My Dog is Shaking and Limping
Dogs enjoy playing with their owners. They use their body language to communicate with each other. Dogs’ bodies show their mental and physical health. Dogs sometimes act strangely. Shaking and limping are examples.
There are different reasons why dogs might shake or limp. Some are no big deal, but others need veterinary care immediately. Learn about the various causes of shaking and limping in dogs so you can solve this issue.
The dog is Shaking and Limping
There are various reasons why dogs tremble and limp. Dogs shake because they are in discomfort, tense, worried, or scared. Pain and fractures are the most common causes of limping.
Some dogs have strange or unusual behaviors that might mean they are not feeling well. Pet owners must figure out what’s wrong with their pets and do something about it. If your dog is walking funny and shaking simultaneously, it could be in pain.
There are different ways that a dog can limp. It might lift one leg, walk on the other three, or drag the affected limb behind. Limping is not normal for dogs, so if you see your dog limping, you should take it to the vet to find out what’s wrong. Sometimes shaking and limping are not serious problems, but they can be signs of something more serious in other cases.
5 Causes of Your Dog’s Shaking and Limping
Dogs shake and limp for a variety of reasons. The dog is in pain, which is the most typical explanation. A bone fracture, muscular strain, ligament rupture, joint dislocation, or bug bite can cause dogs to shake and limp.
When you see your dog limping, it’s not a pretty sight. It’s frustrating and painful for your dog to walk that way. Limping can result from a fracture or muscle tear, making it difficult for your dog to walk correctly.
Here are the top five reasons why dogs shake and limp.
1. Bone Fractures
Bone fractures are one of the most common reasons why dogs limp. When a bone fracture happens, it excruciates at the site. Moving the broken bone sends pain throughout the body.
There are two primary types of fractures: open and closed.
Open fractures are easy to see. You can see the break and then take your dog to the vet. Closed fractures make it more difficult to find where the break is.
A closed fracture is a fracture that is not visible to the naked eye. If you suspect your dog has a fracture, look for these signs: bone sticking out of the skin, an unusual shape of the limb, or pain when you touch the area.
2. Muscle Strains
Bone fractures can be very painful, but muscle strains can be too. When a muscle strain happens, the tendons attached to the bones stretch more than they should. It is more common in active and energetic dogs. If your dog keeps its leg in the air or becomes lame, it might have a muscle sprain. Muscle sprains usually go away after a few days. If the issue persists, take your dog to a veterinarian for help.
3. Ligament Ruptures or Strains
Dogs can damage or rupture their ligaments, tough tissue connecting bones. It can cause significant pain and discomfort to the dog. The cruciate ligaments in the knee joint are the most likely to rupture or strain.
The primary cause of ligament tears is obesity. Obese or overweight dogs are more likely to suffer joint and ligament injuries. Injuries to ligaments can also result from incorrect landings or excessive running.
Some dogs are genetically prone to ligament problems:
- Rottweilers
- Labrador Retrievers
- Staffordshire Terriers
- Newfoundlands
4. Joint Dislocations
Joint dislocations in dogs can cause pain and make the dog shake. Joint dislocations can happen when the dog falls, bumps into another dog, or slips. The shoulder joint is the most at risk for dislocation. It is because it is a ball and socket joint that falls out of place more quickly than other joints.
Other significant joints in your dog’s body can be affected by joint dislocations. It is essential to treat this condition as it can be painful for your pet. Visit the veterinarian with your dog so the issue can be identified and the joint replaced.
5. Insect Stings and Bites
Bee or wasp stings may cause your dog to shake and elevate its leg. It can be very painful for both humans and dogs. You should look for signs of an insect bite to see if your dog needs any ointment to relieve the pain.
Is Shaking and Limping Normal for Dogs?
No, your shaking and limping are not regular canine habits. Limping is a common occurrence in dogs, although it is not normal. If your dog is shivering and limping, it may be in discomfort and should be taken to the veterinarian.
Some dogs occasionally shake without reason. Shaking can also be caused by other external and internal factors:
- Low body temperature
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Fear
- Excitement
Shaking and limping are never normal, even in mild cases. When these symptoms happen together, it often means that the person is in pain.
How to Stop Shaking and Limping in Dogs
If your dog is shaking and limping, look for any physical damage or injuries. If you can’t find anything, take your dog to the veterinarian for a checkup. An owner’s worst nightmare is seeing their dog in pain, so it’s essential to address the issue as soon as possible.
If your dog is experiencing the following symptoms, take action immediately:
- Physically examine your dog for signs of a bone fracture.
- If you think your dog’s limb is shaped oddly, or if you can see a bone sticking out, there might be a fracture.
- Stop touching your dog once you have figured out the cause behind it.
- Please keep your dog’s limb straight and avoid moving it much.
- If you find an insect wound on your dog, cover it with an ointment to help relieve the pain.
- Suppose you see that your dog has a fracture or a tendon and ligament break. In that case, you should take it to the veterinarian as soon as possible so they can give it the necessary treatment.
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Conclusion
Your dog shakes for various reasons, such as experiencing severe pain in one or more legs. If your dog is shaking and limping, check its limbs for signs of injury.
If your dog has a broken bone or damaged tendons and ligaments, you must take it to the doctor for treatment. If your dog has been bit by an insect, you can usually treat it at home. However, if the shaking and limping continue without an explanation, you should take your dog to the veterinarian.
Read more: What Your Dog’s Behavior Means
Frequently Asked Questions About My Dog Is Shaking And Limping
Dogs with pain in their hips or knees may shake their back legs. It is often a sign of a degenerative joint condition. Conditions like a torn ligament in the knee, arthritis, or hip dysplasia can cause this pain.
Shivering can be a sign that your dog is in pain or sick. Shivering and tremors can be signs like distemper, hypoglycemia, Addison’s disease, and inflammatory brain disease. These are all severe conditions, but some common problems like an upset stomach can also cause shivering.
If your dog is shaking for a long time or if it has other concerning symptoms, contact your vet right away. If you are worried, contact us.