Why is my dog ​​shaking? Causes and tips

Seeing my dog ​​trembling is one of the most disturbing things that pet owners can experience. Tremors in dogs can be normal or symptoms of a more serious problem . For this reason, first of all it is necessary to know what is causing these involuntary movements. It is very important that they consume a good diet, to rule out some pathologies, at Piensos Lobo Azul we have more than ten references of super premium quality, the Lobo Azul Cordero feed is ideal for adult dogs with normal activity and the Lobo Azul Puppy Sensitive feed For puppies, we also have a product test where we advise the client on the best options for their dog.

We present details about the origin, diagnosis and treatment if your dog shakes. Knowing what causes tremors will help you get the right help in no time.

my dog ​​shakes

A dog can tremble for various reasons, such as when it is cold, scared, showing stress, anxiety or nerves; He can even do it when he is happy and excited. My dog ​​also shakes in case of illness or pain. A tremor is due to involuntary, rhythmic muscle contraction and relaxation of one or more parts of the body. Some types of tremors or movement disorders occur all the time, some occur only when the pet is standing, and others occur only while exercising. When my dog ​​trembles, it is necessary to know how to differentiate tremors from seizures , since both pathologies are often confused. During a tremor episode, the dog is usually awake and alert, while during seizures it is unconscious or less conscious than normal. Pay attention to the following indicators if your dog trembles: activity levels decrease, personality changes, use of one or more limbs becomes difficult, loses balance, cannot jump on furniture or climb stairs.

Causes of tremors in dogs

There are many things my dog ​​shakes about. Studies have determined that this occurs for two main causes: diseases of the muscles (myopathies) and diseases of the nervous system (neuropathies and brain disorders). Tremors caused by muscle diseases can be hereditary, that is, the canine is born with the predisposition to develop tremors . They can also be acquired due to disorders such as hypothyroidism or Cushing's disease. And finally they can be caused by problems in the metabolism. My dog ​​trembles due to myopathies, since the muscle membrane does not work correctly and the muscle fibers do not contract or relax normally. For their part, neuropathies are due to abnormalities in the nerve signals that go to the muscles. Neurological causes can be inherited or caused by toxins, the distemper virus, and brain diseases. Dogs with neuropathy tremble as if they have a muscle disease, however, in reality the nerve cells are being affected and not the muscle cells.

Breeds that show tremors the most

My dog ​​also shakes depending on the breed. Sometimes the dog breed can make a pet a candidate for specific types of neurological disorders . There is an autoimmune problem of the cerebellum that is more common in adult toy breed dogs and some diseases that cause tremors due to weakness are more common in large breed dogs. Some breeds have been shown to be predisposed to certain tremors and movement disorders, including: Bulldogs, Chow Chows, Dalmatians , Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Great Danes, and Doberman Pinschers. Tremors also occur frequently in Golden Retrievers , Miniature Schnauzers , Samoyeds , Scottish Terriers, and Springer Spaniels. On the other hand, there is a specific tremor disorder called white shaker dog syndrome that affects small white dogs such as Maltese, Poodles and West Highland White Terriers.

What to do if my dog ​​shakes

If my dog ​​is shaking or you suspect tremors, it is recommended that he be examined by a veterinarian immediately. If you cannot differentiate between tremors and seizures, seek an expert's opinion to determine the exact cause. Medically, various veterinary tests have been designed to find the cause, such as MRIs, CT scans, blood tests, urinalysis, and x-rays. More advanced tests might include nerve and muscle biopsies, an MRI of the brain, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, and possibly genetic testing if you suspect an inherited disease. Because there are so many causes of tremors, involving various components of the nervous system, diagnostic tests vary widely. For this reason, it is necessary to know the history in detail, then do a physical examination and a neurological examination. The veterinarian considers the dog's genetic background, breed, age, vaccination history, diet, and toxin exposure. For this reason, it is useful to provide a detailed description of how tremors occur . Tip: record a video with your cell phone so the vet can get a better idea. Once your dog receives a diagnosis, the veterinarian will prescribe treatment, which includes therapies aimed at the specific causes, as well as medications to control the tremors if they are severe. Medications that also work in humans are often used.

Management of tremors

If my dog ​​is shaking, some lifestyle changes may be necessary, depending on the severity. Experts recommend avoiding excessive excitement or stress, including vigorous play. If your dog is going to exercise, it's best to keep it as discreet and quiet as possible, like a walk in the park. Treatment options if my dog ​​is shaking depend on the cause. In case of benign tremors, which occur occasionally and disappear on their own, no medical treatment is usually assigned. For some of the causes of tremors in dogs, there are no effective treatments. The prognosis depends on the underlying cause and can vary markedly. With proper veterinary care, a dog's prognosis is usually good. Many of the possible causes of tremors can be managed effectively so that pets live a normal life and have a good quality of life. As we already explained, my dog ​​shakes for many reasons. If you notice tremors in your pet, pay close attention to the episodes to see the intensity. If they are intense and frequent, go to a veterinarian to determine the cause and indicate effective treatment.