Reasons Why a Dog Shakes but Isn't Cold

What Causes Dogs to Shiver?

1. Fear and Anxiety

Dog shivering is a common occurrence in veterinary clinics. Dogs may feel scared in an unfamiliar environment, with strangers like veterinarians, and not knowing what to expect can lead to trembling. This can also happen at home, perhaps when a visiting dog triggers a sense of threat or due to other stressors. While this is not harmful to the dog's health, owners should not be overly concerned.

2. Chilling and Cold

Just like humans shiver when cold, dogs' brains signal their bodies to shake muscles to maintain warmth when they can't control their body temperature. This is especially true for dogs with shorter, thinner coats, who may shiver frequently when they're cold.

3. Pain and Discomfort

Dogs may tremble when they're in pain or discomfort, as they can become anxious and tense due to changes in their bodies. They may not understand why they feel this way, leading to a "selflimiting pain" response in which they shake and tremble.

4. Epilepsy

There are many causes of epilepsy in dogs, with some reasons still unknown. Most often, it's due to a specific area of the brain malfunctioning, causing localized twitching or shaking. While generalized tremors are less common, epilepsy can't be stopped on command and may require medication like phenytoin to control and reduce seizures.

5. Tremor Syndrome

Tremor syndrome is more common in certain breeds, such as the Chihuahua and Miniature Poodle, with a genetic predisposition. Dogs with this condition may suddenly experience trembling, balance issues, and even seizures. It's a genetic disease caused by an immune system malfunction that mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues.

6. Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia is more common in small dogs, especially teacup breeds, which may exhibit symptoms after a missed meal. Dogs with diabetes are also at risk. Since a lot of sugar is excreted in urine, owners need to be particularly vigilant. Shivering can be a symptom of hypoglycemia, and in dogs with poor health, it can lead to a shock after a brief tremor.

7. Hypocalcemia

Just as with hypoglycemia, hypocalcemia can cause trembling in dogs. Calcium is crucial for muscle function, and a deficiency can lead to muscle contractions. This condition is most common in puppies aged 3 to 4 weeks, as they may not absorb calcium from milk effectively. Adult dogs can also be affected, but calcium supplementation should be balanced to avoid adverse effects.

8. Addison's Disease

Addison's disease progressively worsens over time and is relatively rare. Affected dogs typically exhibit muscle weakness, making it difficult for them to jump onto low furniture, even if it's within their reach.

9. Symptoms of Aging

Just as humans may experience hand tremors as they age, dogs can also develop uncontrolled shaking. This is a natural part of aging and is not treatable.

Tip from Oxygen Pet Doctor: It's important to analyze each situation individually and treat accordingly. In cases where the issue is minor, treatment may not be necessary. For example, if a dog is trembling due to fear, providing comfort and love can often resolve the problem effectively!