Signs Your Dog is Fake Shivering
During winter it may be difficult to assess whether the cold is getting to your animal. However, if they demonstrate a shiver during the warmer months and you have checked with the vet there is nothing wrong (Yes, it makes sense to check with the Vet) then there are a couple of signs that attribute to this faking. Some dogs learn to love the attention they get whenever they shiver.
And that’s the point really. If you can rule out the weather, rule out a bath, and rule out any physical attributes, it is likely your dog’s way of gaining that extra bit of attention and love. So if you have a dog that shivers or fakes it and you know there is nothing wrong with them, think of how you react to that. You may realize that you melt every time your dog shivers and they may just love the fun and games that ensues.
This may not be a physical affliction as in your environment, but your dog may suffer from anxiety and stress, particularly if their home life is not good. Maybe you work long hours and they are uneasy about being left alone. Maybe they have been abused in the past before they have come into your possession.
Just like us, dogs can feel stress and depression and if they are generally unwell, then shivering can be a release and may be the only way to to tell you something is wrong. In these sad cases, they may need some sort of medication to help them through. Speak with your vet if you suspect this is the case. Dogs can be very sensitive and affected by their environments and may be there is a little conflict or unease in their living conditions.
Some signs that your pooch is fake shivering are:
More signs that indicate you have a faker are:
As long as dogs have been our companion animals and our best friends, there has been evidence in a very individualistic way (not studies) that dogs can fake injuries, pain, and shivering. It is assumed that dogs receive some sort of benefits.
Maybe the owner will soothe them, shower them with love and attention, or give them a treat. This all makes it sound like dogs are great manipulators. And indeed that is true. But dogs generally assess a situation and do this to receive GOOD benefits.
Like humans, dogs really do understand that certain actions have reactions or consequences. In some cases, the dogs may completely ignore the consequences, but lap up healthy and loving attention. It is very much a learned behavior. And it is taught by us, the humans.
Dogs are very clever; they are able to distinguish what actions get what and they purposely do things to get that reaction.
For many dogs, shivering is a sure fire way to get attention from the owner. Couple that with a pitiful look and cuddling and lap time is not far away. Many owners report that when their dog is outside and can be seen by the owner the dog will shiver if it wants to come in no matter what the actual temperature might be. Some dogs will shiver convincingly when they want to be picked up.
Generalized Tremor Syndrome (GTS) also known as White Shaker Dog Syndrome can cause continual tremors. GTS was first recognized in small white dogs including the West Highland White Terrier and the Bichon Frise. However, GTS may affect any breed of dog. Right now the thinking is that GTS is an immune mediated problem as opposed to an inherited condition.
So how can you tell if a shivering dog is one that really needs something or is a great actor getting the desired response from their owner? A look at the causes of shivering can help you decide if you have a great actor or if your dog has a health issue that needs attention from your veterinarian.
Why is my dog shaking for no reason?
Dogs shake and tremble for all kinds of reasons — excitement, pain, old age, even nausea. Shivering and trembling may be symptoms of something serious — like poisoning, kidney disease, or injury.
When dogs get excited, like when they’re playing with you or you’ve just gotten home after work, dogs will often shake. This is actually a natural reaction in their body to exert excess energy and calm them down.
6 Reasons Why Your Dog Is Shaking or Shivering
When you see your pooch shaking, panic might be your first reaction. The question of “why is my dog shaking” is quite a complex one as shaking in dogs sometimes requires immediate veterinarian help, while at other times, it is something completely benign.
Our four-legged friends can shiver, shake, or tremble for various reasons. While some of the causes are entirely harmless, others are intertwined with health issues, behavioral problems, and overall well-being. So, when is the time to ring the alarm and contact a veterinarian for help? Lets find out.
There is no single answer to the question of why dogs tremble, shake, or shiver. In reality, such behaviors can happen because of numerous reasons, and lets start with the widespread and generally harmless ones. While some are caused by excitement or coldness, others are more complex, ranging from stress to fear. Lets find out about the causes behind dog shivering that dont require the vets help and how you can cope with them.
Youre probably familiar with how cold weather can make you shake, and its the same with dogs. Dogs body temperature is higher compared to humans (100 to 102.5°F against 98.6°F), and they have a much higher metabolic rate.
When dogs get cold, they need to produce more heat to stay warm. It causes canines to shiver, with their bodies producing heat through muscle contractions to raise their body temperature.
If its freezing cold outside, your dog will be the first to let you know. Watch for signs of panting and shaking, especially if the dogs ears are low or flat to the head. When your dog is trembling inside, its also a sign that they need help. Try increasing the room temperature or bring extra blankets to cover your freezing pooch.
Whats the takeaway? Shivering in dogs is natural and quite widespread, but if your pup is still shaking after warming up, keep on reading to learn about other reasons.
Anxiety is yet another factor that might explain dog shivers. Anxiety in pups can manifest in different forms, starting from excessive barking to pacing or destroying furniture. Shivering is another common sign of anxiety, which can happen if your dog is adjusting to a new environment, meeting new people, or dealing with other stressful situations.
If your dog gets nervous whenever youre not around, they might be suffering from separation anxiety. You can manage it by getting a pet sitter, leaving the radio or TV turned on, or communicating with your dog remotely via a pet camera.
Same as with anxiety, dogs may shake when they are scared or stressed. It can happen when pups are left alone in the dark, frightened by other dogs or humans, or disoriented by thunderstorms. They might also shake as a result of loud noise or sudden movement.
The best thing you can do is to help your dog feel secure and safe. If your pup is shivering around other dogs, you can try offering them their favorite treats until another dog passes to change your pups negative emotional response. If your dog is afraid of fireworks, plan a few outings with them on the days that fireworks are going off so they can get used to it and reward them generously for any progress in overcoming their fear.
Sometimes, its just plain old excitement. When dogs are super-excited about something, they may shake as their body tries to overcome the emotions of the moment. You dont need to do much to make your dog excited, just come home after a long workday, and youll see your dog barking, jumping, and even trembling out of sheer joy.
The truth is that even an excited pup that is shivering is no better than a scared or stressed dog. You should encourage your Fido to feel more relaxed, even during the happiest moments of the day. Train your four-legged friend to calm down and reward them for quiet behavior.
Dog back legs shaking might be caused by your pups old age. While some dogs develop usual tremors when getting older, others experience shivers alongside joint or muscle pain. These tremors usually dont prevent dogs from moving and running as they used to, but you never know whether they are in pain.
Please remember that caring for an aging dog is a serious responsibility, so dont neglect to make regular vet visits.
Seeking attention in dogs doesnt exclusively come in the form of shivering or shaking. Some doggos bark, growl, or beg for food to get a little bit of your precious time and attention. But if your dog is a real drama queen, they might shiver as a part of their act.
What can you do to alleviate shaking as an attention-seeking behavior? Its pretty simple: ignore them and do your best not to reinforce this behavior. While it works for most pups, others also require more physical exercise and play-time to stay entertained. If the problem doesnt go away, having a consultation with a certified dog behaviorist is your best option.
We’ve just mentioned all harmless reasons why your dog might be shaking that usually dont require booking a vet appointment, but youre free to consult with our online vets using Petcube Online Vet. Its 24/7 access to licensed veterinarians that are here to offer you professional advice on time.
Alright, but what if your dog keeps shaking after checking up on all the mentioned causes? Tremors in dogs sometimes are worrying signs of illnesses, immune system disorders, and even food poisoning. When dog tremors dont stop for quite some time, you should know how to spot danger and react to it. Check out some serious reasons behind dog shaking and how to mitigate them.
If your dog develops a case of shivers, chances are they ate something they shouldnt have. While people can safely consume hundreds of food products, its not the same with canines. There are dozens of everyday human foods that are actually toxic to pets. Some of them, like chocolate and macadamia nuts sound pretty innocent but, in reality, can cost your dogs life.
The most common food poisoning symptoms in dogs include vomiting, lethargy, reduced appetite, abdominal pain, and trembling. The best way to ease your dogs suffering during food poisoning is to offer them water, but not food. If your pup is still vomiting, trembling, or experiencing lethargy, dont wait anymore and immediately bring him to the vet.
Shaking in dogs, which is not associated with excitement, anxiety, or stress, can be a sign of generalized tremor syndrome (GTS). It was first discovered in small breeds, such as Maltese and Poodle, and it got a name of a “white dog shaker syndrome.” Since then, it was proved that this condition can occur in any dog, regardless of breed, color, or size.
Dogs with white shaker dog syndrome have tremors in the form of shaking movements that are similar to shivering. In severe cases, pups might experience difficulties walking. Whats more, GTS causes rhythmic shaking that isnt always visible to the human eye.
Such dog tremors are caused by the inflammation of both the brain and spinal cords. According to the research done in the University of Sydney, GTS is idiopathic, meaning that the underlying cause of inflammation has not yet been identified. If you spot any of the unfamiliar shaking movements in the dogs head and body, dont hesitate to call your vet ASAP.
The treatment may require the use of steroids that suppress the immune system, in addition to decreasing inflammation. Thats why you should contact a veterinarian to start treatment and speed up your pups recovery.
Unfortunately for all dog owners, our four-legged friends can also get ill. Distemper is a vaccine-preventable contagious disease that damages dogs gastrointestinal, respiratory, and nervous systems.
As specified by AVMA, the symptoms of distemper include lethargy, reduced appetite, and muscle seizures in severe cases. Even though this disease can be treated, its better to prevent it by following a vaccination schedule. Dont leave any gaps in the immunization schedule and ring the alarm bell if your pet starts developing symptoms. So, if your dog is shaking and all the other causes dont apply, contact your veterinarian ASAP.
Hypoglycemia in dogs refers to the condition of having low blood sugar, affecting canines neurological functions. Glucose is a driver for your dogs energy levels and overall activity. Hypoglycemia may be caused by poor diet, excessive exercise, insulin overdose, or liver inflammation.
Canines affected by this condition show the symptoms of lethargy, loss of coordination, muscle spasms, trembling, and, if left untreated, unconsciousness and coma followed by death. So if your pup is shivering and you have reasons to suspect a low sugar level, give them some sugar water and contact a vet. The sooner you find the reason, and start tracking your dogs blood sugar levels to take necessary actions, the better the outcome will be.
As you now know, the question “why do dogs shake” can have various answers. Some of the benign reasons for dog shaking or trembling include being cold, excited, stressed, anxious, or scared. Whats more, your pup might be just seeking your attention.
Quite a different situation with dog shivering happens when reviewing health-related concerns. They include food poisoning, old age, GTS, and other diseases, which in many cases can be prevented by vaccination and regular vet visits. Make sure to monitor your pups behavior when they start to shiver, and you cant explain it by cold or excitement. Share this Article