Pets shake for different reasons, such as fear or illness. It is important to approach the animal with care and avoid frightening it further.
Shaking is essentially involuntary muscle spasms caused by the nervous system.
It can either be localized or generalized, depending on which part of the body is affected by these spasms. Localized refers to muscle spasms only in one area – while generalized refers to an entire section of the body that is spasming at once.
For example, you might see tremors in just one leg or arm when your pet is excited about something. On the other hand, it might seem like your dog is vibrating from head to toe during moments of excitement or stress.
Why is my dog shaking?
Shaking in dogs may be caused by a variety of reasons; some are serious, some are not so serious. If your dog frequently shakes, it’s a good idea to have him checked by a veterinarian.
Your pet might only shake his head or twitch his ears during high-strung moments, as well as tremors in their legs. However, your pet might seem to be having seizures that involve the whole body shaking uncontrollably if he or she is experiencing a neurological disorder or other underlying medical conditions.
What causes a dog to shake?
Many things can lead to shaking and it’s important to know about them so you can provide relief for your dog.
When a dog shakes, it is doing so as the result of some kind of stimulus or stressor that he is experiencing. If your pet shakes infrequently and then seems fine afterward, there’s probably nothing to worry about. But if your dog shakes regularly, it may indicate underlying health or behavioral problem that needs to be addressed as soon as possible.
Dogs shake for different reasons. In the cases below, we will explain why a dog shakes and what you can do to help him feel better:
- Fearful/anxious/nervous shaking
- Shaking due to heat or cold exposure
- Alcohol ingestion shakes
- Seizure activity
- Pheromones
- Pain
- Thyroid issues
- Lack of sleep
Dog’s fearful/anxious/nervous shaking
Fearful/anxious/nervous shaking: If your dog is shaking because of fear, anxiety, or nervousness, you need to start by trying to figure out the cause. Has anything changed in his environment? Is he experiencing an unfamiliar sensation, such as a strange noise or being in a new place? Has someone visited your home or spoken to him in a harsh tone of voice?
If you can’t pinpoint the reason for his anxiety, try to make his surroundings as comfortable and familiar as possible. Speak softly and do not startle him further. You could try petting or cuddling him to help him relax.
Dogs shaking in fear due to the local fireworks displays is a well-known problem for many owners. Keep your dog safe by following these tips: It is best to keep your pet inside during fireworks shows. You could play music on the radio or TV to try and drown out the noise.
Read more here: Things You Need To Know About Your Pet and Fireworks
If you’re unsure of how your dog will react, keep him in a room where he couldn’t escape if he does get frightened (i.e.: in an interior room without windows). If your dog is severely frightened by the fireworks, you could try to muzzle him using a soft cloth or masking tape (wrap it around his muzzle multiple times) before bringing him inside.
Dog alcohol ingestion shakes
If your dog is shaking after having spent time with an intoxicated person or near alcohol containers of any kind, this may indicate alcohol ingestion. If you suspect that your dog has ingested alcohol, it’s important to take them to the veterinarian immediately.
Not only could your furry friend become seriously ill after ingesting booze, but they can also die if not properly treated with the right medications by a professional.
Don’t leave any drinks unguarded, be it in a purse or on the coffee table. Keep your pet safe by staying alert and keeping alcoholic beverages locked away where your pet can’t get its paws on it.
Dog shaking due to heat or cold exposure
Shaking due to heat or cold exposure: If your dog is shaking because he’s too hot or too cold, there are steps you can take to help him recover. If it’s hot, open up windows and let some fresh air in; if it’s cold, bring him to a warmer room in the house.
Additionally, make sure he has access to fresh water at all times – you can even place ice cubes in his bowl if it’s particularly hot out.
Dog seizure activity
Seizure activity: Seizures are commonly known to affect people, but they can also occur in dogs. If your pet suddenly starts shaking (myoclonic seizures) or paddling his legs (tonic-clonic seizures), it’s important to stay calm and immediately bring him to the veterinarian.
Seizures may be brought on by dodgy genetics, poisoning, injury, or other serious health problems (such as epilepsy, which is the most common cause of seizures in dogs).
Dog pheromones
Pheromones are chemical substances that can produce effects on the body. These chemicals are released from an animal’s skin glands and they elicit particular responses from other animals depending on the individual smell of each animal as well as how strong the pheromone is.
Usually, these chemicals are used to attract mates or mark territory – this way another animal knows who has been in an area before him or her.
Pets will also use pheromones when communicating with other pets in their pack (or family) and they might be releasing these pheromones when they shake uncontrollably.
It’s not clear why these pheromones elicit such a strong reaction from other animals, but it could simply mean that your pet is extremely stressed out and needs help calming down for the sake of his overall well-being.
You can find products made with synthetic pheromones at your local pet store to keep your dog calm and relaxed during stressful moments, as well as getting them to focus on training rather than all the scary things around them.
Dog pain can start a shaking episode
Shaking can sometimes be a symptom of pain in dogs. If you notice any sudden changes in your pet’s behavior as well as shaking or trembling, make sure to take them to see their veterinarian.
Dog thyroid issues
Another common cause for this behavior problem is thyroid gland problems or hypothyroidism. This occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones that are necessary for regulating metabolism in dogs.
When there isn’t enough of these hormones available, it can lead to severe weight gain along with unusual behaviors such as excessive grooming (especially around the paws), seizures – including shivering episodes – and shaking.
Dog lack of sleep
Just like humans, dogs need to get the proper amount of sleep in order for their bodies and minds to function correctly on a daily basis. If your pet doesn’t get enough shut-eye, they might start exhibiting strange behaviors such as shaking uncontrollably during periods of excitement or stress.
What can you do to help your dog stop shaking?
If your pet shakes sporadically and remains fine after the episode, there’s no need for concern. But if he frequently shakes or it is starting to interfere with his daily activities (for example, if he is shaking while standing or eating), it’s best to take him to the veterinarian. So if your furry companion is shaking uncontrollably for no reason, it’s time to investigate!
If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, make sure to contact your vet for an examination.
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