Mary Allen
When we humans are cold, we start to tremble. If we are scared, unsure, or very tense, tremors can also happen. Immediate shaking cannot be prevented. Our dogs are very similar.
Why do dogs tremble?
When dogs tremble, there can be many different reasons. Most reasons are harmless. But in some cases, as a dog owner, you have to keep a close eye on the situation and act quickly in an emergency.
Dog trembles in his sleep
Our Podenco often starts to tremble badly while sleeping. This condition increases until he literally walks in his sleep and also makes strange noises.
This shaking during sleep can be observed in many dogs and is completely harmless and even important for the dog. It is used to reduce stress and is a sign of muscle relaxation.
The more the dog has experienced during the day, the more likely it will start to tremble when it is resting. Dogs also like to tremble during the dream phase. When the dream is over, the trembling ends too.
Dog trembles all over
Dog breeds with no undercoat, small dogs, or hairless dogs like to shiver in cooler temperatures.
This trembling is also a completely harmless reaction of the animals. They just freeze.
If your dog freezes easily, put a dog coat on him. Especially small dogs or dogs with very short fur can quickly catch a cold at lower temperatures.
It is well known that terrier breeds in particular like to tremble. Bred specifically for hunting, these dogs are constantly under tension so they can react at lightning speed.
The dog is shaking because it is particularly tense. Our terrier mix presents us with this trembling whenever he spots a cat or rabbit.
It is generally observed that small dogs tremble more than large ones. Especially the so-called mini dogs like to tremble all the time.
However, that has nothing to do with the fact that they are cold. These animals are simply insecure. The reason for this is often the treatment they receive from their owners.
Unfortunately, mini dogs are mostly just carried around. If they are not held by the arm, they are in pouches. If such animals are put on the ground, the uncertainty is great.
They can’t do anything with the oversized environment and are afraid. An ominous vicious circle ensues.
If a “danger” approaches in the form of a larger dog or other people, the animal is picked up again and the anxiety behavior increases.
Picking it up and calming it down reinforces the animal’s fear and behavior. It is therefore important for every dog that it gets to know as many environmental stimuli, noises, and foreign creatures as possible and can make contact with them as early as puppy age.
If the dog is not given these opportunities, this is called poor socialization and the dog will react anxiously and even tremble in stressful situations.
Trembling as a symptom of illness
In addition to all of these natural and mostly harmless reasons that cause a dog to tremble, there are also medical conditions whose symptoms include tremors. The dog owner’s powers of observation are required here.
A tremor can indicate pain. Dogs often start shaking their extremities when they are injured.
In these cases, watch out for a possible limp and control the affected leg.
Large dogs are particularly prone to gastric torsion. Along with restlessness, panting and a bloated stomach, tremors are among the main symptoms of this life-threatening condition.
In this case, you must take your animal to the vet immediately. Every minute counts here.
Abdominal pain from digestive problems can also cause tremors. If the trembling occurs after great physical exertion and symptoms such as disorientation and weakness appear, your dog may have hypoglycemia.
In this case, a piece of dextrose can prevent worse things from happening. In such cases, the veterinarian should always be consulted to rule out a serious illness.
Dog trembling can have very different meanings. As the dog owner, you are the best judge of why your pet trembles in a particular situation. If you are unsure, consult your vet to be on the safe side.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can you do if the dog is shaking?
The following applies: If your dog’s shaking seems unusual or if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, apathy, or convulsions, you should urgently consult a veterinarian!
Which dogs naturally tremble?
If the dog trembles while sleeping, this is usually not a cause for concern. Some dog breeds are also naturally prone to shaking. Hunting dogs, such as the Jack Russel Terrier, are equipped with a very good hunting instinct that can cause excitement and tension.
How does a dog behave when it dies?
When the last phase of death is reached, most dogs lie motionless. They usually vomit, defecate or cramp. It also happens that the dogs howl and bark loudly. But pain is not to blame for this: it is a clear sign that the end has come.
What does it mean when a dog shakes its hind legs?
Do your dog’s hind legs tremble? Muscle weakness can also be a cause of tremors. It is usually manifested primarily by trembling of the legs – especially the hind legs. The tremors usually subside after your dog has had a rest.
What can trigger seizures in dogs?
Infectious diseases and poisoning can trigger the same symptoms, as can a disturbance in the dog’s salt and water balance. Diseases of the brain also trigger cramps. Deformities, injuries, inflammation, or tumors are other possible causes of epilepsy in dogs.
How do dogs behave when they are not feeling well?
If your dog’s breathing changes, such as suddenly breathing very shallowly or panting, this is also a clear sign that he is not feeling well. If you have the feeling that your dog might not be doing well, the best thing to do is look him in the eye.
Where is my dog in pain?
Your dog seems very stiff. You notice that your four-legged friend adopts a cramped posture. Maybe he has a stomach ache and is writhing under it. Stiffness in the morning, a hanging head, or a pinched tail are also signs of pain.
Is my dog sick test?
If you suspect that your dog or puppy is sick due to various signs of illness, you should measure its temperature rectally with a commercially available clinical thermometer. His normal body temperature should be between 37.5 and 39°C (up to 39.5°C in puppies).