Shivering can be caused by a variety of factors, including fear, anxiety, pain, cold temperatures, and even excitement. Fear and anxiety can cause them to shiver due to the release of adrenaline and other hormones that are associated with these emotions.
Pain can cause shivering as a result of the body’s natural response to discomfort or injury. Cold temperatures can also cause shivering as the body attempts to generate heat and keep itself warm. Finally, excitement can also cause a dog to shiver due to the release of hormones associated with positive emotions.
Symptoms of Canine Shivering
The most obvious symptom of shivering is, of course, the shaking, or body trembling. Other symptoms can include:
- Panting
- Whining
- Pacing
- Restlessness
If your dog has any of these symptoms in addition to shivering and it lasts for longer than you consider reasonable, you should take them to a veterinarian for an examination.
Diagnosing Canine Shivering
The vet will do a physical and neurological examination and ask questions about the circumstances surrounding their shivering episode. This is important in order to rule out pain, anxiety or other medical conditions that could be the cause of their shaking. The veterinarian could also recommend blood tests, X-rays, or other diagnostic tools to help narrow down the cause of their shivering.
Stages of Canine Shivering
The stages of shivering can vary depending on the underlying cause. Generally, there are three stages of shivering: mild, moderate, and severe.
Mild Shivering:
Mild shivering is associated with a slight trembling or body shaking. This type of shivering is usually caused by fear or anxiety and can be easily managed with calming techniques such as petting or talking to your dog in a soothing voice.
Moderate Shivering:
Moderate shivering is associated with more intense shaking or body trembling. This type of shivering can be caused by pain, cold temperatures, or excitement and could need medical attention.
Severe Shivering:
Severe shivering is associated with violent shaking or body trembling and should be treated as an emergency. This type of shivering can be caused by extreme pain, cold temperatures, or excitement and needs immediate medical attention.
Treating Canine Shivering
Treating shivering will depend on the underlying cause. If your dog is shivering due to fear or anxiety, then calming techniques such as petting or talking to them in a soothing voice can help. If your dog is shivering due to pain, cold temperatures, or excitement, then it’s important to take them to a veterinarian for an examination and appropriate treatment.
Preventing Canine Shivering
There are a few steps you can take to help prevent shivering. If your dog is prone to fear or anxiety, then it’s important to give them plenty of mental stimulation and exercise. This will help keep their mind occupied and reduce the chances of them becoming anxious or scared.
If your dog has to deal with cold temperatures, then it’s important to give them a warm and comfortable environment. Finally, if your dog tends to get overly excited, then it’s important to give them plenty of exercise and mental stimulation so that they can burn off their excess energy.