There are many reasons why a dog may be shaking. It can range from being happy to see you again to eating toxic foods.

But what are the most common reasons for a dog to shiver or shake? Is treatment necessary to relieve the tremors? When should you talk to your vet about this behavior ? Answers here.

 

My dog ​​is shaking: When to see a vet?

Dogs shiver and shake for all sorts of reasons: excitement, pain, cold, stress, age, even nausea.

But trembling in dogs can also be a symptom of something more serious – such as poisoning, severe kidney disease or an injury ( blow to the head , trauma, etc.)

So, if your dog starts to shiver or shake, it is important to observe if this is accompanied by other symptoms such as:

• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Lameness
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite

If this is the case, make an appointment with your veterinarian immediately.

 

My dog ​​is shaking: What are the common causes?

Some of the most common causes of tremors and chills in dogs include:

1. The Cold

The simplest answer to the question “Why is my dog ​​shaking?” is that he is cold.

Shivering in a cold environment is a completely normal muscular phenomenon, intended to provide heat through muscle contractions; this helps raise body temperature and prevent hypothermia .

Small dog breeds, such as Chihuahuas, may be more prone to this type of shivering than larger breeds, due to their lower body mass and short coat.

If it’s cold and your dog suddenly starts shaking during your daily outing, your pet’s muscle twitching is unlikely to be related to an underlying health issue .

What should I do if my dog ​​is shivering because he is cold?

If your dog does not tolerate the cold well, consider limiting his exposure to the outdoors, while ensuring sufficient physical stimulation.

A dog sweater or coat can also help keep him warm and alleviate chills.

Also provide him with a warm place to warm up; a basket near a heating vent with a soft blanket should do the trick on a cold night.

To go further, read our article : How can I protect my dog ​​from the cold in winter?

2. Nausea

Like humans, dogs can experience nausea from motion sickness , medications , overeating , or poisoning .

They may also be nauseous due to kidney or liver disease, as well as other medical conditions.

So shaking can be a sign that your dog is nauseous, but it’s not the only one.

Other signs of nausea in dogs include:

• Frequent swallowing
• Excessive salivation
• Yawning
• Vomiting

What should I do if my dog ​​is shaking because he is nauseous?

Gastroenteritis is a common cause of nausea. So if your dog suddenly vomits or seems nauseous, call your veterinarian. A more serious illness or poisoning cannot be ruled out.

Treatment for nausea depends on its cause .

After consulting your veterinarian and implementing appropriate treatment, you can also use natural solutions to alleviate nausea.

CBD, for example, is a hemp extract known to relieve nausea 1 but also:

• Calming and soothing
• Relieve stress
• Promote appetite
• Improve sleep

3. Old age and pain

As dogs age, some develop tremors in their hind legs, or even their front legs.

These tremors usually do not affect the way your dog moves or walks. It is simply muscle weakness, as can also be seen in older people.

Be careful though, while it’s tempting to assume that your dog’s trembling legs are due to aging, tremors can also be a sign of other problems, including the result of pain.

Your dog’s tremors can therefore also reveal that your dog is in pain and has a muscle disease or other health problem.

What should I do if my dog ​​is shaking because he is in pain?

If your pet gets older and develops tremors, consult your veterinarian to rule out any underlying health problems.

On the other hand, never give human medications, such as anti-inflammatories , to your dog. This could cause more problems than anything else.

4. Poisoning

Several toxins or poisons can cause tremors or chills in dogs.

For example, some foods are harmless to humans, but toxic to your pet.

These include chocolate , grapes and xylitol , the sugar substitute found in many chewing gums.

Other common causes of dog poisoning include household chemicals and rat poison .

Warning : a dog can also be poisoned by eating a rat, which has itself ingested rat poison .

Symptoms of poisoning vary depending on the toxin.

They understand :

• Tremors
• Sudden weakness
• Disorientation
• Depression
• Drool
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Convulsive seizures
• Bleeding

What should I do if my dog ​​is shaking because he is suffering from poisoning or intoxication?

If you think your dog has swallowed something potentially toxic, call your veterinarian immediately.

If you cannot reach your veterinarian, you can also contact the National Center for Veterinary Toxicological Information (CNITV).

The veterinarians at this free service, open 24/7, will give you advice on what to do in the event of intoxication or poisoning.

To contact them, contact: 04 78 87 10 40

5. Epileptic disorders

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that can affect dogs.

Symptoms may include:

• Fall to the ground
• Convulsions
• Stiffness
• Muscle contractions
• Loss of consciousness
• Foaming at the mouth

A dog suffering from a typical epileptic seizure (grand mal) will fall to the side, stiffen and make movements with their legs. A milder seizure (petit mal) may only manifest as stiffness of a limb or tremors.

What should I do if my dog ​​is shaking because he has epilepsy?

If you suspect your dog has epilepsy or your pet appears to be entering an epileptic state, seek veterinary attention immediately.

Treatment includes medications to control seizures, such as phenobarbital or potassium bromide.

6. Excitement

You really don’t have to do much to make a dog happy.

Coming home in the evening is enough to make him shake, bark, and even urinate out of excitement.

The sight of a “buddy” dog can also be one of the reasons why your dog is shaking.

What should I do if my dog ​​is shaking because he is excited?

You can help your canine companion calm down more quickly by keeping your greetings calm and brief.

Also train him to sit before you say hello.

7. Stress, anxiety, fear

Tremors can finally reveal anxiety or fear in your dog.

Possible reasons for stress in dogs include :

• Phobia ( veterinary consultation , etc.)
• Separation anxiety
• Changes in routine ( moving , etc.)
• Loud noise ( storm , fireworks , etc. )

What should I do if my dog ​​is shaking because he is stressed?

Understanding the reasons for your dog’s anxiety is the first step to resolving the problem in depth and calming your dog as best as possible.

CBD can also relax your dog naturally .

This hemp extract can in fact be used as a treatment in cases of generalized stress or episodically, in cases of fear linked to a temporary event.

You can find CBD for dogs in the form of calming CBD spray or calming treats .