What Does It Mean

When A Dog Shakes?

Is it Normal for Dogs to Shake?

Why Does My Dog Shake? Is it Normal for Dogs to Shake?

There are numerous reasons for Mans Best Friend to quiver, gyrate, shiver or shake. The type of movement and circumstances Fido is in are often the key to the cause. The breed of dog is also often important when trying to find the reason for unobvious tremors particularly in smaller K9s.

Most often our Furry Friends shake for harmless reasons. Very often it is indeed - quite normal for dogs to shake. Sometimes, however their shivering can be a cry for help. In this post we will explore the Causes of a Dog to Shiver, what you may be able to do to help, and point out when it may be wise for you to seek professional advice.

Here are 7 Common Reasons Why Dogs Get Shaky

and what you can do to help

1.Wet

Shaking off excess water

If it's been raining or your dog has just been swimming they’ll shake themselves to get rid of the excess water. They can shake very rapidly - and efficiently remove up to 70 percent of the water from their fur just by this action. Don't stand too close when the manoeuvre starts – or you'll end up wearing the excess water and soaking wet! 😳

In this case, your dog shaking is totally normal and natural. It is actually good for your dog as it can help to prevent the cold and hypothermia setting in.

Its normal for your Dog to shake when it's wet.. - Just make sure you stand clear!

2. Cold - Is it Normal For Dogs To Shake When Cold?

Humans shiver when we are cold, and similarly, dogs also shiver when they are cold - its a very normal puppy reflex behaviour. Some breeds are more sensitive to the elements than others, particularly if they’re smaller or have a thinner coat, as they have less natural protection.

If its obvious the cold really bothers them, a Doggie coat and maybe even K9 booties will keep them snug and warm during the winter months..

If your dog seems to be shivering for a long period of time, perhaps after a long outing in the cold, take them to the vet as it could be a sign that your dog has hypothermia.

Its normal for your Dog to shake when its Cold! - Just like people!

3. Stress or Fear 😱

Is t Normal For My Dog to Shake in Fear?

Intense emotions such as stress, fear and anxiety can cause the shivers in all breeds of Dog. While the action of shivering, in this case isn't harmful in itself, like with Humans, long term or regular stress isn't good for our loyal companions..

Our Dog's shaking due to stress or fear is commonly seen during a visit to the vet - ( Like us with Dentists?) - or when there are loud noises such as Thunder or Fireworks going off. K9s have an acute sense of hearing - around four times better than ours - so these noises may be particularly alarming especially for puppies or smaller more naturally vulnerable breeds.

Dog trembling may also be paired with signs like whining, whimpering, panting or growling, and they may also pin their ears back and cower or hide.

If your new Buddy seem anxious quite often, it’s a good idea to monitor any possible triggers that make them feel that way. If possible, remove these triggers from their lives as best you can. Often reassuring - calm words and patting can help reduce your Dogs anxiety, just as it does with people. 😌

A dog behaviourist can help if the problem continues. There are links to professional help for pets later in this article.

Its Quite Normal For Your Dog To Shake in Fear or When Stressed

4. Excitement!

Dogs are like people and get happy or excited, often causing them to madly wag their tail, jump around and even quiver and shake seemingly uncontrollably. No one is really sure why the shaking and trembling starts here, but one theory is that it's an outward manifestation of the intense emotion.

Luckily there's no danger in this type of shivering, and it usually stops once they calm down.

Its quite normal for your Dog to shake with Excitement - and often quite amusing!

5. Old Age

In an elderly dog, tremors often occur after exertion such as playing or a long walk . Generally the tremors occur in the limbs, and can be relieved by rest: never force the Old Mate to stand for too long... It’s not unusual for this to occur as they get older, however sometimes too much shaking could be a sign of pain and in particular joint pain.

If your dog is unusually trembling after eating , then it should be seen immediately. Abnormal and persistent tremors always require the advice of a veterinarian.

Its normal for Old Dogs to shake and tremble..

6. Muscle Weakness

Muscle weakness can also be a cause of shaking or trembling in our Furry Friends. This will usually present as their legs shaking – particularly their rear legs.

Generally, this will stop when they’ve had time to rest. If , however , this seems to be bothering your dog, take them to your vet and they may suggest exercises to strengthen their muscles, or even treatment like massage or hydrotherapy.

7. Breed Related Shakes Chihuahua

Its normal for small dogs to shake - especially Chihuahuas

Chihuahua shaking is extremely common and they’re one of the breeds as mentioned earlier that are prone to shake and tremble the most. There are numerous reasons why a Chihuahua may shake or tremble, but one of the main ones is because of their small size. They usually weigh less than half a kilogram and are tiny animals, so they tend to feel the cold more than larger dog breeds. Chihuahuas also possess a very fast metabolism and move around a lot, so they burn energy faster and lose heat much more quickly.

Studies have shown that many of the smaller type dogs are naturally prone to shivering and shaking - especially when young.

Reasons for shakes or tremors that should cause concern

When is it Not Normal for my Dog to Shake?

There are also some important reasons your Devoted Companion could be shaking or trembling that require your immediate attention. See a vet if you suspect the following!

Sickness – from eating unsuitable foods that are toxic to dogs or possibly due to medication as well as more common ailments like an upset stomach.
Hypoglycemia, Addison's disease and inflammatory brain disease, poisoning, kidney disease, or injury can also cause the tremors. If your dog suddenly starts trembling or shivering, it's important to take note of other symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, or limping to help to diagnose the cause. Talk to your vet right away if you are concerned!
Canine distemper – This is contagious virus that’s most common in puppies who haven’t yet been vaccinated. Coughing, eye and nose discharge and fever are other common symptoms of this condition.. If you suspect your dog has canine distemper, don't hesitate to take them to the vet for treatment.
Seizures vs Shaking: Normal shivering and shaking are much different than a seizure, during which the muscles seize up and a dog loses both mobility and awareness of their surroundings. During a seizure – your dog may foam at the mouth, collapse ,shake, or even bite their tongue. Seizures can be treated with medication, so be sure to seek your vets advice immediately.
Generalised terror syndrome – this can present as muscle tremors throughout the body. It mostly occurs in younger dogs and is related to stress or fear and is easily treated.