There can be a number of different reasons why your dog is shaking . Sometimes it can be completely normal and harmless, while other times it can be a sign of an underlying illness, pain, or another serious condition. As a dog owner, it's easy to get worried if you see your dog shaking, and it's important to investigate the cause so you can give your furry friend what they need, or possibly take them to the vet.
Possible causes of dog tremors
As mentioned, there can be a number of different reasons why your dog is shaking. We'll give you a quick introduction to some of the most common reasons.
The dog is freezing.
Dogs, like us humans, can often start to shiver when they get cold or freeze. For example, are you out for a walk in cold weather, or is it cold in the room you are staying in? Then this may be the cause of the shivering. Also remember that dogs are more likely to get cold and hypothermic if they are wet. To get a small indication of whether your dog is freezing, you can try touching the underside of their ear. If it is cold to the touch, it is possible that their body temperature has dropped. In cold weather, it is therefore a good idea to dress your dog in dog clothes . See our online store's large selection of dog blankets to keep your four-legged friend warm and dry on a walk! In addition, you can make sure that your dog has access to a warm and safe dog den or dog blanket at home, where they can seek shelter and stay warm.
Fear or stress
Dogs may also tremble when they are scared or anxious. This can be caused by a number of different factors, such as being alone at home, being around other dogs, or unfamiliar places and people. If your dog is trembling due to anxiety or fear, the most effective way to do this is to remove the scary element if possible. Alternatively, you can try to create a sense of security by speaking to him in a gentle and friendly voice, giving treats and praise.
Excitement
Sometimes you can get so excited that you just shake with joy. If this is the reason your dog is shaking, for example if he sees his favorite person again or gets a tasty treat , there is not much you need to do other than enjoy the nice moment with your friend. For dogs that tend to overheat and have energy outbursts, active play and exercise are important to get out all that energy.
Time for a walk
Another potential reason for your dog to be shaking could simply be that they need to go to the bathroom. If they have been sitting for a long time and really need to go, their body language and body language may show signs of this. If it has been a while since you have been outside, you can therefore try taking them for a walk!
Are you curious about why dogs bark? Read more about it here !
Should I contact a vet if my dog is shaking?
If you have ruled out the reasons above, namely that it is cold, scared or needs to urinate, you should examine the animal more closely.
Tremors due to pain, illness, or poisoning
Shivering can also be a sign that your dog is in some form of pain, as they will often try to hide the fact that they are in pain. Gently run your hands along their body from head to toe, over their belly and back, along their legs and around their paws. If they whine or whine, this may give you an indication of where the pain is coming from. If it is a superficial wound or similar, self-treatment may be sufficient. However, if you are unable to identify the cause of the shaking, it is a good idea to take them to the vet.
If your dog also shows other symptoms, such as loss of appetite, diarrhea or vomiting, it may be a sign of poisoning or an acute, serious condition. In that case, it is important that you see your nearest veterinarian immediately! We always prioritize emergency cases at our veterinary clinic in Larvik .
Summary
There can be various reasons why your dog starts to tremble . Sometimes it can be normal and harmless reasons, while other times it can be a sign of an underlying illness, pain or another serious condition. Some of the most common, everyday reasons for trembling in dogs are fear, cold, excitement and or the need to go to the bathroom. If you have ruled out these causes, it may be a good idea to visit the vet.