Why do dogs shake their bodies to get dry?
Your dog’s ancestors did not have a friendly human on hand with a nice warm bath towel. But they did learn how to shake, and fortunately shaking is a very effective way of getting dry.
Shaking as a symptom of ear infection
Sometimes your Labrador shaking out could be a sign that they’re not feeling physically 100%. Common reasons why dogs shake due to illness are ear infections and skin conditions. Why do dogs shake their bodies when they have an ear infection?
Head shaking or ear flapping is a common symptom of ear infections in dogs. Ear infections feel itchy and uncomfortable (if not outright painful) and often disrupt our sense of balance as well. Shaking of is an instinctive way to suppress these sensations, if only for a second. If your Lab suddenly starts shaking their head more than usual, or they have any other symptoms of an ear infection, take them to the vet right away.
Your dog is reacting to the weather
If the answer to “why is my dog shaking” is the same as “why am I shaking?” it must be winter. Dogs get cold, just like people. Toy breeds, in particular, tend to shake and tremble more than other types of dogs; this especially happens with Chihuahuas.
“This can be due to their small size, so they tend to feel colder than larger dogs do, and this can cause them to shiver,” explains Dr. Barrack. Because of their small size, their whole bodies tend to shake. Breeds that have short or sparse coats, like greyhounds and whippets, also have a higher sensitivity to cold and will probably shake if its chilly out. Making sure to dress your fur baby in a sweater or jacket on cold days can go a long way, suggests Christie Long, DVM, head of veterinary medicine at Modern Animal in Los Angeles. That sort of concern for your pet is one of the telltale signs of a great dog owner.