Understanding Why Does My Australian Shepherd Shake

Last Updated on January 18, 2024

Australian shepherds are generally active and rather energetic dogs who are always willing to work on a task or do exercises whenever possible. These dogs have been bred with the very intention of making them the finest working dog breeds meant for both being happy and protective whenever needed.

However, what happens when your Aussie starts shaking? If your Aussie has started having tremors at random intervals, then you might be wondering about why does my Australian shepherd shake. Keep reading the article below to know why an Aussie might shake and whether the shaking is good or bad.

Understanding the Behaviour of Shaking in Dogs

Often, the shaking behaviour of a dog is associated with an outside factor that may or may not be related to the mental state. A dog may shake at times to get rid of the dirt or debris that they may have gotten from either playing in the dirt or simply being outside for long periods,

Also, dogs are somewhat prone to infestation of fleas and may shake to make them fall off, as they often cause an itching sensation. They may also shake themselves to dry off any water on their coats. In other cases, they may shake to get rid of fleas.

Why does my Australian Shepherd Shake? Otherwise, the shaking might also be because of the dog feeling itching from having a dry coat, a coat lacking in vitamins such as Vitamin A, causing overall poor health of the fur resulting in itching and shaking.

A dog may experience involuntary tremors because of certain medical disorders. In this case, it will be essential to consult an animal veterinarian to rule out medical causes or get treatment.

Common Causes of Shaking in Australian Shepherds

In general, common causes of shaking in Australian shepherds can include a combination of both medical or behavioural issues, such as:

• Skin-related issues: An Aussie may shake itself to get rid of flea infestation or dirt and debris; it may also do the shaking due to certain skin disorders causing an itching sensation.
• Medical causes:Conditions such as hypomyelinationor shaker syndrome can very well be the causes of a dog shaking excessively, as these conditions are related to the development of nerve muscles.
• To Dry Off:Your Aussie may want to dry themselves off after a shower or a swimming session. Therefore, they may shake themselves to get rid of the water.
• Anxiety and Stress:An Aussie might shake excessively if they fear or have anxiety due to a location change or other factors, such as a giant animal threatening them.

Why does my Australian Shepherd Shake? Regardless of how much a dog shake, if your Aussie has suddenly started shaking, then it can be a good idea to consult an animal veterinarian to try and get to the middle of what could be causing your dog’s symptoms to manifest and to try to fix the said reason for such.

Distinguishing Between Normal and Excessive Shaking

Why does my Australian Shepherd shake? Distinguishing between normal and excessive shaking can be tricky but easy once the owner can figure out the difference between both behaviours.

Dogs sometimes shake themselves when they are wet to dry themselves; this behaviour can be seen when they are wet due to swimming or a showering session. On the other hand, they may also shake themselves after becoming filled with dust and debris.

Why does my Australian Shepherd Shake? A dog involuntarily shaking for long periods without any given reason may imply a specific medical disorder, specifically hypomyelination, in which specific fatty insulation around a dog’s nerve fails to develop correctly. In such a case, getting your Aussie checked up by an animal vet can be essential to get a treatment plan.

As long as your Aussie is not shaking without any valid reason, you may not have a reason to get your Aussie checked up. However, suppose your Aussie is displaying excessive shaking without any particular reason. In that case, it can signify a medical condition and require intervention from an expert.

The Importance of Addressing Excessive Shaking in Your Australian Shepherd

Excessive shaking in dogs, including Australian Shepherds, is a common behaviour that often goes unnoticed but should not be ignored. Excessive shaking can be due to various reasons, such as pain or discomfort, behavioural issues, infections, and stress.

If these are addressed, they can positively impact your dog’s well-being. Addressing excessive shaking promptly can help ensure that any underlying problems are detected and treated as soon as possible, helping to improve your dog’s overall health and happiness.

Why does my Australian Shepherd Shake? Identifying and treating the underlying cause of excessive shaking can help reduce your dog’s discomfort and anxiety and improve its overall well-being.

When To Seek Veterinary Attention for Your Shaking Australian Shepherd

If you notice that your Australian Shepherd is shaking excessively, it is essential to seek veterinary attention as soon as possible. Here are some signs that indicate that it’s time to take your dog to the vet:

• Persistent shaking: If your Australian Shepherd is shaking excessively and the shaking does not seem to be improving, it is essential to seek veterinary attention. Persistent shaking can indicate various underlying health problems that need to be addressed.
• Accompanying symptoms: If the excessive shaking is accompanied by other symptoms, such as coughing, diarrhea, lethargy, or a loss of appetite, it is even more important to seek veterinary attention. These symptoms can indicate a more serious underlying health problem that requires prompt treatment.
• Increased frequency or severity: If you notice the frequency or severity of the excessive shaking increases, it is essential to seek veterinary attention. This can indicate that the underlying cause of the shaking is getting worse and requires prompt attention.
• Behavioural issues: If the excessive shaking is accompanied by other behavioural changes, such as increased anxiety or fear, it is essential to seek veterinary attention. These behavioural changes can indicate an underlying behavioural issue that requires treatment.

Why does my Australian Shepherd Shake? Your veterinarian will perform a physical examination and run various tests to determine the underlying cause of excessive shaking. They can develop a treatment plan to address the problem based on the results.

Conclusion

Why does my Australian Shepherd Shake? As long as you can react promptly if your Aussie starts shaking uncontrollably or keeps experiencing tremors at inconvenient times, you should remain relatively fine with a treatment given by your animal vet.