Among the strangest behaviors that we can observe in a dog we find the tremors. It is a frequent behavior that can involve from specific moments of fear or nerves to important health problems. Therefore, we should not overlook this detail. In this post we tell you what are the main causes why dogs tremble.
First of all, we must clarify that there are races more predisposed than others to manifest tremors. It is common between small dogs like the Chihuahua, the Yorkshire Terrier, the Bichon Maltese or the Poodle. They tend to appear more frequently in puppies, although they can appear at any age, and the causes that cause them are numerous and very different from each other. They are divided into physical and psychological causes.
Among the physical causes, some of the most common are the following:
1. Hypoglycemia. Low blood sugar is more frequent in small breeds, and one of its classic symptoms is these tremors. They are usually accompanied by a fever.
2. Medication. It may be the side effect of a drug. In that case, we must stop the treatment immediately and take the dog to a veterinary clinic as soon as possible.
3. Poisoning. The ingestion of toxic substances causes this reaction. It may be some kind of poison or a food that is harmful to the animal: grapes, chocolate, etc. In any case, we have to go to a vet quickly.
4. Distemper. This serious disease causes tremors and involuntary movements of the head and legs. It also often leads to fever, excessive mucus, diarrhea, and skin irritations. Like the previous ones, it requires immediate veterinary attention, and the best way to prevent it is through vaccination.
5. Cold. Low temperatures cause the dog to react with tremors, just as it happens to us humans. It is more common in short-haired breeds, and we can solve it with warm clothing and avoiding too cold environments.
psychological causes, we can name:
1.Excitation. It is a common motif, especially in small breeds. The tremors can reflect a state of intense excitement that usually occurs when we get home, when we take the leash before walking the dog or putting on our coat, etc. If it is not a constant behavior, it does not have to be a problem, although it is best to consult with an expert in canine behavior.
2. Fear or stress. The tremor is a common sign in the dog when it lives situations of stress and / or fear. For example, it is very likely that we have observed this behavior in the waiting room of the veterinary clinic, during a storm or in the presence of loud noises (fireworks, blows, firecrackers, etc.). It does not necessarily reflect a psychological problem, as long as this behavior does not occur too often.