Why Do Dogs Shake?

Dogs are the most emotive of animals, often delighting their owners with a cheeky woof, a wag of the tail or the occasional bark.

But pet parents may be at loss to explain why their pooch sometimes shivers, shakes or trembles.

Experts believe this could be from joy you have arrived at home, or it could be from your dog eating toxic foods.

Why do dogs shake? Is treatment necessary? And when should you talk to your vet? Newsweek asked canine experts.

Why Do Dogs Shake Their Heads?

The American Kennel Club's (AKC) Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Jerry Klein believe dogs can shake for a variety of different reasons.

He told Newsweek: "Dogs shaking their head periodically is a normal behavior usually in response to irritation or painful feeling such as a bite wound] [from either insects or dogs] or in trying to shake debris or dirt from their external ear canals.

"When dogs shake their head in an excessive, persistent or rigorous manner, it is usually secondary to a more significant pain or inflammation, usually involving one or both ears.

"This often is caused by an ear infection or inflammation that warrants a visit to the veterinarian for a thorough exam focusing on the ears.

"Excessive shaking of the head can also secondarily cause a burst blood vessel in the ear leather resulting in a "puffy" ear called an ear hematoma, also requiring veterinary care."

Why Do Dogs Shake Their Bodies?

Dogs shake and tremble for all kinds of reasons, from excitement, pain, old age and nausea.

Dr. Jerry Klein suggests such shivering and trembling may be symptoms of a wide range of factors.

He said: "Dogs shake their entire bodies when they have gotten wet in a way to remove excess water, however some dogs shake even when they are not wet.

"In these cases, it is often a sign of excitement or excessive energy.

"Dogs shivering, however, may mean something else. Shivering can be 'normal' for some dogs or breeds of dog such as small toy breeds or terriers, but it may also be secondary to fear, anxiety or pain.

"Dogs with back or abdominal pain often shiver. One suspects that dogs cannot understand the concept of pain which causes anxiety and fear."

However, there are other less common reasons for shivering, shaking, trembling, or tremors in dogs.

Chronic kidney failure can lead to tremors, with such neurological problems potenially including inflammatory brain diseases.

An Addisonian crisis, a condition related to an underactive adrenal gland, and desalinating disorders may also lead to shaking in dogs. Dogs may shake when their anal sacs are full.

Dog owners with questions about their pet's shivering or trembling should always speak with their vet.