If you’re a dog owner, you’re likely familiar with the occasional drool or shake that your furry friend may exhibit. But what do these behaviors mean? Is it just a normal part of being a dog, or could it signify something more serious?
This blog post will explore the different reasons behind dog drooling and shaking, from harmless to potentially harmful. We’ll also discuss what you can do as a pet parent to address these behaviors and keep your dog happy and healthy. So, read on to learn more about dog drooling and shaking, whether you’re a new dog owner or a pro.
What is Dog Drooling?
Dog drooling is the release of saliva from the dog’s mouth. This can happen for various reasons, including when a dog is excited, anxious, or experiencing something, particularly appealing to them, such as the smell of food.
Some dogs may also drool when they are relaxed, such as when they are sleeping. In certain cases, drooling can indicate an underlying health issue, such as an infection, injury, or toxin exposure.
Always veterinarian if you notice excessive drooling or drooling that is accompanied by other symptoms, as it could be indicative of a serious problem.
What Is Dog Shaking?
Dog shaking is a behavior where a dog’s body trembles or vibrates. This can happen for various reasons, such as being cold, wet, or in pain. Dogs may also shake as a result of anxiety or excitement. Some dogs may shake naturally; for example, breeds such as chihuahuas are known for shaking.
In some cases, shaking can be a sign of an underlying health problem, such as an infection, injury, or neurological disorder. If you notice your dog shaking excessively or if other symptoms accompany it, it is important to consult with a Vet as soon as possible. The vet will be able to determine if the shaking is normal or indicative of a more serious issue.
Why are dogs drooling and shaking?
Dogs drool and shake for a variety of reasons. Some of the common reasons include the following:
- Excitement or anticipation: When a dog is excited or anticipates something they enjoy, such as going for a walk or seeing their owner, they may drool and shake.
- Anxiety or fear: Dogs may drool and shake when anxious or scared. A traumatic event, a loud noise, or a new environment can cause this.
- Nausea or motion sickness: Some dogs may drool and shake when feeling sick or experiencing motion sickness.
- Illness or injury: Drooling and shaking can be symptoms of certain illnesses or injuries, such as heat stroke, poisoning, or neurological disorders.
- Normal behavior: Some breeds, such as Saint Bernard and the Bloodhound, are known for excessive drooling, and some breeds, such as chihuahuas, are known for shaking.
All drooling and shaking are problematic and, in many cases, normal behavior. Still, if you notice excessive drooling, shaking, or other symptoms accompanying it, it’s always best to consult a vet to rule out any underlying health issue.
How to stop a dog drooling and shaking?
Stopping dog drooling and shaking depends on the underlying common cause of the behavior. Here are a few things you can try:
- If your dog is drooling and shaking due to anxiety or fear, try to identify and remove the source of the anxiety. This may include providing a safe and comfortable space for your dog, using calming techniques such as aromatherapy or pheromone sprays, or working with a professional dog trainer or behaviorist.
- If your dog is drooling and shaking due to nausea or motion sickness, try to keep your dog calm and still during car rides and avoid feeding your dog for a few hours before traveling.
- If dental problems are causing your dog to drool and shake, you should schedule a visit to the vet as soon as possible.
- If medication side effects cause drooling and shaking, please contact your vet and ask for alternative medication options.
- If drooling and shaking are normal behavior for your dog breed, you might not need to do anything, but it is best to consult a vet to ensure there is no underlying problem.
Home remedies for dog drooling and shaking.
Here are a few home remedies you can try to help with your dog’s drooling and shaking:
- Try using calming techniques such as aromatherapy or pheromone sprays, playing calming music, or providing a comfortable and safe space for your dog.
- Ensure your dog gets enough exercise and mental stimulation, as this can help reduce anxiety and fear.
- Work with a professional dog trainer or behaviorist to address any underlying anxiety or fear issues.
- Provide your dog with interactive toys and treat-dispensing puzzles to help keep their mind occupied and prevent boredom.
- Make sure your dog gets the right balance of nutrients and is fed a healthy diet.
- Provide your dog with proper dental care, such as regular tooth brushing, and provide dental chews to help keep their teeth clean.
- These are general remedies; not all may work for dogs and situations.
Treatment of dog drooling and shaking with medications
Treatment for dog drooling and shaking with medications will depend on the cause of the behavior. A professional Vet can provide a proper diagnosis and recommend the appropriate treatment plan, which may include medications.
- For anxiety or fear-related drooling and shaking, your vet may prescribe anti-anxiety medications such as fluoxetine or clomipramine.
- Your vet may prescribe anti-nausea medications such as metoclopramide or ondansetron for nausea or motion sickness-related drooling and shake.
- For dental problems-related drooling and shaking, your vet may prescribe antibiotics or pain medications to help alleviate the symptoms and treat the underlying issue.
- For neurological disorders-related drooling and shaking, your vet may prescribe medications such as phenobarbital or diazepam to control seizures or tremors.
- For other causes of drooling and shaking, your vet may prescribe other types of medications depending on the diagnosis.
How to prevent shaking and drooling in the future
Here are a few ways you can help prevent shaking and drooling in the future:
- If you know the cause of your dog’s shaking and drooling, work to address and remove it. For example, if your dog is anxious, provide a safe and comfortable environment and work with a professional dog trainer or behaviorist to address the anxiety.
- Ensure your dog gets the right balance of nutrients and is fed a healthy diet. Regular exercise can also help prevent anxiety and fear.
- Proper dental care, such as regular tooth brushing and chews, can help prevent dental problems that can lead to drooling and shaking.
- Schedule regular check-ups with your vet to ensure your dog is in good health and catch any potential health issues early.
- Training your dog can help prevent certain behavior issues, such as separation anxiety, that may lead to shaking and drooling.
- If your dog is on any medications, follow the vet’s instructions, keep an eye on any side effects or interactions, and report to the vet if anything concerning happens.
Remember that every dog is unique and what works for one dog may not work for another.
When dogs shake, they often try to get rid of excess saliva. Because dogs have very small salivary glands, they will often shake when they are trying to produce more saliva to help clean their mouth. For dogs suffering from a medical condition causing them to drool like the other side of the same coin, excessive shaking can also signify a dietary deficiency or iron deficiency.
What to do if your dog starts shaking and drooling
If your dog starts shaking and drooling, it’s important to determine the cause and provide appropriate care immediately. Here are a few steps you can take:
- Check for any obvious signs of injury or illness: Look for any signs of injury, such as cuts, bruises, or swelling, and check for any signs of illness, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or fever.
- Observe the behavior: Try to determine if the shaking and drooling are related to a specific event or behavior, such as a loud noise or an unfamiliar person or animal.
- Consult with a doctor: If you notice any concerning symptoms or if the shaking and drooling persist, it’s important to consult with a vet as soon as possible. They will be able to provide a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
- Follow the doctor’s instructions: Once you have a diagnosis, follow your vet’s instructions and administer any prescribed medications as directed.
- Keep an eye on your dog: Keep an eye on your dog and observe any changes in behavior, appetite, or energy levels. Report any concerns to your veterinarian.
- Try to create a calm environment: Try to create a calm and safe environment for your dog to help them feel more at ease.
Conclusion
Lastly, dog drooling and shaking can be caused by various reasons, from normal behaviors to underlying health issues. Understanding the cause of these behaviors is important to provide the proper care for your dog. If you notice excessive drooling, shaking, or other accompanying symptoms, it’s always best to consult a veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issue.
Medications can also treat certain causes of drooling and shaking, but it’s important to follow your veterinarian’s instructions and not self-medicate your pet. Medications can have side effects and may interact with your dog’s medications.
To prevent future episodes of shaking and drooling, it’s important to address underlying causes, provide a balanced diet and regular exercise, provide dental care, schedule regular check-ups with your veterinarian, train your dog and keep an eye on your dog’s behavior and report any concerns to your veterinarian.
