Shivering Sick Dog Symptoms

A sick dog may display a number of symptoms. When shivering is one of the symptoms, you should consider this as an alarming sign as it may be caused by hypothermia, which is a condition that may have serious consequences. When the dog is shivering, this may also indicate a low blood sugar, a state of shock or that the dog is in a lot of pain. Shivering in dogs is not a normal, so you should act immediately.

Hypothermia

Hypothermia is a condition that indicates that the dog’s body temperature is below normal; the dog is cold so he will be shivering.

The normal temperature of canines is between 100.5 and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Hypothermia is more common in puppies, as they are not fully developed and they don’t have an effective way of regulating their body temperature.

Hypothermia may also be caused by an underlying condition.

The first thing you should do when your pet is shivering is to take his temperature. If his temperature is below normal, you should warm up the room and get some extra blankets.

Visit the vet to see if the dog is not affected by an underlying condition.

Hyperthermia

Besides hypothermia, hyperthermia is also a frequent cause for dog shivering. If the dog has a fever, this can cause shaking.

The fever may be caused by an infection or a heat stroke.

You should decrease the pet’s temperature using ice packs or cold compresses and visit the vet to get a suitable diagnosis and treatment.

Low Blood Sugar

The low blood sugar, also known as hypoglycemia can cause dog shivering. The hypoglycemia may be caused by a low body temperature or by the lack of nutrients.

If the dog has pale gums this may indicate that his glucose level is lower than normal and you will need to administer honey or maple syrup to increase the glucose levels in the blood. Rub 1 tbsp of honey or maple syrup against the dog’s gums or administer the honey under the dog’s tongue. In this manner, the sugar will enter the blood flow much faster.

Administer 1 tbsp of honey or maple syrup every 6 hours, until you notice that your pet is no longer shaking. Meanwhile, increase the dog’s body temperature by adding some blankets or warming up the room.

Hypoglycemia may be caused by an underlying disease, so you should visit the vet for a checkup.

Anxiety or Fear

Fear or anxiety may cause shivering. Detect if there are any factors that may be causing fear or anxiety in your dog and remove it from his environment.

Noises, other animals or thunders may trigger fear or stress in your dog.

Pain

When a dog is in pain, he may be shivering. Check your dog for wounds and try to see if there are additional symptoms. Consult the vet to determine the cause of pain.

Shock

If the dog has been through a severe trauma, he may be in a state of shock, which can be manifested through shivering. Other symptoms of a shock include pale gums, cold extremities or a shallow and fast breathing.

 

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