IAMS IN
Why Is My Dog Shaking?
Why Is My Dog Shaking?

adp_description_block416
Why Is My Dog Shaking?

  • Share

We’re not talking about the “Sit. Shake.” kind of shake. Nor the fun way they shake off water starting from their nose all the way to the end of their tail. (FYI, dogs can shake off 70% of the water on their fur in just four seconds!)

No, we’re talking about that full-body trembling you’ve likely seen your pooch do from time to time. Why do they do it? And is it something you should be worried about? Let’s shake a leg and find out.

 

 

Why do dogs shake?

A majority of dog owners in an IAMS™ survey* (64%) think dogs shake because they’re cold. Other top responses were because they’re scared (57%) or anxious (54%).

High-fives all around because it turns out there are a number of reasons dogs shake, and all those are possible correct answers.

 

shake fr dogs
 

They're chilly

Just like their owners, dogs will often shiver when cold. 

Opens a new windowDr. Tammie King, Applied Behavior Technical Leader at Waltham Petcare Science Institute, says: “Dogs shiver in response to falling temperatures. Dogs with short or no hair are especially susceptible. You should get them warm, put coats on them or bring them inside.” Same goes for you.

 

 

shake fr dogs

 

They're anxious or scared

“Shaking is a response to epinephrine or adrenaline secretion — a sign of anxiety where the dog is on high alert,” says 

Opens a new windowJames Serpell, B.S., Ph.D., Professor of Humane Ethics & Animal Welfare at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. You may notice this when you’re at the vet or there’s a situation where they feel threatened. Dr. Serpell also offers a way to help in some cases: “Identify what’s triggering the behavior. Provide them comfort. Going forward, you can gradually desensitize your pet to the thing it’s afraid of.” Unless it’s clowns. Those are always scary.

 

 

They're not feeling well

Trembling can also be a sign of serious issues like injury, poisoning or kidney disease. Opens a new windowDr. Jo Gale, BVetMed CertLAS MRCVS, Senior Manager, Global Science Advocacy at Waltham Petcare Science Institute urges pet owners to be vigilant: “If a pet is unwell in another way, they could be trembling.” If their shaking is accompanied by symptoms like diarrhea, limping or vomiting, you should consult your vet straight away.
 

*Surveyed U.S. dog owners, age 18+ 

Sample Size: n=201 

Fielded May 8-10, 2020

  • 5 Tips on Caring for a Pug Dog
    5 Tips on Caring for a Pug Dog-mobile
    adp_description_block253
    5 Tips on Caring for a Pug Dog

    • Share

    Tip no 1 - Exercising a Pug

    Pugs are naturally lazy and have a tendency to become obese very easily! So pug parents need to make it a point to walk their pugs regularly. Take them for a walk 1-2 times a day or play with them at home. But limit their exercise in hot and humid weather as they do tend to experience breathing difficulties.

     

    Tip no 2 - Pug Grooming

    Grooming a pug requires you to trim their hair and bathe them at least once a month. After bathing your pug with a mild shampoo, you must dry their hair quickly and properly or the skin folds that remain wet can become smelly and cause skin infections.

     

    Tip no 3 - Pug Training

    While pugs are a clever breed, they are strong-willed as well. Reward-based training is a great way to train your pug. Make sure that everyone in your family follows the same training practices so that your pug does not get confused.

     

    Tip no 4 - Pug Food

    While pug food can vary depending on their age, size, and health conditions, all pugs need complete and balanced meals that are tailor-made to meet their unique needs. You could feed them a premium recipe like IAMS™ Proactive Health™ Adult Pug to keep them slim and healthy. IAMS™ Adult Pug recipe is a blend of beet pulp and prebiotics (FOS) to support healthy digestion, L-Carnitine to support a healthy metabolism, and Omega 6 & 3 fatty acids to support skin and coat health. It is best to split their daily allowance into two meals.

    Recommended pug food guide -

     

    SIZE OF PUG RECOMMENDED DAILY FEEDING (G)
    1-2 kg 30-45
    2-4 kg 45-80
    4-6 kg 80-105
    6-8 kg 105-130
    8-10 kg 130-155

     

    Tip no 5 - Pug Diseases

    Pugs are prone to a lot of health problems, more than other breeds. Common health issues include breathing problems, a range of eye problems, skin infections, Pug Dog Encephalitis (PDE), hemivertebrae, and hypothyroidism.

    SOME FACTS ABOUT PUG DOG CARE

    Pugs are easy to care for but put on weight easily. Also, their short muzzles make it difficult for them to breathe, especially in hot and humid weather. Because of this, pugs also tend to snore, so consider this if you are a light sleeper.

    Pugs are intelligent creatures and very loving, making them a popular choice across the world. But do your research before taking the leap. Although they are cute and cuddly, caring for a pug dog needs commitment, so it's important to go into it fully prepared to do the work (and fall in love!)