What's wrong with shivering dogs?
Dog shivering is a phenomenon that many owners may encounter in their daily lives. Sometimes they are just shivering because of excitement or the cold, but in some cases, it can be a sign of an underlying health issue. In this article, we'll take you on an in-depth look at the causes of dog shivering, how to deal with it, and what to look out for to help you better care for and look after your dog.
Common Causes of Dog Shivering.
1. Cold When dogs feel cold, they will increase their body temperature by shivering. Especially small dogs and short-haired dogs are prone to shivering in winter or when the temperature is low.
2. Excitement or Delight Dogs may shiver when they are playing, meeting their owners, or looking forward to going outside because of emotional excitement. This shivering is usually accompanied by cheerful behaviour such as wagging of the tail.
3. Anxiety and Fear Dogs may shiver when they are nervous about unfamiliar situations, noises, thunderstorms, and so on. Signs of anxiety and fear may also be accompanied by behaviours such as barking and avoidance.
4. Pain or Discomfort Dogs may shiver if they are in pain due to injury, illness etc. This condition requires further observation and examination.
5. Poisoning or illness Certain poisonings (e.g. consumption of poisonous plants, chemicals, etc.) as well as some illnesses (e.g. epilepsy, muscular disorders, etc.) may also lead to generalised trembling. This is usually serious and requires immediate medical attention.
6. Hypoglycaemia Especially in small dogs, hypoglycaemia may cause them to show symptoms such as shivering and weakness.
How to deal with shivering in dogs?
If you find your dog shivering all over, first of all, don't panic, here are some treatments and suggestions:
1. Stay calm Dogs can sense their owner's emotions. Staying calm and relaxed can reduce their anxiety.
2. Adapt to the environment If the shivering is caused by the cold, move the dog to a warm environment and use blankets, dog coats, etc. to keep them warm.
3. Soothing and rewarding For dogs shivering due to excitement or anxiety, help them calm down by stroking, whispering soothing words, and giving them favourite toys as a distraction.
4. Observe the symptoms Observe whether the dog has any other abnormalities, such as loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea and mobility problems. If so, it is recommended to contact your veterinarian promptly.
5. Seek medical examination If your dog's trembling lasts for a long time, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms (e.g. vomiting, weakness, blurred consciousness, etc.), you should take them to the vet as soon as possible for an examination to find out the cause.
When do I need to see a vet?
Please make sure to take your dog to the vet in the following cases:
- The shaking is prolonged and has lasted for more than a few minutes.
- It is accompanied by other medical conditions such as vomiting, diarrhoea, lameness and coma.
- There is a noticeable change in the dog's drinking and eating.
- The dog as a whole shows an unusual state of anxiety or depression.
- Sudden shivering in hot weather may be a precursor to heat stroke.
Ways to Prevent Shivering in Dogs.
To reduce the incidence of shivering in dogs, owners can take the following preventive measures:
1. Provide a comfortable environment Ensure that your home is warm and dry, especially during the cold season, to create a comfortable living environment for your dog.
2. Psychological training Through proper training and socialisation, let your dog gradually adapt to various environments to reduce shivering caused by fear or anxiety.
3. Regular health checkups Take your dog for regular health checkups to detect potential health problems in time.
4. Scientific feeding Ensure that your dog has a balanced diet, and of course, eat regularly to prevent hypoglycaemia.
There are many different reasons why a dog may be shivering. Sometimes it may be a minor problem, but in some cases it is a health warning. As pet owners, being aware of these conditions can help us to better care and concern for our dogs and ensure they are healthy and happy. If you have any questions or concerns, please consult your veterinarian promptly so that your dog can enjoy a healthy life!
Common Causes of Dog Shivering.
1. Cold When dogs feel cold, they will increase their body temperature by shivering. Especially small dogs and short-haired dogs are prone to shivering in winter or when the temperature is low.
2. Excitement or Delight Dogs may shiver when they are playing, meeting their owners, or looking forward to going outside because of emotional excitement. This shivering is usually accompanied by cheerful behaviour such as wagging of the tail.
3. Anxiety and Fear Dogs may shiver when they are nervous about unfamiliar situations, noises, thunderstorms, and so on. Signs of anxiety and fear may also be accompanied by behaviours such as barking and avoidance.
4. Pain or Discomfort Dogs may shiver if they are in pain due to injury, illness etc. This condition requires further observation and examination.
5. Poisoning or illness Certain poisonings (e.g. consumption of poisonous plants, chemicals, etc.) as well as some illnesses (e.g. epilepsy, muscular disorders, etc.) may also lead to generalised trembling. This is usually serious and requires immediate medical attention.
6. Hypoglycaemia Especially in small dogs, hypoglycaemia may cause them to show symptoms such as shivering and weakness.
How to deal with shivering in dogs?
If you find your dog shivering all over, first of all, don't panic, here are some treatments and suggestions:
1. Stay calm Dogs can sense their owner's emotions. Staying calm and relaxed can reduce their anxiety.
2. Adapt to the environment If the shivering is caused by the cold, move the dog to a warm environment and use blankets, dog coats, etc. to keep them warm.
3. Soothing and rewarding For dogs shivering due to excitement or anxiety, help them calm down by stroking, whispering soothing words, and giving them favourite toys as a distraction.
4. Observe the symptoms Observe whether the dog has any other abnormalities, such as loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea and mobility problems. If so, it is recommended to contact your veterinarian promptly.
5. Seek medical examination If your dog's trembling lasts for a long time, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms (e.g. vomiting, weakness, blurred consciousness, etc.), you should take them to the vet as soon as possible for an examination to find out the cause.
When do I need to see a vet?
Please make sure to take your dog to the vet in the following cases:
- The shaking is prolonged and has lasted for more than a few minutes.
- It is accompanied by other medical conditions such as vomiting, diarrhoea, lameness and coma.
- There is a noticeable change in the dog's drinking and eating.
- The dog as a whole shows an unusual state of anxiety or depression.
- Sudden shivering in hot weather may be a precursor to heat stroke.
Ways to Prevent Shivering in Dogs.
To reduce the incidence of shivering in dogs, owners can take the following preventive measures:
1. Provide a comfortable environment Ensure that your home is warm and dry, especially during the cold season, to create a comfortable living environment for your dog.
2. Psychological training Through proper training and socialisation, let your dog gradually adapt to various environments to reduce shivering caused by fear or anxiety.
3. Regular health checkups Take your dog for regular health checkups to detect potential health problems in time.
4. Scientific feeding Ensure that your dog has a balanced diet, and of course, eat regularly to prevent hypoglycaemia.
There are many different reasons why a dog may be shivering. Sometimes it may be a minor problem, but in some cases it is a health warning. As pet owners, being aware of these conditions can help us to better care and concern for our dogs and ensure they are healthy and happy. If you have any questions or concerns, please consult your veterinarian promptly so that your dog can enjoy a healthy life!
