6 Reasons Why Dogs Shiver: Understanding Canine Tremors

Understanding the Six Common Reasons for a Dog to Shiver

1. Emotional Fluctuations in Dogs

When a dog experiences a significant emotional stimulus, its body may involuntarily tremble. This can happen when a dog is overly excited or frightened, leading to shaking. Whether it's a joyful tremble or a shivering from fear, these extreme emotional responses can place a heavy burden on the dog's heart, potentially causing incontinence in severe cases. It's best for owners to avoid large emotional swings in their pets and to soothe them promptly when they do occur, helping them to calm down as quickly as possible.

2. Severe Illness in Dogs

When a dog falls ill with a serious condition, such as encephalitis or canine distemper, it may exhibit seizures and tremors. These illnesses can be lifethreatening to a dog's health. If a dog frequently shivers, it's not always due to the cold. Concern for the dog's health necessitates a prompt veterinary visit for diagnosis and treatment.

3. Dogs Feeling Cold

It's important to note that dogs can shiver not just in cold weather. Despite their fur, dogs are susceptible to catching a chill. When temperatures drop significantly, dogs in environments with large temperature fluctuations may be susceptible to colds and shivering. It's crucial to prepare dogs for temperature changes by providing adequate warmth. If a dog shows signs of a cold, it's essential to help it warm up to prevent further complications.

4. Epilepsy in Dogs

Epileptic seizures in dogs can cause involuntary body tremors. If a dog is otherwise healthy and the weather is normal, these tremors might be indicative of epilepsy. Epilepsy can be influenced by both congenital and acquired factors, and there is no definitive cure. Medications like phenytoin are used to control seizures, but they must be prescribed by a veterinarian due to potential side effects.

5. Calcium Deficiency in Dogs

Calcium is essential for maintaining a dog's bodily functions. While calcium is known for its benefits to bones and teeth, it also plays a role in muscle activity. Dogs with calcium deficiencies may experience muscle spasms, tremors, weakness, and difficulty walking. Pet owners can prevent calcium deficiencies by supplementing their dog's diet with calcium supplements, such as highenergy milk calcium tablets, which are suitable for dogs of all ages.

6. Ingestion of Toxic Substances

Many dogs are greedy and prone to scavenging. If a dog accidentally consumes toxic natural foods, spoiled food, or harmful chemicals, it can lead to poisoning and abnormal neurological responses, causing the dog's body to lose control. To reduce the risk, owners should keep hazardous items out of reach and avoid taking their dogs out when they are hungry, as this may encourage them to eat dangerous substances.

Pet Doctor Oxygen Tips: To prevent shivering due to calcium deficiency, it's recommended that owners choose lowsodium, highprotein dog food rich in various trace elements for their pets. This balanced diet not only provides essential nutrients but also enhances the dog's immune system.