Why can't a dog stop shaking?

A shaking dog causes a great concern and it is that some tremors in dogs they are quite normal, such as those seen when the dog is sleeping and dreaming or in response to the cold.

The dog may also shake after strong emotion like fear or when you are excited. On the other hand, other tremors can be one of the symptoms of some serious pathologies, so it should be taken into account that we must differentiate between the tremors that occur when the dog is aware of seizures occurring especially during epileptic seizures and when the dog is not conscious.

Physiological, pathological, and idiopathic tremors (unknown causes)

On the other hand, some breeds like the Chihuahua are more prone to tremors, without necessarily having to worry about it.

Physiological tremors of physiological origin

Cold

As for us humans, a severe cold can make the dog shiver, called chills, an instinctive reflex that involves very fast muscle contractions to bring the body back to normal temperature.

It is important to know your dog's cold tolerance and protect you from hypothermia. Some breeds of dogs are more sensitive to cold than others, such as dogs with little hair, Dovermans, for example, or small dogs in general, but also older dogs.

Fear, stress, anxiety

They are intense and unpleasant emotions that, when they reach their climax, cause tremors in the dogSo the dog that is shaking in fear will have to be soothed and reassured to some extent, but not blamed.

Then, we will have to start a progressive work to try to contain and eliminate this fearas well as anxiety and stress.

Excitement

Arousal can also cause tremors in dogs. Excessive joy, sometimes linked to the simple fact of seeing each other after a day of work or a prolonged absence, can make some dogs tremble.

Pain

The pain caused by physical trauma such as fractures, cuts, or burns It can cause tremors in the dog as the dog trembles because he is in pain and this is a sign of pain Therefore, it is important to touch and stroke your dog all over his body looking for a size, cut or burn to ensure that he does not injure himself.

Aging

The decrease in muscle strength and tone associated with aging can cause muscle fatigue and tremors in older dogs on the hind limbs and especially when the dog is standing for a long time. In fact, tremors allow the release of glycogen necessary for continued muscle contraction.

So don't force an older dog to stand too long if you find him shaking, let it rest and may he regain his strength.

Pathological tremors

Congenital or genetic diseases

Congenital diseases that are present at birth, affect the nervous system and include tremor among other symptoms, we can quote:

Puppy tremor syndrome:

The production of myelin due to abnormalities in nerve cells will coat certain nerve cells. The generalized and pronounced tremors will appear from the second week of life and before eight weeks, making puppies unable to stand up and walk, even symptoms can quickly worsen until seizures occur.

Till the date no specific treatment is available and the prognosis is quite dismal, although dog tremors may decrease with age in some breeds.

Globoid cell leukodystrophy or Krabbe disease

This disease is caused by a dysfunction of an enzyme in the body that affects myelin.

Symptoms, including tremors, vision loss, and urinary incontinence, usually appear within one to five months. There is no specific treatment and this disease affects the following breeds: West Highland White Terrier, Beagle, Iris Setter, Basset Hound, Lesser Poodle, Pomeranian Poodle, Cairn Terrier and Dalmatian.