Unexplained shaking in your German Shepherd can be concerning. Shaking in dogs can be attributed to a variety of factors, including emotional states, like anxiety or excitement, or physical ailments, such as pain or underlying medical issues. As a pet parent, understanding the potential causes behind your German Shepherd’s shaking is key to ensuring their well-being and providing appropriate care.
Stress and Anxiety
Like humans, dogs can experience a range of emotions, including anxiety and fear. Around 70% of dogs suffer from anxieties. When confronted with stressful situations such as thunderstorms, fireworks, unfamiliar environments, or separation from their pet parents, dogs may display anxiety symptoms, including shaking. This reaction is their way of expressing discomfort or distress.
When a dog is stressed or anxious, their body secretes adrenaline, a hormone that prepares it to react to the perceived threat. This adrenaline surge can trigger physical symptoms like an elevated heart rate, rapid breathing, and trembling, which could appear as shaking. Shaking can also serve as a means for many dogs to alleviate tension or self-soothe during or after a stressful event.
If a dog has previously had a negative experience at a veterinary clinic, such as receiving a vaccine, it may shake in anticipation of discomfort when brought to the clinic again.
Pain
Pain is another significant reason why your German Shepherd might be shaking. Dogs may tremble when experiencing discomfort or pain, which could result from an injury, an underlying medical condition, or after surgery. Shaking can be a protective mechanism, an attempt to soothe the discomfort, or a response to the distress caused by pain. A dog with joint pain due to arthritis might shake, particularly after physical activity.
If your dog is persistently shaking or showing other signs of pain, like whimpering, limping, or changes in behavior or appetite, it’s critical to consult a vet.
Ear Problems
Ear complications can also induce shaking in dogs. The ear is easily affected by discomfort, infection, or inflammation, resulting in reactions such as head shaking or trembling. Ear infections are common in dogs and can cause significant discomfort. These infections can incite inflammation and augment wax production, resulting in itchiness and pain. In response, a dog may frequently shake its head or display signs of trembling.
If a foreign object or parasites, like a tick or ear mites, get lodged in your dog’s ear, it can incite substantial discomfort leading to shaking.
Underlying Medical Conditions
Shaking in dogs can be a symptom of various underlying health conditions. These include:
- Old Age and Health Deterioration As dogs grow older, they may develop health issues that result in shaking, including general weakness, muscle mass loss, or degenerative myelopathy.
- Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD) Often called doggy dementia, CCD can lead to numerous symptoms, including shaking, due to alterations in the dog’s nervous system as they age.
- Anxiety or Stress Disorders These mental health conditions can physically manifest in dogs, leading to trembling or muscle twitching symptoms.
- Cold or Hypothermia Much like humans, cold dogs may shiver. Hypothermia, a dangerously low body temperature, can also induce shivering.
- Excitement or Fear Intense emotions can trigger shaking in dogs, whether it’s positive, like anticipating a walk, or negative, like fear during a thunderstorm.
- White Shaker Syndrome This condition mainly affects small white dogs but it can happen with German Shepherds, causing widespread shaking. The exact cause is uncertain, but it’s believed to be linked to the immune system.
- Muscle Weakness or Injury If a dog has sustained a muscle injury or is experiencing general weakness, it may shake or tremble.
- Certain Medications Some drugs can cause side effects, including shaking or tremors.
- Cushing’s and Addison’s Disease These endocrine disorders can result in shaking, among other symptoms.
- Seizure Disorders These neurological conditions can cause various symptoms, including shaking or trembling.
- Low blood sugar A sudden change in blood chemistry, such as low blood sugar, can cause shaking.
- Fever Illness or pain conditions can lead to a fever, which can cause shivering.
What To Do
If your dog is shaking and acting weird, assessing the situation and taking appropriate action is essential. Observe their behavior and assess for any other accompanying symptoms. If the shaking persists, worsens, or is accompanied by other concerning signs, consult a veterinarian for a proper evaluation and diagnosis.