In part I of this article , we discussed the common complaints of vomiting, diarrhea and limping, and when you should panic—or, more often, not—when you note these signs in your pet. Pets may shiver or shake for many reasons—pain, fear, anxiety, nerves, or simply being too cold. We often see dogs shiver and shake during thunderstorms or July 4th fireworks. If neither is the case, his or her shivering is most likely not from being too cold.
The difficulty here is trying to determine whether or not the degree of pain, or the source of pain, should be of concern enough to panic and take your pooch or kitty straight to your veterinarian or to an emergency facility.
Often this is a judgment call, but here are a few guidelines. If the shivering and shaking is accompanied by excessive panting, this is usually a sign of stress, and more intense pain or discomfort. Note that acetaminophen , the active ingredient of Tylenol, can kill a cat! This is a physiological response to a real or perceived threat. Fear is a crucial response that aids in survival.
It is part of the fight or flight response. Anxiety occurs when the dog anticipates that a threat or danger may occur. Dogs experiencing high levels of stress can also exhibit shaking. When a threatening trigger occurs, information is sent to the amygdala, which is the part of the brain that processes emotions.
The fear response sends a cascade of reactions through the brain and body. They cause increased respiratory and heart rate, dilation of the pupils, relaxation of the bladder, constriction of many blood vessels, slowed digestion, and shaking.
Dogs can also shake due to excitement, an indication of mental arousal. The mental arousal can be either a positive or negative emotional response. Try to identify the possible cause for the shaking. Did your puppy or dog recently eat something? Was the shaking triggered by a loud noise outside your house? Did you recently give your dog medication? If you have any doubts, contact your veterinarian.
When your puppy or adult dog starts to shake, make sure that they are kept in a warm location and that they are not cold to the touch. A young puppy that does not feel cold and is persistently shaking should be examined by your veterinarian. Are there other symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhea, etc.?
If your adult dog exhibits shaking along with other physical signs, like lethargy, vomiting, discharge from the eyes or nose, or leaking urine, they should be examined by your veterinarian. If your dog only shakes when they hear a loud noise, such as thunder or fireworks, or when the bus goes by on his walk, you should seek a consultation with a veterinary behaviorist a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists or DACVB or certified applied animal behaviorist CAAB.
Just to be safe, rule out any medical conditions by seeing your vet, and at the appointment, ask for a referral to a veterinary or animal behaviorist. Home Dog Care Center. Why Is My Dog Shaking? Why is My Dog Shaking? Posts by:. Dog Behavior. If your dog does not appear anxious or fearful and his body temperature is normal, I encourage you to contact your veterinarian particularly if: The trembling continues for more than an hour or two.
You observe any other symptoms such as lethargy , loss of appetite , vomiting , diarrhea , labored breathing , etc. You identify a potential toxin in the environment that your dog may have accessed. Questions for your veterinarian Why is my dog trembling? Is some sort of treatment necessary? What other symptoms should I be watching for?
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