Even dogs dressed in lovely sweaters and hats can have to shiver and shake. That’s because cold weather isn’t the only thing that makes our pets — and us! — quiver.
Dogs frequently shiver for innocuous causes, but their shivering can also be a call for help. What, though, causes a dog to shiver? And when should you intervene? Here are six frequent causes of shaky dogs and what you can do to help.
Meanwhile, commands like “paw” and “shake” are great to teach dogs since they’re easy and charming, making it appear like your dog just closed a big deal.
However, if your dog shakes other portions of her body (or perhaps her entire body), she’s conveying a very different message and could be telling you various things. To continue reading this comprehensive guide from the stable of Safari Veterinary Care Center – if you’ve ever wondered why dogs shake.
Why Do Dogs Shake Their Bodies?
Cold: The most basic explanation for “Why is my dog shaking?” is that they are chilly. Shivering in cold temperatures is an automatic response designed to get the blood circulating and boost body temperature to prevent hypothermia.
Smaller dogs, such as Chihuahuas, may shiver more than larger breeds due to a lack of body mass and insulation, according to Wag!
You should consider reducing your dog’s exposure to the cold if they don’t do well in it. A dog sweater or coat can also keep them warm and relieve shivering.
Also, please provide them with a comfortable place to curl up; a dog bed near a heating vent with a warm blanket can suffice on a cold night.
Stress: Your dog may relieve stress by giving a vigorous full-body shake. Dogs shake to eliminate the tension that builds up during stressful or agitated encounters.
For example, consider a tiny scuff at the dog park or having her temperature monitored at the vet’s office. Let this happen, and give her some space if you see it! She’ll be feeling better in no time.
Your dog may require some extra space. Single shakes, whether brief and snappy or long and luscious that occur immediately after a cuddle session may indicate that your dog is one of many canines who dislike hugs. We understand. This is…heartbreaking news.
According to The Guardian, a study conducted at the University of British Columbia by canine expert Stanley Coren, Ph.D., discovered that over 80% of dogs display apparent signs of stress when embraced. Dogs instinctively want to know they can flee danger.
A close embrace might become claustrophobic or hazardous. Have you ever gotten a hug you weren’t expecting? Yeah. If you notice some shaking after a snuggle, it could imply, “Give me room,” and we encourage you to accept that.
Illness or Pain: Shivering could indicate that your dog is in pain or has a disease. Muscular tremors and shivering can be signs of severe disorders such as hypoglycemia, distemper, and inflammatory brain disease, Addison’s disease, as well as more common ailments such as indigestion.
Fear: Your dog may be afraid. The Fourth of July feels like Halloween dogs, with many individuals attempting to scare them to death. If your dog fears pyrotechnics and hears them in the distance, she may start shivering. After a scary incident, our bodies pump adrenaline into our veins in preparation for fighting or fleeing.
It can produce trembling both before and after a stressful event. Find comprehensive ways to comfort your dog if she becomes frightened in a specific environment or with certain people.
The Shake: Did you know that a dog can shake off 70% of his body’s water in just 4 seconds? I’m sure we’ve all witnessed the water tremor.
So, the next time you’re in the bathtub with your canine child and want to fetch the towel, don’t be shocked if he beats you to it and has already done the shake. I’m always prepared, one hand on Diego’s body and the other on the towel.
We can all agree that dogs enjoy doing the body shake, whether it’s to shake off excess water on their bodies or reduce nervousness. Does your pet frequently shake? Tell us in the comments section what causes your dog to shake his head.
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