Why the dog is trembling: 6 main reasons

Even dressed in a charming sweater and a warm hat, sometimes the dog trembles violently. Because cold temperatures aren’t the only things that can make people and their furry friends shiver.

Dogs often tremble for harmless reasons, but sometimes it can be a cry for help. But still, why does the dog shake with a small shiver? Six common reasons why a pet may shake are in this article.

1. Cold

Small shivering in a dog can be from cold – this is an involuntary reaction aimed at increasing body temperature due to muscle movement to prevent hypothermia. Small dogs, such as Chihuahuas, may be more prone to shivering than larger breeds. This is due to their small body mass and lack of “thermal insulation,” explains Wag!.

What to do: If the dog does not tolerate cold well, you need to limit exposure to such conditions. A dog sweater or coat will help keep her warm and not shivering. The dog needs a warm place where he can curl up. For example, a bed next to the heater and a warm blanket on a cold night.

2. Joyful excitement

Trembling in a dog can occur when he is happy or excited. No one knows why, but one theory says that this is an outward manifestation of strong emotions. There is no danger in this type of shivering and it usually stops when the animal calms down.

What to do: In most cases, you can simply ignore this type of trembling. But dog behavior expert Cesar Millan warns on his Cesar’s Way blog that if these behaviors are not controlled, a pet can become overexcited and hyperactive. He recommends rewarding your dog for calm behavior and looking away when he is being overly impulsive.

3. Stress, anxiety and fear

Sometimes the dog shakes with small tremors due to other strong emotions – fear and anxiety. Trembling itself is not dangerous, but stress affects the animal no better than it does the human.

What to do: Try to calm the pet and, if possible, eliminate the source of stress. For example, if your dog is afraid of thunderstorms, therapy toys or something that masks the sound of thunder can help calm him down. If a phenomenon invariably causes the animal to shiver, it is best to redirect its attention. Dogs are very receptive to their own stress, anxiety or fear, and they mimic the owner’s emotions perfectly. In certain situations, when the owner stays calm and ignores the stress factor in the house, the dog can pick up on this and understand that there is nothing to worry about.

4. Demanding attention

If every time a dog’s body is trembling, the owner rushes in to console it, it quickly learns that trembling is a great way to get attention. Some dogs even start shaking, begging for food to evoke sympathy.

What to do: Expert Millan notes that condoning this behavior is not the best idea. Unless there is another reason why the dog is trembling, it is best to ignore the speculation with your feelings.

5. Pain or illness

Sometimes the dog trembles due to pain and illness. Trembling and muscle tremors can be symptoms of serious diseases – distemper, hypoglycemia, Addison’s disease and inflammatory diseases of the brain, as well as household ailments, such as indigestion.

Constant shaking can be a sign of generalized tremor syndrome, also called shaking syndrome. According to Wag!, this chronic condition can be treated with medication.

What to do: Look for other signs of illness or injury. If shaking is accompanied by abnormal behavior or seems out of character for a dog, contact your veterinarian immediately.

6. Old age

It is not uncommon for dogs to develop tremors due to the weakening of leg muscles with age, but tremors can also be a sign of arthritis or joint pain.

What to do: If an aging dog begins to tremble, it is best to contact a veterinarian.

Trembling or convulsions: how to determine

Normal trembling and shaking are very different from seizures, during which the muscles stiffen and the dog loses mobility and the ability to recognize what is happening. If your pet appears to be having a seizure and is not yet being treated for a seizure disorder, take him to the veterinarian as soon as possible.

Most causes of shivering in dogs are relatively harmless, but when in doubt, it’s best to see a veterinarian. The doctor will be able to explain why the pet is trembling, as well as help diagnose serious problems if any. Even if there are no real reasons for worrying, after the inspection, the owner will be calmer.