Why does my dog shiver

Dogs, much like humans, can shiver from the same causes in many cases – often due to cool temperatures or a lowered body heat level due to a recent bath or foul weather dropping their internal heat below the 100.5 to 102.5 degree Fahrenheit standard. Still, if you find your dog shivering even in relatively warm weather then there may be any number of causes to affect this.

Often many dogs shiver when they are regularly nervous, excited or attempting to attract attention. This shivering is the result of a psychological reaction to a specific stimulation and can many times result in a pathological condition that results in constant shivering in sub-standard situations. Often smaller dogs tend to exhibit shivering more than larger dogs and as such smaller breeds may show this more often both in public as well as in some cases at home.

If a dog is constant shivering yet has not experienced any major change in their environment as of late may be suffering from hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). This is often the case if a dog has not eaten for a considerable period of time and can be easily remedied through the use of honey or syrups given directly or smeared on their gums if they are difficult eaters at times. Regular small doses of syrup every 6 hours or so can generally cure most hypoglycemic reactions.

If a dog still remains shivering despite eating regularly and remaining in standard living conditions then you should take your animal to see a qualified veterinarian immediately for medical support. Shivering can manifest as a result of any number of medical conditions and these should be treated as soon as possible in order to prolong your dog’s life and possibly prevent any spreading of disease to other animals as well. A qualified veterinary professional will also be able to diagnose any specific issues that may be facing your dog and causing the shivering to occur if you are uncertain over any cause and are concerned over its health if a disease is not actually the cause for the shivering to occur.