Pomeranians are cute, cuddly, and energetic, and they make excellent pets. Their small size and high socialization capabilities are also a huge plus. Because our dogs are part of the family, it’s natural to get worried when they start exhibiting signs they could be sick.
If your Pomeranian is shaking, it could be a minor reason, such as cold or overexcitement, or a more serious reason, such as pain, anxiety, or other medical ailments. If you are trying to understand why your Pomeranian is shaking, read this article to learn more.
Reasons Why Your Pomeranian Might Be Shaking
Some of the reasons for shaking include the following:
1. Pain
Pain is one of the primary reasons why your Pomeranian is shaking and shivering. In most cases, the culprit is usually some form of joint or muscular pain. Common examples are arthritis, which is common in senior dogs1, and other forms of lameness if your dog twisted their paw or pulled a muscle. If the pain persists, your dogs will often favor one side when walking or lying down. In this case, the best option is to visit a vet.
2. Overexcitement
Your Pomeranian might start shaking if they are too excited. It doesn’t take long to make them happy since they are friendly and highly energetic dogs. Giving them dog treats is enough to get them into a shaking and barking frenzy.
3. Poisoning
Several poisons and toxins can cause shaking in Pomeranians. Some toxins, such as chocolate, may be harmless to us but poisonous to your pets. Other poisoning symptoms include depression, disorientation, drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. Call the vet immediately if you notice these symptoms in your Pomeranian.
4. Nausea
Pomeranians can get nausea for several reasons, including medication, overeating, or eating the wrong thing. Nausea can also develop from liver and kidney diseases. Other symptoms of nausea include drooling more than usual, lip smacking, and listlessness. You need to figure out why your dog is nauseous. If your dog is nauseous suddenly and you can’t figure out why take them to the vet immediately.
5. Stress and anxiety
If your dog is suffering from stress, maybe due to changes in the environment, food, or new pets or family around, it could start shaking. Try to remove the cause of the stress the best you can, and the shaking should pass. Of course, anxiety can become chronic, and it may be a good idea to take your dog to a behavioral specialist if the problem persists.
6. Shaker’s syndrome
Shaker syndrome is a condition in dogs, especially smaller breeds, that mainly causes body tremors in the head and body. Other names for this condition are idiopathic generalized tremor syndrome and steroid-responsive tremors. Small breeds have been more commonly associated with this disease, but any breed can suffer from it. Some signs of shaker syndrome in Pomeranians and other smaller dogs include localized tremors varying in severity from mild to incapacitating.
In most cases involving small dogs with shaker syndrome, tremors worsen with extreme exercise and excitement. They might improve or resolve themselves when the dog is sleeping or resting. Shaker syndrome’s cause is currently unknown; however, recent studies propose that it may be an immune-mediated disorder of the central nervous system. Some treatments can help alleviate the signs.
7. Distemper
A less common reason for shaking is Canine distemper, which is caused by a virus and occurs mainly in puppies and adolescent dogs that have not received full vaccinations. Shaking and trembling are common signs in dogs with this condition. Some other symptoms include coughing, excessive barking, and eye and nose discharge.
Distemper is often fatal, and medical attention should be sought immediately. Treatment involves supportive care when the dog’s immune system fights the virus. Antibiotics, physical therapy, and airway dilators are also used as treatment options.
How Do I Know if My Pomeranian Is in Pain?
No pet owner wants their dog to be in pain; unfortunately, dogs feel pain like humans do. It’s up to you to notice these sometimes subtle signs that indicate your dog is in pain and figure out what you can do to help. Some signs include:
How Can You Help a Dog That’s in Pain?
If your dog is in pain, you should minimize its suffering as much as possible. Some of the steps you should take include the following:
1. Consulting a vet
The first course of action after noticing that your dog is in pain is to consult a vet. They will figure out what the problem is and get started on treatment right away. They may need to perform physical exams and diagnostic tests such as blood tests and ultrasounds to avoid missing infections or injuries. Treatment options for pain may include painkillers, anti-inflammatories, antibiotics and physical therapy.
2. Modify their physical activity
If your pet is experiencing pain during physical activity such as walking and running, you should modify their exercise, for example, taking shorter walks and cutting down on strenuous activity. In cases where your dog is suffering from acute pain, the changes may be temporary.
3. Record all the signs
If you notice your dog exhibiting several signs of pain, recording them is a great idea. You can write them down and take pictures and videos. Note the time these symptoms occur and how your dog reacts to them. It will make it easier for your vet to understand the scenarios where your dog is experiencing pain and make the correct diagnosis.
Conclusion
There are many reasons why your Pom could be shaking, from excitement to anxiety. While most causes are fairly benign, some can be more serious, and in these cases, it’s a good idea to reach out to your vet.
Featured Image Credit: Natalia Fedosova, Shutterstock