Why Is Your Dog Shaking?

There are different reasons why you do it, and sometimes they are normal and other times more worrisome: you can do it to dry or clean yourself, but you can also do it because you have parasites or it releases stress, among other reasons

Every pet owner has ever seen how their companions can shake from their head to the tip of their tail. While this behavior is harmless at times, it can also appear as a symptom of some discomfort.

To avoid risks, it is important to know why your dog is shaking and to recognize when this habit is a cause for concern. In order to help you know when it is necessary to seek the help of a veterinarian, we have listed the main causes of ‘shaking’ in your dog.

5 reasons why your dog shakes

As we’ve mentioned, there is no single reason why your dog shakes. This behavior can appear for a number of reasons, and it is important to consider the frequency and context in which it occurs. You also have to know how to recognize if the shaking is accompanied by any other symptoms.

• Does your dog shake after bathing?

This is the most common reason why dogs shake. They simply want to dry off after taking a bath or taking a walk on rainy days. It is estimated that by shaking their body, dogs can remove up to 70% of the accumulated water in their hair and skin.

Dogs have an instinctive need to dry off for a variety of reasons. First, because their coat is much heavier when it is wet, which makes it difficult for them to move and causes some discomfort. By shaking, the dog gets immediate relief from feeling heavier and can regain his agility.

On the other hand, on hot days, dogs love to cool off to relieve the heat, but that doesn’t mean they like being wet for long. Humidity, combined with high temperatures, creates a kind of ‘greenhouse effect’ that is annoying for dogs.

In addition, this warm and humid microclimate favors the proliferation of bacteria, fungi and yeasts, which can harm the health of our pet. Therefore, we must not forget to provide an excellent drying to our dog’s coat, with special attention to the ears.

• Does your dog jerk and scratch frequently?

If your dog shakes, and also tries to scratch or rub against the ground, this may mean the presence of external parasites. Mites, ticks or fleas can opportunely lodge in the skin of our dogs and suck their blood to obtain nutrients.

External parasites not only cause itching in our dogs, but they can also cause allergies, inflammations and severe diseases.

To avoid the risk of infections, it is essential to provide periodic deworming to our best friends. In pet stores, there are numerous presentations of antiparasites, such as collars, pipettes, sprays , soaps, etc.

• Does your dog usually spend a lot of time outdoors?

Dogs that spend long hours outdoors can come into contact with many impurities or allergens (pollen, dust or mold). In addition, some dogs find it fun to play in the dirt, scrub in the grass or in the fallen leaves on the ground.

All of this can make their fur dirty and eventually make them itch. Therefore, if your dog is used to playing outside the home, and does not mind getting dirty in order to have fun, he may shake himself to clean himself.

• Is your best friend anxious or stressed?

Dogs that live in a negative environment or experience a sedentary routine can develop symptoms of stress and boredom. Failing to channel their energy positively, they build up tension and find escape valves to release it. Thus, stress can lead to changes in your behavior and habits.

By shaking, many dogs are relieved, able to loosen their muscles, and release tension. In these cases, the shaking allows you to improve your mood and feel better predisposed. Therefore, it is important to remember that our colleagues need to perform daily physical exercises to keep their body and mind balanced.

• Does your dog shake his head and ears a lot?

Usually when dogs shake their head intensely, it means they feel some discomfort in their ears. One of the possible causes may be an infection or inflammation of the ear canal (otitis). These jerks can also be caused by the presence of a foreign body in the ear.

Therefore, if we observe that our dog shakes his head a lot, it is important to gently check his ears. Next, it is best to take him quickly to the veterinary clinic to proceed with a proper diagnosis.