Connect with a verified veterinarian in minutes. Licensed vets are available 24/7 to answer your questions. No need to worry about your furry family member.
Have you noticed your dog shaking in his bed while he sleeps? This behavior is common in some dog breeds, such as Chihuahuas. While a dog shaking can be completely normal behavior; however, shaking can also be a sign of something wrong.
So, how can you tell if your dog is shaking for a reason that’s concerning? We’ve gathered some information on the different things that can cause a dog to shake. Read on to learn more!
1. Cold Weather
Dogs get cold when the weather’s cold. It’s a common issue. When a dog’s cold, he may shake as a way to warm himself up. It’s similar to the way we shiver when cold. Our bodies are trying to warm themselves up again.
It’s not uncommon for a dog to become cold even when the temperature seems a balmy 50 or 60 F. And if the weather’s rainy and damp, your fur baby may feel even colder.
Does your dog stop shaking once he’s warmed up? If so, there’s nothing to worry about. However, if he doesn’t stop shaking or it gets worse, it’s time to see the vet. Your canine companion may have a health condition that’s causing him to shake like that.
2. Fear, Anxiety, Excitement
When dogs feel strong emotions, they may shake. For instance, if a dog is very happy, fearful, anxious, or excited, he may shake quite a bit! It’s all coming from the very strong emotions your fur baby’s feeling.
These reactions may occur if your dog hears a loud sound and is afraid. He may also become excited when he sees one of his favorite people has come for a visit! Or your canine companion may feel anxious when he’s left alone for long periods. This may be the cause of his shaking.
If your dog is shaking for these reasons, it’s a good idea to have him checked by the vet. The vet may find an underlying health issue causing your dog to experience strong emotions. If your dog is otherwise healthy, the vet may recommend that you see a veterinary behaviorist or a certified dog behavior consultant. They can help teach your dog to stay more relaxed in different situations and environments.
In some cases, the vet may also prescribe some medications that help to keep your dog calmer and relaxed.
Review symptoms, medications & behavior to keep your pets healthy with a Vet Online in just minutes.
Ask a Vet Live Now3. Muscle Weakness or Injury
When you’ve been sick in the past, have you ever noticed that your muscles felt weak and quivery? Have you ever pulled a muscle and experienced weakness afterward? These conditions can also affect your dog and cause him to shake. Muscle weakness and injury are common causes of shaking in dogs.
Have you noticed that touching a certain part of your dog’s body gets a reaction from him? If so, he may have an injury. Or if you’ve noticed your dog seems to have trouble walking or running, he may be experiencing muscle weakness and shaking.
If you notice these issues, be sure to call the vet. Your fur baby may have an injury that needs to be treated. It’s not always possible to find where the injury is; however, your vet knows how to find these areas. They use touch and imaging tests to determine if your dog has an injury.
Fortunately, many of these are easy to treat, and your dog should stop his shaking.
4. Ingestion of Toxin
Dogs may also shake if they’ve ingested a toxin. For instance, garbage may contain mycotoxins, which are found in moldy, spoiled foods. One of the symptoms of your dog may experience is shaking.
If your fur baby is shaking and showing other symptoms of not feeling well, it’s best to make an appointment with the vet.
5. Medical Conditions & Diseases
There are certain medical conditions and diseases that may also cause a dog to shake. For instance, dogs can develop seizure disorders, suffer from distemper, and more.
Be sure to monitor your dog’s behavior and see if he’s showing other symptoms in addition to shaking. You may notice that his appetite has changed or that he doesn’t have as much energy as normal. Your dog’s poop and urine may also look different. All of these are signs that it’s necessary to call the vet.
The vet will give your dog a thorough examination and do bloodwork. They may also run other tests to see why your dog is shaking and showing other symptoms.
The good news is that most medical conditions and diseases are treatable. However, illnesses such as distemper can cause death. So, it’s essential to make sure your fur baby has all his required shots.
Treatment for Shaking
What kind of treatment is available for a shaking dog? It all depends on what’s causing your fur baby to shake. For instance, if he’s shaking from cold, you may buy your dog a sweater and add more blankets to his bed. Moving his bed to a warmer place may also help.
However, you’ll want to see the vet if your dog shows any of the following symptoms in addition to shaking:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Limping
- Your dog starts shaking after eating something different than normal
- Your dog seems to be distressed, panting, licking his lips, and has his ears pulled back
It’s also necessary to call the vet if your dog has an injury or otherwise appears to be sick. After making a diagnosis, the vet will recommend the proper treatment. This may include medications, supplements, surgery, rest, massage, and more. Treatment depends on the vet’s diagnosis.
How to Keep Your Dog from Shaking
The answer depends on what’s causing your dog to shake. First, make sure your dog is warm and dry, has had all of his vaccinations, has plenty of exercise, eats a healthy diet, and gets the sleep he needs.
If your dog’s shaking comes with behavioral changes, concerning symptoms, or after eating something strange, call the vet.
Summing It Up
So, there you have it. There are many reasons that your dog may be shaking. The key is to ensure your fur baby is healthy, happy, warm, and dry. If he’s still shaking, be sure to call the vet right away. Some causes of shaking can be serious and need to be treated as soon as possible.
Prevention is always the best medicine!
Connect with a verified veterinarian in minutes. Licensed vets are available 24/7 to answer your questions. No need to worry about your furry family member.
Tom
Tom has always loved to write since he was little - he wanted to be either a writer or a veterinary doctor, but he ended up being a professional writer while most of his works are based on animals. He was born in San Francisco but later moved to Texas to continue his job as a writer. He graduated from the University of San Francisco where he studied biotechnology. He is happily married and a soon to be father!
Review symptoms, medications & behavior to keep your pets healthy with a Vet Online in just minutes.
Ask a Vet Live Now