Is shaking a sign of pain in dogs?

Dogs are significantly more adept at reading our body language than we are at reading theirs when it comes to communication. Dogs are the exact opposite of humans in that they place more emphasis on body language than verbal communication.

Sadly, this frequently leaves us perplexed, wondering what our dogs are trying to tell us. Shaking is one of these potentially confusing behaviors.

If your dog is wet, you may have wondered why they need to shake. That shaking, however, is surprisingly efficient. In just four seconds, wet dogs can remove 70% of the water from their fur. Although it’s not as good for our bathrooms, that is much more efficient than our attempts to towel-dry our dogs.

Dry dogs shake, too. If your dog shakes their entire body for no apparent reason, such as after a bath or a good roll in the dirt, it may be due to stress. Shaking is a classic symptom of stress in dogs. Your dog is attempting to release tension when he shakes after jumping off the examination table at the vet’s office or after interacting with a stranger.

Shaking is often used interchangeably with the words shivering and trembling to describe distressed puppies. Certain toy and small terrier breeds shiver more than others. This kind of shivering can be a sign of pain. When your dog is nauseous, she may also shake. To make sure there isn’t a more serious problem to deal with, speak with your veterinarian if your dog has started to shake for no apparent reason.

All dog breeds get ear infections. However, owners of breeds like Cocker Spaniels, Basset Hounds, Labrador Retrievers, and Golden Retrievers who are more susceptible to ear infections should be on the lookout for excessive head shaking. If your dog is shaking his head after taking a recent bath or swim, it’s quite likely that he has an ear infection. Additional issues like an ear hematoma (when blood builds up in the ear flap) can result from this shaking. After their dogs have been in the water, owners should always completely dry their dogs’ ears. Check your dog’s ears carefully to see if they appear red, inflamed, dirty, or have a funky smell if your dog is shaking his head more than usual, and then consult a veterinarian.

If your dog consumes chocolate, cigarettes, or any of the numerous human products containing xylitol, such as sugar-free gum, they could experience trembling, seizures, vomiting, diarrhea, and even die as a result. If you believe your dog has consumed one of these items, contact your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline right away.

Shaking may indicate an unexpected change in blood chemistry. Shaking can be brought on by hypoglycemia or low blood sugar, says Dr Jerry Klein, AKC chief veterinary officer. Young puppies and small-breed dogs are most susceptible to this condition. Maintaining a balanced diet and a regular feeding schedule for your dog can help prevent hypoglycemia. However, your dog’s veterinarian should determine the cause of any shaking and treat it if it is a sign of another underlying condition.

A virus called canine distemper can make dogs tremble and shake. Unvaccinated dogs and puppies are most at risk. The infected dog should be kept apart from other dogs because the virus needs to run its course and is highly contagious. The doctor will deal with the signs, might recommend antibiotics to stop secondary infections, and may advise keeping the dog hydrated to avoid dehydration.

On a chilly day after a short swim and an outing, my 13-year-old dog began shaking. The vet suggested that this was most likely a result of my old dog’s body no longer being able to effectively control his temperature. Warming him up with blankets stopped the shaking. Due to muscle loss, senior dogs occasionally also experience tremors in their legs, particularly the hind ones.

White dog shaker syndrome and corticosteroid responsive tremor syndrome are additional names for GTS. Although small white dogs were the first to exhibit this condition, which causes full-body shaking, it has been observed in dogs of all breeds and sizes. The cause of this syndrome is unknown. The veterinarian usually prescribes corticosteroids like prednisone.

We might worry that our dog is having a seizure if we notice him shaking erratically. Seizures can manifest as prolonged, uncontrollable shaking, but they can also cause muscle contractions, jerking movements, collapse, and momentary unconsciousness, according to Dr. Klein. Always alert the vet if you suspect your dog had a seizure. There are numerous causes, with idiopathic epilepsy being the most prevalent. Anticonvulsant drugs are typically used to treat this condition.

My dog trembles every time I let the door to the backyard open and tell her to “wait” because she wants to go outside. She trembles as she waits at the front door for my daughter. She trembles when we’re out walking and she sees my neighbors, but I tell her to “go say hi” before she stops. When a dog is given access to the source of her excitement, shaking can occasionally just be a sign of happy excitement in that dog.

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Is Shaking A Sign Of Pain In Dogs?

Shaking can be a sign of pain among other reasons. Pain is often exhibited through shaking in the hind legs, common in older dogs who have developed joint pain. Arthritis is one reason for shaking from pain in dogs.

Even though shaking because of pain isn’t always an emergency, a veterinarian should still be consulted. Your pet’s pain can be addressed by your veterinarian, who can also assist you in finding a treatment plan.

While trembling or shaking can indicate pain, it doesn’t rule out the possibility that your dog is trembling or shaking for another, more serious reason.

Other Causes of Shivering and Trembling in Dogs

There are additional, less frequent causes for dogs to tremble, shake, or shiver.

Chronic kidney failure can lead to tremors. So can neurological problems that may include inflammatory brain diseases. An Addisonian crisis, a condition related to an underactive adrenal gland, and demyelinating disorders may also lead to shaking in dogs. Dogs may shake when their anal sacs are full.

Consult your veterinarian if you have any questions about your dog’s trembling or shaking, as well as any other canine health or wellness issue.

Dog Shivering: Common Causes

When dogs feel fear or anxiety, they frequently tremble. 3 While each dog has different triggers, thunderstorms and fireworks tend to be the most typical ones.

Do your best to reassure your anxious dog. Talk to them in a calm, reassuring tone. Try to create a safe space where they feel protected. As soon as you can, try to get your animal friend out of the stressful situation. If not, try your best to reassure them until their anxiety fades. If your dog is aggressive, you might want to give them some room.

Speak to your veterinarian if your dog’s anxiety is a persistent problem. They may be able to prescribe medication to help treat certain situations’ symptoms.

FAQ

What should I do if my dog is shaking?

Contact your veterinarian right away if your dog exhibits prolonged shaking or other alarming symptoms because this could be a sign of a serious medical issue. Contact us if you are concerned with your pet’s symptoms.

How do I know if my dogs in pain?

The following general behaviors are indicative of pain in dogs: shaking, flattened ears, low posture, aggression, grumpiness, panting or crying excessively, unwillingness to play, interact, or exercise, lameness (limping), stiffness after resting, loss of appetite.

What causes involuntary shaking in dogs?

White shaker syndrome, compost ingestion, toxin ingestion, episodic head tremors, hypoglycemia, hepatic encephalopathy, and hypocalcemia are just a few of the conditions that can cause tremors in dogs. Depending on the cause, treatment for tremors may include decontamination and supportive care.