Why does a dog tremble like a chill: causes and what to do?

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Do you know the difference between cats and dogs? A cat allows a person to love himself. And the dog loves you unconditionally, no matter what. Anyone who decides to get a dog will never feel lonely. But be prepared for the fact that your pet will also expect care and attention from you, and at times he will need your help and support.

Any animal is susceptible to all sorts of diseases, and dogs are no exception. Below, let's take a look at why a dog is shaking like it's chilling, what might be causing this behavior, and when to start sounding the alarm.

Breed dependent

It should be said right away that small breed dogs are much more prone to tremors. The main reason is fear. They can be frightened by a loud knock, thunder, firecrackers. In such cases, they can not only begin to tremble, but also run away from the owner. Try to avoid these situations to keep your pet calm.

If your pet is a larger breed, then you should not immediately panic, try to understand first why the dog is trembling, as if chills. The reasons can be quite natural - we will talk about them below. And also consider situations in which you should immediately seek veterinary help. So…

Natural causes

• The first and most common reason why a dog is shaking like it's chilly is because it's cold. This is especially true after a shower. It may seem to you that the room is warm enough, and the dog has a thick coat, but this is not so. After the bath procedures, the animal must be wrapped in a warm, dry towel, and it is desirable to increase the temperature in the room. You can offer him a warm drink. For the same reason, for walks, especially in cold or rainy weather, it is better for a dog to purchase a warm suit or blanket. If your pet is not afraid of loud sounds, then you can quickly warm it up with a hair dryer. But do not abuse this method, as the dog's skin is very delicate and can easily be dried out by hot air currents. Leave this option for extreme situations, when the benefits of such a method will be much more than harm.



• Another reason why a dog is trembling, as if chilling, may be elemental fear. Even the most fearless dog can be quite easily frightened by a loud, sharp sound, especially an unexpected one. In this case, the dog, like a person, increases adrenaline and the stress hormone cortisol, whichexpressed in body tremor. Try to calm your animal with a calm voice and touch. Make him chamomile tea, which works on the dog almost instantly. And try to avoid similar situations in the future.
• Strong excitement can also cause the dog to tremble, as if chilling. Unlike the previous point, this trembling is not caused by fright or fear, but rather the opposite. The dog may tremble and dance, waiting for a treat or praise. Such shaking will go away on its own when the dog calms down.
• Excitation, especially during the rut, can also be the reason why the dog trembles. This is due to hormonal changes in the body and is considered natural. If the tremor is too strong, frequent and uncontrollable, then spaying or castration of the animal may be indicated in such a situation.

All these causes of tremors are not dangerous for her he alth, so they do not require the intervention of a doctor. But there are more serious reasons why a dog is trembling that should not be ignored, and in some cases you should even contact a specialist immediately.

Hypoglycemia

Small dog breeds often suffer from a sharp drop in blood sugar. This can be understood by the following signs: the dog has chills, trembles, lethargic, there is a loss of strength and general weakness. It is necessary to immediately contact a specialist so that he makes an accurate diagnosis. If your dog has confirmed hypoglycemia, then you need to monitor your sugar levels in the futurein the blood, so as not to miss the moment of development of diabetes.

If hypoglycemia is the reason why your dog is trembling, you need to see a veterinarian who will give your pet an injection of glucose. Ignoring the disease will lead to the development of a hypoglycemic coma in the dog and death.

Allergy

All kinds of allergic reactions can cause a dog to shiver at home even in warm weather. If you notice that trembling began after switching to a new food, vitamins, or after taking some medications, then try to return the old food for a while, completely stop or replace the medications with some kind of analogue and watch the animal. If the trembling disappears, then most likely it was caused by an allergy. If it is impossible to cancel some medicine, then contact a specialist - he will prescribe you antihistamines or choose another treatment regimen for the disease that excludes the allergen. Never ignore an allergic reaction, as it can be unpredictable and lead to the most negative consequences.

Heat

Dogs are prone to various diseases, including colds. If you notice that the dog has chills, the whole body is trembling, the skin is dry and hot, the appetite has disappeared, then most likely the dog has a fever. You need to see a doctor as soon as possible, because the causes of a fever can be both a common cold and more serious diseases.

Pain

Pain can also be the reason why a dog trembles likeas if frozen. The animal could be injured on a walk, fight, etc. If the injury is not serious, then do not rush to see a doctor - it’s not for nothing that there is an expression: “Heals like a dog.” Dog saliva does have disinfecting properties, and the animal is able to heal itself by licking the wound. But do not let things take their course, check the wound to exclude suppuration and the spread of infection.

If there is no visible damage, and the tremor does not go away, then contact a specialist immediately to rule out internal damage to the animal.

Heatstroke

Heat and high temperatures can cause a dog to shiver and pant with its tongue out. There are no strong reasons for excitement if the dog has drinking water and the opportunity to hide in the shade. For long-haired or downy dogs, you can lay out a wet towel and moisten it periodically. In addition, it is recommended that such animals be sheared for the summer to prevent heat stroke.

See a vet if your dog becomes lethargic, unresponsive to stimuli, and won't touch water. In this case, it is advisable to wrap it in a wet, cool cloth and take it to the clinic as soon as possible.

Encephalomyelitis

Inflammation of the brain or spinal cord in a dog can be either an independent disease or develop against the background of some other viral or infectious pathology. Very often, such brain damage occurs against the background of infection with the rabies virus.

IfIf you notice that your animal began to behave inappropriately, became apathetic or too affectionate, or, conversely, aggressive, it began to have seizures similar to epileptic ones, weakness in the limbs and a “wobbly” gait are observed, you must immediately contact a veterinary clinic. Many viral diseases, including rabies, are dangerous to humans. Namely, rabies can be the reason why a dog's paws tremble.

In any case, encephalomyelitis, no matter what diseases it develops against, is almost always associated with paralysis of the limbs, so the sooner you diagnose the disease, the more likely the animal will survive.

Viral hepatitis

Hepatitis is a very insidious virus that can be transmitted not only through direct contact with an infected animal. It is easy for them to get infected while walking, as the virus can remain active for a very long time. Usually, young animals in the first year of life are susceptible to infection with hepatitis, but cases of the disease and at a later age are known.

Viral hepatitis may be the reason why a dog constantly trembles, as it primarily affects the nervous system of the animal. Along with tremor, the dog has damage to internal organs and impaired coordination. Contacting the clinic in such cases is mandatory, and as soon as possible.

Carnivore Plague

Another viral disease that can cause a dog to tremble and not eat anything. Infection occurs through direct contact with a sick animal or throughhis saliva and blood. Along with tremor, the dog has photophobia, fever, and later vomiting and diarrhea may occur.

Going to the clinic is mandatory, because the sooner you seek help, the more chances to cure the animal.

Worm infestation

Worms make a dog want to have a constant bowel movement, which in turn causes the dog to tremble. In order to exclude this disease, it is necessary to periodically solder the dog with anthelmintic drugs under the supervision of a doctor or according to his testimony. If the parasites have already started, then for the period of treatment, try to have less contact with the infected animal, as the worms easily pass to humans.

Dirofilariasis

Another parasitic disease transmitted to animals from mosquitoes. The larvae deposited in the animal's skin migrate to the dog's heart, causing severe uncontrollable tremors. Also, dirofilariasis is accompanied by a dry cough, swelling and heavy frequent breathing. If you notice these signs, contact a specialist immediately, as without appropriate treatment, the dog will die. Treatment is most often carried out by Ivomek and Filarsen.

Poisoning

Tremor can be observed both in food poisoning and in case of poisoning with some poisons. Most often accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy and apathy. Give your pet caffeine or sunflower oil and contact your veterinarian immediately.

Conclusion

It seemedsuch a harmless question - why the dog is trembling, and what negative consequences it can have. It is clear that not all possible causes of tremor were listed above, but the most dangerous or common ones were named.

In any case, trembling will not be the only sign of the development of any disease, but it may be the very first of them. In any case, if you notice that your pet is chilling, do not leave it unattended, even if there seem to be no special signs for concern. Watch him for a while so you don't miss the onset of a serious illness.

Most often, tremors are observed in small breed dogs, which can begin to tremble for almost any reason. The owners of such dogs have the hardest time, because, having got used to these features of their pet, they can easily miss the onset of the disease.

Never ignore if you see that along with the tremor the dog has some changes in character, habits or behavior. As mentioned above, the reasons why a dog trembles and does not eat can be both quite banal fear or chills, and deadly diseases.

Be sure to see a doctor if your dog has the following symptoms along with chills:

• Animal howls, whines, rolls on the floor - all indicating severe or sharp pain.
• Cramps in the limbs.
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
• The dog is lethargic, sleepy, lethargic.
• The animal cannotswallow.
• Intestinal disorders, vomiting.
• Cough, wheezing, whitish gums.
• Itchy skin.
• Sudden weight loss.

Any of these symptoms can indicate several diseases at once. Only a specialist can give you an accurate diagnosis, so do not waste time on the advice of well-wishers and help on the Internet, otherwise you may lose the most devoted friend in your life.