read on to discover how to stop your dog from shaking!
Stress
If your dog is shaking uncontrollably, it is most likely a result of stress. Stress can affect your dog in many ways, including the way it behaves around visitors, the number of people your dog barks at, and the way it marks its territory. Your dog may also show signs of distress by not showing excitement for walks, car rides, or toys. You may notice that your dog has started shaking even before you started noticing this behavior, so be sure to check the environment for toxins.
Shaking is a dog’s physiological response to stress and fear. Some dogs shake after thunderstorms, fireworks, or trips to the vet. Other symptoms of anxiety include excessive panting, pacing, drooling, and cowering. A dog may also try to hide and exhibit aggressive behavior. A change in household dynamics may also trigger shivering. Your dog may also try to hide in a corner or even hide away from you.
Anal sacs
Anal sacs in dogs are prone to inflammation. The condition is typically accompanied by redness, swelling, and a foul odor. A veterinarian will first perform a perineal exam to determine whether the sacs are swollen and can be compressed. They will also evaluate the color and material within. A dog’s anal sac secretions are usually yellow-brown, but red or brown secretions may indicate an abscess or chronic infection. A dog’s anal sac can also develop a foul odor if it is infected.
Identifying the cause of your dog’s shaking may be as simple as looking at its behavior. If you notice scooting or chewing, your dog may be experiencing pain in the anal area. If your dog is resting, it may also be experiencing pain. A veterinarian can prescribe a high-fiber diet, which will increase the size and firmness of their stools. While it takes a bit of practice, it will soon become second nature.
Nervousness
While shaking may be a symptom of pain or stress, it can also indicate more serious underlying issues. Your dog may be experiencing a toxin exposure, infection, or an underlying disease. If you notice your dog shaking excessively, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Listed below are some causes of shaking in dogs. Find out what they are and how to treat them. If you suspect that your dog is shaken, consult your veterinarian.
A change in household dynamics can also make a dog feel stressed. For example, a child going off to college may lead to a change in routine. When your dog is a bit nervous, it may start shaking as a cuddle cue. It may stop shaking when the situation calms down. It may also shake because it’s anticipating a treat. Whatever the cause, it’s important to treat it with kindness and compassion.
Hypothermia
Dogs that shake may be suffering from hypothermia. The condition can be subtle and get worse quickly. As a survival mechanism, the dog slows down its breathing and heart rate. It also begins to shiver to generate heat. All metabolic processes stop or slow to a crawl. If your dog is shaking uncontrollably, contact a veterinarian immediately. The signs of hypothermia may not show up immediately, but they will likely be obvious if they don’t seek immediate medical attention.
Initial treatment for your dog may include keeping it warm. To help raise the temperature of your dog, try wrapping him in a warm towel or heating pad. If your dog is very wet, you can also wrap him in a warm towel or a heated pad. You may also try giving your dog a warm water bottle or a hair dryer. The hair dryer should be on the lowest setting and the dog dryer should have no heat setting.
Excess water
If your dog is shaking excessively, it may be due to a medical condition, such as diabetes or a disease called distemper. These diseases affect the nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, and respiratory system, and cause lethargy and listlessness. Dog owners should consider the causes of the condition to find the best treatment for their canine companions. Listed below are some common causes of shaking in dogs.
Some dogs shake because of extreme emotions. These feelings may be positive or negative, but the sudden release of hormones in the dog’s system can cause it to tremble. A veterinarian should examine your pet’s condition to determine the root cause. If you are concerned about the causes of your dog’s shaking, consult a veterinarian for further information. Once you determine what’s causing the shaking in your dog, you can begin to treat it accordingly.
Fear
A dog’s shaking may indicate that it is afraid. Normally, this behavior is harmless, and a dog that is stressed or afraid will likely shiver as a way of expressing its fear. However, some dogs have severe separation anxiety and may learn to shiver to attract attention or gain sympathy. In this case, you should try to reduce the fear of dogs shaking by introducing them to soothing music or ThunderShirts.
People with a phobia of dogs may develop this phobia in childhood, when they may have been bitten or chased by a dog. In some cases, the fear may have been triggered by a family member suffering from cynophobia, or it may have been caused by images or television shows that portrayed a dog’s fear. In some cases, the phobia is not a medical condition and can be overcome with therapy and medication.
