As humans, we shiver when we are cold, when we are sick, or even when we are angry or happy. Dogs, like humans, can also shiver under some special circumstances. The reason for this is that it is a very good idea to have a good understanding of the reasons why your dog is shivering.

I. Causes of dog shivering

1. Cold
Why do dogs shiver when it's cold? This is because continuous shivering allows the muscles to move and the body to generate heat to maintain its body temperature. For dogs, the most suitable body temperature for them is around 20 degrees However, depending on the type of dog and the individual, the corresponding optimal body temperature will also vary. For example, dogs born in cold countries: breeds with dense hair and small ears are more resistant to cold, while dogs born in hot countries: breeds with thin hair and large ears are more afraid of the cold.

When the dog is cold and shivering, what measures should owners take to help the dog? If the dog is indoors, then owners need to confirm the temperature of the room. Because cold air is denser, it usually sinks to the extent of the room floor. Therefore, dogs that are shorter than humans are more likely to feel cold when they are. In this case, make sure there is no wind blowing in the room while raising the temperature of the room. When you are outside with your dog, remember to keep your dog dressed in warm clothes, because the belly of your dog is a very easy area to get cold, especially for dogs with shorter coats. And of course, don't let your dog wear clothes for long periods, there is a risk of dermatitis!

If the dog is not helped out of the cold in time, then the dog will become cold, and poor blood circulation and immunity will also decline, making the dog more likely to get respiratory diseases such as bronchitis and rhinitis. When the dog's metabolic function decreases, it may bring diarrhea and cystitis, and other serious effects.
2, anxiety and fear
When humans feel nervous or fearful, the heart will beat faster and even sweat. This time the body trembles, in response to the changes that are taking place in the body. Dogs are the same, when it feels nervous, excited, or stressed, they will also tremble. You must have encountered such a situation: when you bring your dog to the clinic, it is shaking all over, which is a nervous and uneasy reaction to unfamiliar people and environments. In this case, the owner can pet the dog's body and say "it's okay" to calm the dog down. Owners must not show a nervous look, because dogs are particularly sensitive species, especially small dogs, so no matter what, owners must be relaxed to cheer the dog.

3. Older
For dogs of advanced age, the hind limbs can shake particularly hard even if the bones and nerves are not abnormal. This type of shaking is called senile tremor and is caused by the lack of autonomic nerve control. Just like when people get older, their hands tremble. In older dogs, when they try to stand up from a sitting or lying position, their legs will start to shake and their movements will start to become inconvenient. There is no special treatment for such a condition, and owners can make it easier for the dog to stand up by putting a non-slip mat in the area where he often sits.
Even if the tremors do not occur at an advanced age, the dog's muscle strength will be greatly reduced. Owners should pay attention to whether the place where the dog sleeps and often stays will be slippery to avoid sprains.
In addition, in addition to the natural tremors caused by advanced age, hormonal imbalances such as hypothyroidism and hypoadrenocorticism in senior dogs, as well as hip abnormalities and lumbar spinal nerve disease can also cause uncontrolled tremors in dogs. If the dog also appears with other symptoms, then quickly beat it to the animal hospital for a consultation!

4, disease
Tremors are one of the symptoms of most diseases, and more serious cases of shaking are convulsions. The onset of shaking in the brain sends a temporary uncontrollable signal, which can cause body tremors, drooling, incontinence, and even fainting.
Two broad types of diseases cause spasms: one is a brain disease and the other is a disease other than a brain disease. The diseases that can be caused by brain malformations are epilepsy and tumors. Epilepsy (idiopathic epilepsy) is the most common cause of spasticity in dogs. It usually appears when the dog is between six months and three years old, and no obvious cause can be found. There is no treatment for such a condition, but if the dog has a high number of seizures, you can try anti-spasticity medication.
Causes of diseases that cause uncontrolled shaking in dogs other than brain disease include poisoning, hypoglycemia, liver disease, and uremia due to kidney insufficiency. The presence of these diseases is usually accompanied by symptoms other than spasticity, such as vomiting when the dog is poisoned, and a significant increase in the amount of urine and water initially drunk in uremia.

In addition to spasms, dogs may shake when they are in pain. Unlike humans who can speak, dogs shake when they are in pain, and this is the signal they give. Owners can find out the cause of their dog's shaking through blood tests and x-rays. The cause of the shaking is not necessarily caused by disease. Owners should carefully observe the duration and frequency of the dog's shaking to confirm the cause of the dog's shaking with the help of a doctor.

You have not thought about why your dog is shaking his body? My dog also has this condition, it will seem to shake its body after I finish sweeping the floor. After I put the broom away, the dog only slowly stood up and shook his body hard. As if like a naughty child spreading a stain on the floor you just finished cleaning.

So why is the dog shaking his body? Is it because he knows I just finished cleaning? Is it being naughty on purpose? The answer is no, but he may be shaking his body because of the situation described below.

II. Why do dogs shake their bodies?

There are many reasons why dogs shake their bodies. If your dog likes to swim, then you may notice that whenever he leaves the water, he shakes his body to shake off the water on his body. But it will sometimes shake when the body is dry, perhaps when greeting people, playing, getting up, or changing a lying position to shake the body, why is this?

1銆乀o keep dry
Dogs will shake their bodies after bathing or going swimming to help them shake off the moisture to dry and stay warm. Dogs' skin warms their fur and helps evaporate water, and a quick shake is an effective way for dogs to dry their bodies. Of course, to help your dog dry as quickly as possible, you can use a towel to soak up the excess moisture on their body.

2, relieve stress and tension
Your dog may occasionally shake his body after interacting and playing with another dog. Sometimes you may even find your dog shaking after being hugged by you, as most dogs don't like to be hugged.
Hugging is a way for humans to show their love and our dogs have learned to tolerate it, but sometimes it makes them feel uncomfortable.
Dogs will also shake their bodies in unfamiliar places or places they don't like, or when in contact with someone they don't know well.
Some dogs feel anxious, and the action of shaking their bodies can help them relieve this tension. Other stressors in dogs include the following.

Barking
Yawning
Licking their nose or other areas
Drooling
Dilated pupils
Ears sticking back
Tense body movement stiffness

3. Maintain body hygiene
Shaking the body can help dogs keep their bodies clean and fluffy. Dogs may also lick their bodies to clean their fur, but not as cats do.
Shaking the body is a good way for it to get rid of dirt and debris on the body. Another way to remove the dirt from its body is to brush and bathe your dog often.

4, may have ear problems
Your dog may have an ear infection or too much dirt in his ears and needs help cleaning them up. If your dog is shaking more often than usual and seems unbalanced (a sign of an ear problem), you need to go to the vet promptly to check the problem.

5. They have a skin condition
Your dog may be trying to relieve the discomfort caused by a skin condition. If your dog has mites, fleas, or ticks, he may be particularly itchy, and shaking his body can temporarily relieve the itching.
If your dog has been scratching or shaking his body very frequently, then your dog may have allergies or other skin conditions. This also requires a timely visit to the veterinarian.

6, habitual action
Just like some people like to stretch after doing something, shaking the body may also be a habitual action of your dog. Will your dog shake his body after getting up or coming home from a walk? If so, then they may be saying, "I'm good, what's next?"

Speaking of shaking, we just learned why dogs actively shake their bodies, so what about shivering? Next, we will talk about why dogs shake uncontrollably, the following may be the cause of dog shaking Oh.

1, your dog may be suffering from pain
If your dog is injured, it will feel pain. This pain will produce a lot of adrenaline, which will cause your dog to shake uncontrollably.
If your dog is injured, or if you think your dog is in pain, don't hesitate to take him to the vet right away.

2, your dog may be afraid
Many dogs shake when thunder strikes, or when firecrackers are set off for the New Year. There is also a situation where it is afraid of someone. Dogs that have been abused will shake when they receive a shock (high volume, fast-moving objects, specific objects, etc.).


3. Your dog may be overexcited, anxious, or nervous
This can happen when your dog is excited and trying to control itself. For example, if you have your dog sitting with a treat in his hand, they may be shaking with excitement. Your dog will try to control themselves and stay seated so that they can enjoy the treat.