Dogs tremble and shake for many reasons. It could be of pain, excitement, aging, to relieve stress, even nausea. It could also be due to severe conditions like poisoning, injury, or other diseases. As pet parents, we have to keep an eye on their health and prevent them from any distress even we are away from them. Let’s see the causes for Dog shaking, and the best solution to keep them comfortable.
Head-Shaking
- Ear Infections
Most dogs shake their heads back and forth when they have debris in their ear or have an ear infection. You can often see signs of an ear infection, as their ears will sometimes be red and inflamed and have a black, tar-like substance in them. Experienced dog owners can also usually smell an ear infection, as infected ears have a unique yeasty odor.
- Stress Relief
If you took your Dog through obedience school, you might have noticed that he/she shakes their head sometimes during intense periods of training. This is because shaking their head is one way dogs alleviate stress; it is a bit of a reset for their minds. Learning to do this is actually beneficial for your Dog because it means that they can regroup and reset without their anxiety turning into a behavior like a bite. If you see your Dog doing this frequently, you may want to pay attention to the things that stress your Dog and avoid putting him in this position. Most dogs do not like being grabbed or hugged, so you might see your Dog shake his head if you invade his personal space.
All Over Body Shaking or Trembling
- Fear
Shaking or trembling can be a fearful response in a dog. As their owner, if your Dog starts shaking during certain situations or when a particular person is in the room, chances are the shaking is fear-based. It is important to guide your Dog through the fearful situation in a positive way that neither punishes them nor accidentally reinforces the fact that the situation is something to fear. Suppose your Dog is frequently afraid of certain conditions. In that case, you can work with a trainer on positive training methods to socialize your Dog and help her become more confident in a variety of situations.
- Pain/Illness
Shaking or trembling can also be caused by pain or a medical condition. If your Dog is not cold or in a fearful situation, you should consult your veterinarian and make a note of other behaviors that might help determine the problem. Possible causes include nausea, distemper, Generalized Tremor Syndrome, seizures, poisoning, cancer, kidney disease, or a variety of other serious medical issues that require professional medical attention.
- Cold
Some dogs are less hearty when it comes to cold temperatures. Breeds like the Chihuahua, Greyhound, Whippet, Chinese Crested, and other sighthounds and toy breeds typically get cold faster than Labradors or German Shepherds. If your Dog is shaking and it is cold outside, it is possible that they are shivering to warm up just like we do when we are cold. If that is the case, you can purchase dog sweaters, coats, or beds made for burrowing.
Panting
When dogs pant, moisture and heat evaporate and help them cool their bodies. Dogs usually pant as a cooling mechanism when exercising or when they are too warm because of environmental factors. However, panting can also be caused by stress and anxiety. As a dog owner, you can usually tell from the situation if your Dog is overheated or if they are anxious.
When panting is accompanied by attempts to vomit, overall restlessness, and a bloated abdomen, your Dog is likely suffering from bloat or Gastric dilatation voluptuous. Bloat is a life-threatening condition in which the stomach stretches and flips. It requires immediate veterinary attention.
Panting and Shaking
If your Dog is both panting and shaking, it could be one of many potentially serious medical conditions. Because your Dog cannot explain to you what they are feeling, it is recommended that you reach out to your veterinarian (or an emergency clinic if your veterinary office is closed) right away if your Dog begins to pant and shake.
Overall, as a dog owner, you can usually determine from your Dog’s environment and personality if shaking, trembling, or panting because of their environment, mental state, or medical issue. When in doubt, pet owners are wise to always err on the side of caution and contact their veterinarian.
Long-distance parenting
Dogs are pack animals who depend on one other. They consider their owner as Alpha and can easily be stressed out when they are left alone.
How to find whether your Dog is stressed when they are alone?
Installing a pet camera at your home is the best way to be in touch with your pet. You can watch out for any abnormal behavior in your pets even when you are away from them. A high-tech pet-friendly camera such as WaggleCam will allow you to communicate with your dog and toss treats remotely to encourage your pet and keep them happy.
Happy petting!
