Why is My Dog Shaking? 6 Common Reasons
If your furry friend seems to shake their head or entire body randomly, they’re not alone! Aside from a case of the shivers when it’s chilly, your dog’s shaking can be tied to anything from their emotions to their overall well-being. Here are some of the most common explanations to the question “why is my dog shaking?”
#1: They’re Drying Off
If your dog has ever jumped in a lake, pool, or even the bathtub, you’re probably familiar with the way they shake themselves dry. This self-cleaning method is actually very efficient! In fact, dogs remove almost 70% of the excess water from their bodies in just four seconds when they shake, according to The Atlantic. Although it’s much quicker than towel drying, it may not be as pleasant for bystanders!
#2: They’re Excited
If you see your dog shaking when you open the door, fill their food bowl, or grab the leash, it may mean that they’re excited!
This type of shaking is fairly common and usually decreases as your dog grows older (or when you give your pup whatever has them so thrilled!). Every dog’s energy levels can vary, though, so it’s best to try to keep them from getting overly excited. Try doing some things to help prevent excess energy, like taking them on walks or offering an edible chew treat as a reward for calm behavior.
#3: They’re Stressed
While some dog breeds may shake more than others—such as certain small or toy terrier breeds—others may shake because they’re stressed, anxious, or scared. Hearing loud noises like thunder or seasonal fireworks, going to the veterinarian, or experiencing separation anxiety are commonly known to cause stress.
There are many ways to calm an anxious dog, including exercise, calming supplements, or a chew toy to distract them! Just keep an eye on your dog in stressful situations and if possible, give them a special spot where they can calm down.
#4: They’re Having Ear Problems
Is your dog specifically shaking their head? They may be experiencing ear issues such as an infection, ear mites, or allergies. Like humans, dogs’ eyes and ears can be especially sensitive and should be cleaned regularly to help prevent problems.
If you see your dog shaking their head a bit too much, try to peek inside their ears. If you notice any redness or discharge, consult your dog’s veterinarian.
#5: They’re Sick
If you see your dog shaking too much, it could be a sign of something else. Shaking is a symptom of various ailments, ranging from minor issues like motion sickness to more serious problems like ingesting something toxic.
If you’re concerned about your dog’s excessive shaking, contact your vet right away.
#6: They’re Aging
Dogs can develop tremors in their hind legs due to muscle weakness as they get older, but that won’t typically affect how they move or walk. They also tend to shake more often in chillier weather because their bodies can’t regulate temperature as well as younger dogs.
If your dog is shaking because they’re chilly, warming them up with a blanket should do the trick. But if the shaking persists, there may be factors beyond the temperature.
🐶 RELATED: Common Health Issues in Senior Dogs
All Shook Up
Overall, shaking is a fairly common canine behavior, and some dog breeds are more predisposed to shaking than others. The more knowledge you have about your dog’s general behaviors, the better you can understand what they’re trying to tell you.
Has learning why your dog shakes piqued your interest? Read about some more common canine behaviors!
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