Seeing a shivering dog, almost anyone would think, “He's cold.” Indeed, chills are a frequent companion of hypothermia, especially in small or short-haired breeds, Ukr.Media reports.
How do you know if your dog is really cold or if there is another reason? Check the temperature of not only the air but also the dog itself: are their ears, paws, and nose cold to the touch? Dogs can shiver from the cold even indoors if they are wet, have just been bathed, or have very low body fat (some breeds, very thin animals). Also, older dogs or puppies have less effective thermoregulation.
If you suspect cold, try to warm the dog (wrap it in a blanket, put a heating pad, but not a hot one!). If the shivering stops quickly and the dog seems cheerful, it was probably a chill. If the shivering continues or increases despite warming, or the dog seems lethargic, look for another cause.
One of the most alarming signs is poisoning. The dog could have picked up something on the street, eaten spoiled food, household chemicals, rodent poison, or even foods that are dangerous to him (chocolate, xylitol in chewing gum, raisins).
Tremors are often accompanied by other symptoms: drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, incoordination, seizures, rapid breathing or heart rate.
Severe pain is another cause. Tremors can indicate an acute injury (even if it is not visible from the outside), an attack of pancreatitis, renal colic, severe toothache, or joint pain from arthritis.
An animal cannot say that it is in pain, trembling is one of the few visible signs of suffering.
Dogs have an evolutionary tendency to hide pain so as not to appear weak. Shivering may be the only noticeable signal of severe discomfort, especially internal pain (spasms, inflammation of organs). Other signs of pain may be very subtle: rapid breathing (even at rest), restlessness or, conversely, excessive lethargy, change in posture (for example, a “praying” posture for abdominal pain), reluctance to move, growling or whining when a certain area is touched, dilated pupils, refusal to eat.
Stress and strong emotional overexcitement are also common culprits. A dog may tremble from fear (loud noises, fireworks, a visit to the vet), from excessive excitement (a long-awaited walk, meeting the owner), or from separation anxiety.
Other signs of stress: rapid breathing without physical exertion, excessive licking of the lips or nose, yawning, averted gaze (“whale eye”), tucked tail, flattened ears, tense body.
But if the stressful situation has passed, and the shaking doesn't stop, this is abnormal.
Neurological problems (epilepsy, encephalitis, degenerative diseases) also manifest as tremor, sometimes specific (for example, only in one limb or head).
Systemic diseases (hypoglycemia – a sharp drop in blood sugar, especially in small breeds or puppies; hypothyroidism – a lack of thyroid hormones; kidney or liver disease in severe stages) can cause tremors as one of the symptoms.
What to do if your dog is shivering for no apparent reason (cold, excitement)? Watch your pet carefully.
Are there other symptoms (vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, refusal to eat, change in behavior)? How long does the shaking last?
If the shaking is severe, prolonged (over an hour), accompanied by other alarming signs, or if the dog's condition is clearly worsening, contact your veterinarian immediately!
Tremors are not a disease, but a symptom. Ignoring this “alarm bell” can cost your pet their health or even their life.
