Why does my dog shake when he eats? We got this query from one of our readers and decided to investigate the matter. We got several answers, which we are sharing below!
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There could be many reasons why your dog shakes when he eats – depression, anxiety, excitement, cold, nausea, tremors, obesity, old age, neurological conditions, shaker syndrome, trauma – the list goes on.
In many cases, shaking or trembling while eating can be normal in dogs. However, you must not leave any stone unturned to get to the root of your dog’s condition, and this article might be the perfect start for it. So, read on!
Why Does My Dog Shake When He Eats?
Your dog shakes for all kinds of reasons when he eats. Thus, you cannot put your finger on only one reason. Some dogs even tremble while they are breathing. Trembling or shivering can be related to a larger health issue, or it can simply be one of the behavioral patterns of your pup.
If your dog shakes specifically when he eats, we don’t think it is a problem, but if it continues shaking for the rest of the day, then it might. However, to remove any doubts, you should meet your vet and ask for his advice and opinion on the matter.
Even so, we have researched and compiled the following reasons that support your dog’s shaking when he eats. Check them out below
Excitement
While it might be weird or rare for a dog to shake in excitement when eating, it is not unheard of. Food makes your pup happy, and they express their happiness in several ways – maybe it’s his way to exhibit this emotion when he eats the food. Shaking can be a form of adrenaline release in dogs.
Fear or anxiety
Even though this emotion is the complete opposite of the first one, it can still trigger your dog to shake or tremble while eating.
It can be because the place you feed them is too noisy or disturbing for them, or they have an attached trauma to it or eating food. It can be anything from fighting with other dogs for food or hearing an uncomfortably loud noise while eating.
Shaker Syndrome
Also known as white dog syndrome, shaker syndrome usually occurs in dogs 1 to 4 years of age. This syndrome usually affects small-sized dogs and can cause them to tremble, shake, even have seizures. It also makes them lose balance, lack coordination, or collapse. It is important to get medication for this problem and help your puppy live a happier and healthier life.
Distemper
Shaking is one of the many signs of distemper disease, in which discharge from the eyes, lethargy, and fever are quite frequent.
Distemper diseases usually affect wild animals like skunks and raccoons, but they can be transmitted to dogs as well. It is best to prevent your dog from having it by getting him vaccinated, or it can also be fatal.
Generalized Tremor Syndrome
Some smaller breeds of dogs like Chihuahuas just shake, it has no real reason behind it. This is known as GTS.
Cold
If your dog shivers while eating, consider moving him to a warmer area and see if the trembling disappears. This could be a very simple and obvious reason why the poor guy is shaking. Fever can also cause shaking.
Dog’s Front Leg Shakes When Sitting – What To Do?
It is not likely to be anything serious unless you see other signs of distress
The first thing to do when you see your dog’s front legs shaking when sitting is not to ignore it at all. Understand that it can be connected to a health issue and even hinder his movements.
If his front legs are shaking and he doesn’t seem to be in pain while sitting or walking, it is a good sign that he is overall fine.
However, if he seems to be in pain as he shakes his legs, it is time to seek some medical assistance because who would want their lovely dog to be in even the least amount of pain.
There can be, however, several reasons for your dog’s front leg shaking when sitting, and we have shared the most common ones below
- Obesity
- Old age
- Low sugar levels
- Fatigue
- Injury
- Genetic condition
- Stress
- Tremors
- Front leg deformity
- Emotional trauma
- Nervousness and more
So, what should you do when your puppy’s front leg shakes when he is sitting?
In most cases, there might be nothing serious related to your dog’s front legs shaking, and it goes away within a day or so.
If your dog exhibits a reflex movement or feels threatened or excited and shakes, you must hug him and make him feel loved during the moment, and you will see the dangerous behavior disappear instantly.
However, if the movement continues for several days, let’s say about a week or so, we recommend you go ahead and see a vet and follow his guidelines.
We would again like to remind you that a dog’s front leg shaking, especially if it is a puppy, is not a serious problem, but you must take a professional opinion to be sure.
Why Is My Dog Shaking After Shots?
It could be because they have developed a fever or it is just a side effect of the shots.
Shaking and shivering is one of the common side-effects of vaccinations, and it is perfectly normal for your furry friend to feel this way. According to experts, distressed shaking results from pain and inflammation at the injection site.
It is especially the smaller breeds of dogs that shake after being vaccinated. It is also possible that your little friend might get a high fever or feel unwell due to vaccine effects. It is, in fact, a good thing since it is a sign that your dog’s immune system is responding to the shot and is starting to produce antibodies.
Another reason for your dog shivering and shaking after taking shots is the stress he goes through while handling the injection and all the poking that comes with it. Some dogs are more sensitive than others, and thus, this is their way to release anxiety and stress of vaccination or even visiting the vet’s office.
A little shaking is a sign that everything is fine with your pet, but if it continues for days and is accompanied by vomiting or an upset stomach, you must call your vet and book an appointment with them to further get into the matter.
A Few Final Words
There are several reasons why your dog shakes or trembles when he eats – you cannot just put your finger on one. However, it is important to know why your little friend shakes to the point that it doesn’t seem normal if it does so.
As a dog owner, you must see a vet and ask questions about this pattern of your dog and act as per their advice and suggestions. Thank you for reading thus far, and we hope this answered all your queries if not, write to us in the comments and we will get back to you.
We have written extensively about other queer dog behaviors such as spinning, chasing flies, and even putting your arm in their mouths! Do read to learn more about your pet.
