What are the possible causes?
While the temperatures are mild, you notice that your dog is shaking all over. What are the possible explanations?
Fear or stress
Like humans, dogs can tremble when they are afraid or stressed. A thunderstorm, fireworks, a trip to the vet, or an unusual situation can cause this reaction. In some animals, tremors are accompanied by panting, a tail tucked between the legs or a desire to hide.
In this case, the tremors often disappear once the doggie regains calm.
Acute pain
A dog in pain may also start shaking. An injury or pain (stomach, back, etc.) can cause this phenomenon.
Pain is not always easy to spot. Some dogs remain silent and even continue to walk normally. On the other hand, they may become less active, refuse to be touched or suddenly change their behavior (irritability, isolation, etc.). If the tremors appear for no obvious reason, pain may be the cause.
Hypoglycemia
A significant drop in blood sugar levels can lead to tremors. Puppies and small dog breeds are more sensitive to it.
Hypoglycemia can also cause weakness, unsteady gait, severe fatigue or, in more severe cases, loss of consciousness. This is a situation that quickly requires the intervention of a veterinarian.
Shaking dog syndrome
Less well known, trembling dog syndrome is a neurological disease that mainly affects small dogs with white coats, such as the Maltese Bichon or the West Highland White Terrier.
Tremors often appear all over the body and become more pronounced when the pooch moves or is excited. The animal usually remains conscious, but it may have difficulty moving normally. This condition often responds well to treatment prescribed by the veterinarian.
A neurological disease or disorder
Certain illnesses can also cause tremors. Neurological disorders, poisoning, kidney failure or certain metabolic conditions are all possible causes.
When tremors are accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea, loss of balance, significant weakness or seizures, it is important to respond quickly.
The excitement
Not all tremors are synonymous with illness. Some dogs start shaking when they are very happy, such as on a walk, before a meal, or when their owner comes home.
These tremors are generally short-lived and disappear as soon as the emotion subsides. If the doggie is in great shape, they are not necessarily a cause for concern.
Woopets' advice: should you consult your veterinarian if your dog is shaking?
A brief episode linked to a strong emotion is not necessarily worrying. On the other hand, if the tremors appear for no identifiable reason, last a long time, recur frequently or are accompanied by other abnormal signs, a consultation with the veterinarian is necessary.
We also advise you not to wait, if it is a puppy, an animal in pain or one that refuses to eat, or even one that has balance and orientation problems. Your veterinarian will be able to investigate the origin of the tremors through a clinical examination and, if necessary, additional analyses.
While waiting for your appointment, avoid giving medicine intended for humans. Place your faithful companion in a quiet place, keep an eye on his behavior and note the circumstances in which the tremors appeared. This information will be valuable in guiding the diagnosis.