Why Dogs Shiver When It's Not Cold: Unveiling the Myste

Today's article invites us to explore the various reasons behind a dog's shivering.

Fear

This kind of tremor is most commonly observed in veterinary clinics. Of course, it can also occur at home. Often, it's triggered by something or someone that causes significant stress for the pet. Such shivering is quite common and, in most cases, is not harmful to the dog's health. In fact, it can even be beneficial.

Cold

Just like humans, when a dog's brain detects that its body is struggling to maintain temperature due to a cold, it responds by shivering to conserve heat. This is particularly true for shorthaired breeds and small dogs, which are more prone to shivering when they catch a cold.

Pain

Shivering can also be a response to discomfort and pain in the body. For instance, a dog may tremble out of fear due to changes in its body caused by illness. Since dogs are unaware of why their bodies are reacting this way, they become anxious and tense, leading to shaking.

There's also a theory that suggests dogs may shiver when they are sick to reduce the sensation of pain, acting as a form of "selfpain relief."

Epilepsy

Many diseases can trigger epilepsy in dogs. It's important to note that epilepsy rarely causes generalized tremors. Instead, it often results in localized trembling, as the disease typically affects a specific area of the dog's brain.

Epilepsy has various forms, and we will delve deeper into this topic another time. Additionally, if a dog experiences epilepsy, it will not stop trembling in a particular area even if you comfort or command it, as the brain is releasing incorrect signals due to the disease. External interference is impossible unless medication is administered.

Shaking Syndrome

Certain dog breeds, such as the West Highland White Terrier, Yorkshire Terrier, Maltese, Beagle, and Miniature Dachshund, have a certain probability of inheriting this condition. Dogs with shaking syndrome may suddenly experience tremors, loss of balance, head tilting, unsteady walking, and epilepsylike symptoms. These symptoms usually worsen within a few days before disappearing.

Scientists have discovered that this is a genetic disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body, thinking it is harmful tissue. Although the disease may heal itself, there is a high probability of the dog developing encephalitis.

Low Blood Sugar

Low blood sugar is a common issue in small dogs, especially those in the teacup variety. If a meal is missed, a dog may suffer from low blood sugar, which can be lifethreatening if not treated promptly.

Diabetic dogs are also prone to low blood sugar, as their bodies are expelling sugar through urine. Even large dogs with diabetes should not be overlooked. Shivering is one of the symptoms of low blood sugar.

Some dogs with poor health may go into shock after a short period of trembling. If your dog exhibits any of these symptoms, it's crucial to seek veterinary care immediately.

Low Blood Calcium

After discussing low blood sugar, let's talk about low blood calcium. Calcium is vital for a dog's muscles, and a deficiency can cause issues with muscle contraction frequency, most commonly manifesting as trembling.

This condition is often seen in puppies between 3 to 4 weeks old, as their bodies struggle to absorb the large amount of calcium provided by their mothers' milk. Adult dogs can also experience this, so while supplementing with calcium is fine, it should be done in moderation and at a controlled pace. Blindly supplementing with excessive nutrients can be a burden on the body.

Edison's Disease

This disease worsens over time, though fortunately, it is quite rare. Dogs with Edison's disease exhibit a hallmark symptom of muscle weakness, which can lead to their inability to jump onto a low sofa, even if it's very low.

Senior Dog Tremors

Scientists believe that as dogs enter their middle years, the protective layers around their nerves begin to thin. This is akin to the protective sheath of an Apple charger wearing down over time. Once these protective layers are compromised, any fluctuation in the dog's body can trigger trembling. In reality, this trembling is not intentional.

So, how can we correct or treat these symptoms?

As always, comfort where needed and medicate as prescribed. However, there is one important point to consider:

If you plan to have a veterinarian analyze the cause of your dog's shivering, it's best to capture a series of videos during the tremors, clearly noting the time and specific areas affected. Don't underestimate these videos; they can significantly speed up the diagnosis process and lead to more effective treatment.

Behaviorally, especially when tremors are caused by fear, they can be easily corrected by providing more love and attention to your furry friend.