Dogs shiver for a variety of reasons, some of which are more serious than others. It’s important to be able to identify the cause of your dog’s shivering so that you can take appropriate action.
Here are some of the most common reasons why dogs shiver:
- Cold: Dogs shiver when they’re cold, just like humans do. This is an involuntary response that helps them generate heat and raise their body temperature. If your dog is shivering and you’re not sure if they’re cold, feel their ears and paws. If they’re cold to the touch, you can help them warm up by putting them in a warm place, giving them a blanket to lie on, or taking them for a walk in the sun.
- Excitement: Dogs may also shiver when they’re excited, such as when they’re about to go for a walk or see their favorite person. This is usually a mild shaking that goes away on its own.
- Stress or anxiety: Dogs may shiver when they’re stressed or anxious, such as when they’re at the vet or in a new environment. This shaking is usually more pronounced than excitement-related shaking and may be accompanied by other symptoms, such as panting, pacing, or whining.
- Pain: Shivering can be a sign of pain, especially if it’s accompanied by other symptoms, such as limping, whining, or changes in appetite or behavior. If you think your dog might be in pain, it’s important to take them to the vet to get checked out.
- Illness: Shivering can also be a symptom of an underlying illness, such as distemper, hypoglycemia, or Addison’s disease. If your dog is shivering and you’re not sure why, it’s important to take them to the vet to get a diagnosis.
If your dog is shivering, it’s important to try to determine the cause so you can take appropriate action. If you’re not sure what’s causing your dog to shiver, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and take them to the vet.
Here are some additional tips for treating a shivering dog:
- Keep your dog warm. If your dog is shivering due to cold, make sure they have a warm place to lie down, such as a bed or blanket. You can also try giving them a warm bath or using a heating pad.
- Reduce stress or anxiety. If your dog is shivering due to stress or anxiety, try to identify the source of the stress and remove it if possible. You can also try calming your dog down with soothing words and a gentle touch.
- Treat pain. If your dog is shivering due to pain, your veterinarian can prescribe medication to help relieve the pain.
- Manage illness. If your dog is shivering due to an underlying illness, your veterinarian will need to treat the underlying condition in order to stop the shivering.
With proper care, most dogs who are shivering will improve within a short period of time. However, if your dog’s shivering is severe or doesn’t improve after a few days, it’s important to take them to the vet to rule out any serious underlying medical conditions.