Dog owners may observe an interesting characteristic in pets. Some dogs shiver, starting from the tip of the tail and ending with a wet nose. Why does a dog shiver as if it has chills? There are physiological, psychological factors and diseases that are responsible for this peculiarity. It is worth to understand when to worry, and in what minute to caress and calm the dog.

Can a dog pretend?

In fact, a dog’s trembling may be due to a desire to interest the owner. Dogs can demand attention by barking, squeaking, tail wagging, and in some cases, shivering. If she knows that you are reacting to her in this state, the trembling may become a constant sign of canine behavior. What can you do in such a case? Ignore the doggie drama so as not to reinforce its manifestations. But it’s easier to work with dog character building during childhood, if the Puppy is grown, you need a consultation with a dog behaviorist.

Psychological causes

The most common cause of trembling is fear. Dogs are sensitive creatures and react acutely to loud sounds (thunder, gunshots, fireworks). To new people, unfamiliar places or areas that have a negative coloring in the dogs memory. Stress causes the muscles to overstretch, they begin to twitch. The dog squints its ears, hunches over, may lie down on the ground, and opens its eyes wide. Your Pet is frightened and you need to calm him down. Talk to the dog first, pet him, and then take him to a safe place or home. A dog can be nervous and anxious when he misses you. Have you been in a meltdown with a friend for a long time? The dog’s trembling indicates how happy it is to see you. An emotional human friend is the Chihuahua, which shakes when meeting its owner after a long separation.

Physiological causes

Cold

Cold weather in the yard makes not only people shiver, but also dogs. Dogs have a higher body temperature than humans (37.4-37.5 to 39 degrees) and their metabolism is accelerated accordingly. If a dog is cold, it starts to produce more heat. Muscles begin to contract rapidly and canines start ticking. When a dog is cold, it is best to go home and warm up. Overcooling can lead to joint pain and weakness in the paws. That is why, for small short-haired dogs or allergic, weakened individuals buy warm clothing.

Physical exhaustion

Heavy strain on the muscles leads to tremors. After a dynamic walk and active play, dogs may have trembling paws. This is a temporary phenomenon, which after resting in a warm place will quickly pass. Rest and water are needed to restore water balance in the body.

Age-related changes

Old age imposes its imprint on the health of the dog. Weakness in the body, inflammation in the joints causes trembling in the paws. The pain prevents the dog from moving and he prefers to rest most of the time. Osteatritis can occur, which usually affects large breeds such as Labradors, sheepdogs, dogs, and St. Bernards. The dog trembles, is sad and avoids movements. The veterinarian prescribes pain medication, physical therapy and weight control. After 7-10 years of age, dogs may develop manifestations of idiopathic tremor. These are regular muscle contractions with no obvious cause. The symptom is not cured, but with the help of medication, the effect on the dog’s well-being is alleviated.

Health problems

Neurological diseases

The nerve system in the body is a complex structure with which the dog controls its movements. If the dog has tremors, numbness in the paws, and coordination is impaired, the animal should be seen by a veterinarian.

  • Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that has recurrent seizures caused by a temporary malfunction of brain cells. It is the most common neurological disorder, affecting 2% of dogs at any age. During a seizure, the dog falls over, its muscles contract and its legs twitch. After a seizure, the animal may be disoriented and may not get up for several minutes. Treatment for epilepsy in dogs is to reduce the frequency and severity of seizures. This includes medications such as anticonvulsants and benzodiazepines, an adjusted diet, and stress management.
  • Myelopathy is a disease of the spinal cord of various etiologies. Can be accompanied by diseases: osteochondrosis, spondylolisthesis, vascular pathologies and spinal cord injuries. Causes weakness of the hind legs and trembling. It is treated with anti-inflammatory, analgesic drugs, and surgical intervention is also possible.
  • Ataxia – a disorder of coordination of voluntary movements, due to cerebellar lesions. It is accompanied by impaired balance, the ability to estimate the distance of movements. The dog can not keep himself on his feet, trembles, falls. Ataxia can be congenital or acquired, for example, due to trauma. Pharmaceutical preparations, vitamin E are necessarily prescribed.
  • Generalized tremor syndrome is a tremor in dogs that is caused by inflammation of both the brain and spinal cord. The disease is idiopathic, meaning no cause has been identified. The syndrome was first discovered in the Maltese bologna and poodle, for which it was named “white dog shaking syndrome”. Treatment uses steroids that suppress the immune system.

Neurologic problems require a detailed history, clinical examination, and diagnosis (MRI, CT scan). Do not hesitate to visit a veterinarian if your dog’s tremor is accompanied by loss of body control.

Poisoning

Food poisoning in dogs is most commonly seen, but there can be chemical and drug poisoning. In rare cases, poison can enter through the respiratory tract or skin. Special care should be taken when outdoors, as this is where the most dangers lie. Thrown spoiled food, baits for stray dogs, poisonous plants: azaleas, rhododendrons. Medications and chemicals at home, toxic foods for dogs: avocados, chocolate, macadamia nuts we can hide. With food poisoning there is trembling, increased salivation, vomiting, weakness, diarrhea. It is necessary to give the dog an adsorbent, such as activated charcoal (10 tablets per 0.5 cup of water) and consult a veterinarian. Convulsions, foaming of the mouth, dilated pupils, loss of consciousness indicate chemical poisoning. Delaying a trip to the clinic may result in the loss of the Friend. Movement disorder, tremors, rapid or slow heartbeat are signs of drug poisoning. In any poisoning, do not induce vomiting and gastric lavage without the veterinarian’s permission, as toxic substances can damage the esophagus and mucous membranes.

Metabolic disorders

Hypoglycemia is a condition that results from a metabolic disorder and refers to low blood sugar levels. Glucose is an indicator of energy and activity levels. If a dog suffers from the disease, he will experience loss of coordination, muscle spasms, tremors, and weakness. Most hypoglycemia is characteristic of small breeds: Yorkshire terriers, or dogs with diabetes. If the dog is not treated, unconsciousness and coma may occur. If the disease is suspected, blood sugar tests should be taken.

When it’s time to see a veterinarian

When a dog is shivering for no apparent reason, cold or fear, you should pay attention to whether there are any other changes in the dog’s behavior. Weakness in the body, upset stomach, increased salivation, when the dog is shivering and lethargic poor orientation in space, the dog is shivering and breathing frequently, seizures are reasons to immediately contact the veterinarian. Muscle tremors can be dangerous and indicate neurological diseases, metabolic disorders, poisoning. Only an experienced specialist can figure out the cause. Remember, your pet’s health depends on your attention and responsibility.