When an elderly dog suddenly starts trembling, the owner might be surprised. The first thoughts might be fear or coldness, but trembling can also occur as a sign of pain or illness. To be able to provide immediate care and treatment tailoared to the cause of the trembling, owners should be aware of what they need to know. There are three main causes of a dog's trembling, categorized as "physiological," "psychological," and "pathological."

Don't assume "it's okay because the trembling stopped," but rather, strive to alleviate the dog's discomfort through appropriate measures based on the cause. It's important to be able to handle situations calmly when needed and understanding the mechanism of trembling is crucial.

 

Causes of Trembling in Elderly Dogs - Part 1 "Physiological Trembling"

Causa: No es una enfermedad, sino el resultado del debilitamiento muscular debido al envejecimiento.

As dogs age, they find it challenging to exert force due to the weakening of muscle strength, making trembling more likely to occur. Muscles also play a role in increasing basal metabolism and generating heat; thus, when muscle strength declines, body temperature drops. While a dog's normal body temperature is generally in the mid-38 degrees Celsius range, it's not uncommon for the body temperature of elderly dogs to hover in the mid-37 degrees Celsius range.

 

Debilitamiento de la fuerza muscular Además del envejecimiento, la reducción de las oportunidades de hacer ejercicio dificulta el mantenimiento de la fuerza muscular. El debilitamiento de las patas traseras contribuye a aumentar el temblor al ponerse de pie o sentarse.

 

Cambios de temperatura La incapacidad de mantener una temperatura corporal normal provoca una disminución de la temperatura corporal, lo que se traduce en temblores. Esto es especialmente cierto en el caso de los perros de un solo pelaje sensibles al frío, como los caniches, los yorkshire terrier o los malteses.

 

Durante la defecación, la micción o las comidas Pueden producirse temblores al hacer fuerza durante la defecación o la micción, o cuando se ejerce una mayor tensión sobre las piernas durante las comidas.

 

Tratamiento: Planificar cuidadosamente los ejercicios para mantener la fuerza muscular

Maintaining muscle strength involves designing exercises to prevent the atrophy of thigh muscles. Since dogs are front-wheel-driven animals, it's crucial to make them consciously use their hind legs. Strategies like slowly climbing a slope or walking on surfaces of varying heights are effective. Providing a diet with high-quality protein that aids in muscle building is also recommended. If protein restriction is necessary, such as in cases of chronic kidney disease, consult a veterinarian to confirm the protein intake that minimizes muscle burden. Using a balance ball for rehabilitation at home is also advisable, but consult with a veterinarian while practicing to avoid muscle injury.

 

Evitar los cambios bruscos de temperatura es igualmente esencial. Por ejemplo, al pasar del salón a un pasillo o al aire libre, vista al perro con ropa o una redecilla para evitar cambios bruscos de temperatura, y quítesela una vez que se haya aclimatado a la temperatura exterior.

 

Durante las deposiciones, micciones o comidas, utilice materiales de suelo antideslizantes para garantizar que el perro pueda ejercer fuerza con seguridad. Esto también ayuda a prevenir lesiones articulares o enfermedades degenerativas del disco.

 

Causes of Trembling in Elderly Dogs - Part 2 "Psychological Trembling"

Causas: Los perros ancianos son más susceptibles a las influencias psicológicas

Los perros ancianos tienden a sentir estrés incluso ante estímulos menores. La disminución de órganos sensoriales como la vista y el oído puede intensificar los sentimientos de ansiedad y miedo o, por el contrario, dificultar que se den cuenta de las cosas que les asustan.

 

Aumento de la ansiedad y el miedo La disminución de los órganos sensoriales aumenta la vigilancia, lo que les hace más propensos a tener sentimientos de ansiedad y miedo. Cambios en el entorno La ansiedad puede surgir por cambios como mudarse, recibir visitas o estar hospitalizado en la clínica veterinaria. Búsqueda de atención Los perros pueden temblar para captar la atención de sus dueños.

 

Treatment: Owner's Comforting Presence

When a dog feels scared, the presence of the owner becomes crucial. Just a reassuring tone saying "It's okay" can often help calm the dog. If the triggers for the dog's fear or vigilance are known, the most effective approach is to keep them away from those stimuli. For unavoidable noises like thunder or sirens, prepare a safe zone (next to the owner or in a crate).

 

During changes in the environment, such as moving, try to keep the layout of the dog's living space as consistent as possible. If hospitalization is necessary, bringing towels with the smells of family members or the dog might help alleviate stress. Emphasizing socialization training from a young age and raising a dog that is resilient to stress is also crucial.

 

Causas del temblor en perros senior - Part 3 "Pathological Trembling"

Causas: El temblor es un síntoma de diversas enfermedades en todo el cuerpo.

Provide your regular veterinarian with an explanation of your dog's chronic conditions to understand the symptoms. Injury It may occur when stumbling, leading to injuries from collisions with furniture, etc. Digestive System Diseases Such as acute gastroenteritis, pancreatitis, etc. In addition to trembling, symptoms may include loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling, gurgling in the abdomen, licking of the tongue, heavy breathing, and restlessness. Bone, Muscle, Joint Diseases For example, patellar dislocation or intervertebral disc herniation. Abnormalities in gait or movement may result in trembling due to pain or numbness.

 

Brain, Nervous System, Spinal Cord Diseases Examples include encephalitis, hydrocephalus, and intervertebral disc herniation. Abnormalities in nerve transmission can lead to trembling and paralysis. Metabolic Diseases Such as hypoglycemia, hypercalcemia, hyperammonemia, advanced chronic kidney disease, portal shunt, etc. Various organ abnormalities related to metabolism can cause trembling. Hormonal Diseases Such as hypothyroidism, Cushing's syndrome (adrenal cortical hyperfunction). While it can occur in young dogs, it is more common in older dogs. A decrease in body temperature and muscle strength can make them more prone to trembling. Symptoms of Poisoning Eating harmful foods or plants for dogs may cause poisoning, resulting in trembling due to pain or discomfort.

 

Treatment: Do not overlook diseases with the owner's observational skills

To avoid missing pathological trembling, it is essential to observe your dog carefully in daily life. Since only the owner knows the dog's daily condition in everyday life, even casual observations may be helpful in providing useful information when trembling occurs. Past injuries or illnesses that have been treated may worsen or recur with age. For example, patellar dislocation, which did not require surgery in youth, may recur due to muscle weakening associated with aging, causing trembling. Consider past medical history while paying attention to current health conditions. Or you can check your dog's disease with our rapid test.

Síntomas de temblor que requieren atención veterinaria inmediata Lista de control 

While it may be challenging for owners to differentiate illnesses based on the state of trembling, checking the circumstances of the trembling can help determine whether it's a situation to observe for a while or if immediate veterinary attention is necessary. If your beloved dog is trembling, utilize the checklist of "When, Where, Which Part, and How" to assess the situation.

 

Signos para buscar atención veterinaria por temblor
○ Evaluar junto con otras condiciones ● Fisiológicas/Psicológicas ◇ Patológicas/Visita al veterinario ◆ Críticas/Atención veterinaria inmediata.
3 W y 1 H	Situación
En	● Al despertar
	● Durante las deposiciones, la micción o las comidas
	Temporal
	◇ Inmediatamente después de comer
	◇ Recurrentemente
	◆ Frecuentemente
Dónde	○ En casa
	○ Exterior
Qué parte	◇ Cabeza
	◇ Piernas
	Todo el cuerpo
Cómo	● Muestra apetito y energía
	● Responde a las llamadas
	○ Temperatura corporal anormal (baja o alta).
	○ Inmovilidad
	◇ Vómitos (náuseas)
	◇ Marcha anormal
	◇ Llora cuando le tocan
	Músculos rígidos
	◇ Intensificación del temblor
	◆ Pérdida de conciencia (no responde, falta de enfoque ocular).

 

Symptoms indicating an urgent need for veterinary attention include trembling in a state of "frequent, involving the entire body, or loss of consciousness." Among them, a serious condition is unconscious "seizures" (epilepsy). The symptoms range from small tremors to large convulsions (violent shaking of the entire body). Before a seizure, there is often an increase in yawning and drooling, so be vigilant for changes in daily life.

 

When your dog experiences trembling, it's advisable to record a video on your smartphone for later confirmation or to show the veterinarian. Although it may be challenging to remain calm during the trembling, the post-trembling behavior can provide clues for diagnosis. Even if there is no pathological cause, dogs feel discomfort from physiological and psychological trembling. If you notice trembling in an elderly dog, it's important not to ignore it and consult with a veterinary hospital.

Acerca de Antigenne

As a socially responsible company, Antigenne is also actively involved in charitable causes. The company provides health protection and disease diagnosis support for pets in poor areas through cooperation with charitable organisations and product donations. This kind of active public welfare action not only shows the company's sense of social responsibility, but also adds more positive energy to the company's brand image.

 

In conclusion, Antigenne's ITGEN has become a pioneering brand in the field of pet health and disease diagnosis by virtue of its excellent technology, innovative products and high quality services. In the future, ITGEN will continue to develop more efficient and convenient diagnostic products to provide better health management solutions for pet owners around the world.

 

Antigenne, enarbolando la bandera de disfrutar de la convivencia con los animales y proteger la salud tanto de los animales como de los humanos, se dedica a construir una sociedad armoniosa para humanos y animales. Insistiendo en los valores de innovación, honestidad e integridad, se adhiere al principio de "la calidad es la piedra angular de la existencia futura" mediante productos innovadores y servicios dimensionales, Antígenone está deseando cooperar con usted y espera crear un futuro brillante con un resultado beneficioso para todos. 

 

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