Dog Behavior Series 7 – Why Do Dogs Shake?

Do you want to know the secret for your dog to stop shaking? Read on to discover the 4 most common reasons and what you can do for your dog by understanding his behavior.

Let’s start by clarifying the term ‘Shake’ and what I mean when I use it. I am referring to dogs that flinch or tremble while in control of their bodies. If your dog looks you in the eye and responds to you while he is trembling, then your dog is in total control of his body; unlike dogs that lose control during a seizure.

So why do dogs tremble?

Your dog could be shaking for common reasons that are easy to remedy, or your dog’s trembling could indicate that something is medically wrong. I’ll discuss those potential medical issues later in this segment. Knowing why your dog is shivering allows you to make an informed decision about her well-being with a little more confidence. Now here are the four most common reasons why dogs shake and what you can do for your dog to help and comfort him during those difficult times.

• One: your dog is cold

It is not unusual, especially for short-coated breeds. When a dog is cold, his body shakes to generate heat through muscle movement. It’s easy to give your dog a little heat to stop the shivering. Get your dog into a warm environment and/or provide him with a warm bed and blanket.

• Two: your dog is anxious or scared

The release of adrenaline often produces tremors. Dogs’ adrenal glands release adrenaline to help them deal with the situation. Thunderstorms, fireworks, airplane travel, car travel, vet visits, beauty salons, stranger encounters, loud noises; any type of environmental change can cause anxiety or fear in a dog. Hug your dog and reassure him, with love and attention, that there is nothing to fear. He will feel safe and loved and in a short time his tremors will stop.

• Three: your dog is excited

Your dog is excited about dinner, chasing a squirrel, seeing you after a long day alone, eager to play; for some reason his dog is trembling in anticipation of something happening. There is nothing to worry about here; your dog will stop shaking when the emotion passes.

• Four – Learned Behavior

Your dog has learned that shaking him will elicit a desired response from you, whether that response is a signal of affection and attention or a treat. To stop this dog behavior, ignore the shaking and instead reward your dog with affection and attention when he is not shaking. Spread your attention, affection, and treats throughout the day and night, so your dog learns that he doesn’t have to shake to get what he wants.

Now it’s time to talk about other reasons why dogs shake.

If your dog is shaking uncontrollably, determine when the shaking initially occurred, what symptoms the dog is having, and what parts of the body are affected. These are all clues to help you recognize a potentially serious health problem. For example, some dogs will shake if their blood sugar is dangerously low or right before they have a seizure. In this segment, some of the reasons why dogs shake are alarming, but will help you determine the difference between healthy canine behavior and signs of serious illness, and what to do if you suspect a medical condition.

• One – Poisoning

A dog that has ingested chocolate, poisonous plants, cigarettes, insecticides, contaminated food, and other harmful materials in high doses may experience vomiting, diarrhea, and uncontrollable tremors. If you suspect poisoning, get your dog to an emergency hospital immediately.

• Two – distemper

Distemper is a virus that is often seen in puppies before they reach adulthood and in dogs that have not been vaccinated. Symptoms are fever, cough, and runny nose; and can also cause tremors and seizures. Puppies that have not been fully vaccinated are at increased risk of contracting the virus. See your vet right away if you notice symptoms or suspect your dog has been exposed to distemper.

• Three – Kidney disease

Dogs can be symptom-free for a long time. If your dog suddenly starts drinking and urinating more frequently, there is cause for concern. Other signs, including tremors, may follow as your dog’s condition progresses. Consult your veterinarian immediately for therapy and treatment options.

• Four – Addison’s disease

Dogs with this disease will show signs of gastrointestinal problems, loss of energy and strength, and little or no appetite; along with the tremor. Addison’s is often misdiagnosed, which can lead to more serious problems. If your dog appears to be chronically ill and malnourished, talk to your vet about possible causes.

• Five – White Dog Shaker Syndrome

It is a serious condition in small breeds, such as the Maltese and the West Highland White Terrier, that can make your dog shake and cause full-body tremors in young dogs. Canine behaviors related to anxiety are ruled out, since this Syndrome is not a reaction to specific stressors. If you suspect your dog is shaking as a result of this syndrome, see your vet right away.

• six-fever

If your dog appears to be shivering from the cold while in a warm environment, he may have a fever. Your dog is shivering in an attempt to raise his body temperature. Take your dog’s temperature with a rectal thermometer, if possible. If his temperature exceeds 104 degrees, take your dog to the vet right away. A temperature above 104 degrees is a medical emergency.

• Seven – Bread

Shivering can be a sign of pain. Signs that your dog is in pain are restlessness, behavioral changes, dilated pupils, oversleeping, hiding, limping, excessive licking or biting, increased vocalization, need for attention, poor coat, vacant stare, expression glassy and decreased appetite. Signs of pain are difficult to detect in dogs and vary depending on the cause of the pain. Because most dogs are very good at hiding pain, your dog is usually in considerable pain when he notices a problem. If your dog is shivering and showing any of the signs discussed, take him to a veterinarian.

• Eight – Elderly

Unfortunately, older dogs are more vulnerable to tremors and deterioration. Weakened muscles coupled with a bit of arthritis make it painful for older dogs to stand up and walk. These symptoms cannot be reversed, but you can consult with your veterinarian to discuss available therapies and treatments that will help reduce your dog’s discomfort and pain.

Now let’s recap.

Dogs tremble for many reasons. Recognizing why your dog is shaking is important, especially if there is a health problem. The earlier a disease or illness is diagnosed, the sooner it can be treated.

When dogs are fearful, anxious, or excited, their adrenal glands release adrenaline to prepare their bodies to escape or deal with the situation causing the emotion. If your dog continues to shiver in a warm environment, he may have a fever or other health problem unrelated to the cold. If you’re not 100 percent sure, have your dog cleared by your vet before assuming tremor is normal dog behavior.

If your dog is shaking and it’s not clear why, take him to a vet. If your dog’s tremor is not constant, then it is a behavioral problem. Are you dealing with normal dog behavior, medical issues, or behavioral issues? If your dog is exhibiting normal canine behavior, follow my four tips to help and comfort him. If you’re dealing with behavioral issues, work with a professional trainer who offers positive, reward-based training. If you suspect that he is dealing with a medical problem, consult your veterinarian immediately.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this segment on dog behavior, specifically on the topic of why dogs shake, and I hope you’ve walked away with something of value. If you enjoyed this article, please subscribe to my YouTube channel, Dog Behavior Videos. Thanks so much for reading. Hope to see you inside my next article. Please like, share, comment and subscribe. Until next time. Bye.