Why is my dog Shivering

Introduction

Shivering in dogs is a common symptom that can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from mild to severe health issues. As a responsible dog owner, it's essential to understand what shivering in dogs means and when to take action. In this article, we'll delve into the world of canine shivering, exploring its causes, signs of illness, and ways to prevent it.

Understanding Shivering

Shivering or trembling is an involuntary movement of a dog's muscles that can be seen in their body, particularly in their limbs, back, and tail. It's often a sign that something is amiss with the dog's internal environment, causing them to experience discomfort or pain. Shivering can manifest as mild quivering or as severe, noticeable tremors.

Dogs shiver due to various factors, such as cold stress, stress, fear, anxiety, medical conditions (bacterial infections, arthritis, etc.), allergic reactions, and even neurological disorders like hypothyroidism. In many cases, the underlying reason for shivering might not be immediately apparent, making it essential to consult with a veterinarian if you suspect that your dog is experiencing excessive or persistent shivering.

Common Causes of Shivering

Dogs can develop shivering due to several reasons:

1. Medical Conditions

Some medical conditions in dogs cause their body temperature to drop, leading to shivering.

• Anemia: A decrease in red blood cells leads to reduced oxygen delivery to tissues.
• Blood Loss: If your dog experiences loss of blood due to injury or surgery, it might not receive the necessary quantity of oxygen.
• Infections: Certain bacterial infections can cause a fever, but if the body overheats rapidly, there can be adverse shivering.
• Meningitis: While rare, meningitis is an infection that affects the membrane surrounding your dog's brain and spinal cord. As a result, it might exhibit symptoms of agitation or anxiety.

2. Sensory Issues

Dogs use their sense organs to interact with their environment. When there are discrepancies between what they are sensing and how it is interpreted by their dog's mind, they may shiver.

• Lack of proper stimulation: Too long without physical exercise can lead to fatigue in pets.
• Misinterpretation of cues: If your dog experiences a high anxiety factor or fears potential new sounds, smells, sight, etc., he may panic which causes his body temperature fluctuations leading to a sudden loss of heat.

3. Nutritional Issues

Poor diet is often associated with various health problems. This applies not just to adult pets but also young ones when fed spoiled or contaminated food.

• Food poisoning: If you're eating food and drink while feeding your pet, it might be ingesting the same contaminants unknowingly.
• Malnutrition: Lack of essential vitamins can affect dogs causing their body not working properly leading shivering.