Answering The Question: Why Do Dogs Shake?
Most dog owners at one time or another ask themselves, “Why do dogs shake?” Are they trying to tell you something or is it just a natural act? It seems that they shake their coats whether they are wet or dry, they shake their leg when you scratch them just right and they shake their toys. Obviously, each method of shaking has a different meaning.
Why Do Dogs Shake Themselves?
Why do dogs shake their whole bodies? Usually it is to dry off. Some dogs that have a double-layered coat like Alaskan Malamutes, retain a good portion of water that sits trapped near the skin. When they shake it off, it helps to keep the water from soaking into their skin. Even your fluffy towel that you are offering cannot relieve them quite like a good shake. Dogs also shake when they are dry, especially those that “blow” their coat in the spring and fall. This is simply because they are trying to loosen and release the fur and dry skin.
Many dogs will shake their body due to tension to calm either themselves or other dogs around them down. If a dog shakes at another anxious dog, he is telling the other dog to relax. A good trick to relax a nervous dog is to rub his fur in the opposite direction on the spine. When he shakes his fur back into place, he also becomes relaxed.
Why Do Dogs Shake Their Heads?
The easiest way for a dog to deal with an irritation in his ears is to shake his head or rub it on the ground. Often it can be something as small as a grass seed that fell into the canal of his ear or it could be a bacterial infection or a parasite. Keep in mind that dogs that have longer ears are more prone to getting an ear infection because they cannot easily dry them out so it is important to check their ears regularly.
Why Do Dogs Shake A Leg?
Have you ever wondered why your dog does that amusing leg shake when you pet certain spots? You may think it is purely to make you laugh and feel appreciated however, that is simply not the case. There is an area on your four-legged friend's body that is referred to as the “saddle region” and it is very sensitive. This area covers parts of the back, flank and sides but varies slightly from dog to dog. You are getting this leg shake because you tickled an area that caused an involuntary movement from the spinal cord reactors.
It is important to note that if your dog shakes his leg excessively or uncontrollably when petted or even sitting alone, he should be checked by a vet for arthritis or hip dysplasia. There could actually be a muscle that is wasting away in his hind leg, causing the involuntary shake.
Why Do Dogs Shake Their Toys?
Domestic dogs trace their ancient ancestry back to the world's most effective killer, the wolf. This skilled and violent hunter is responsible for this habit. You have probably observed your dog clamp down on his toy and give it a few vigorous shakes. This is simply an instinctive behavior. Wolf pups take turns practicing this act on a dead animal that has been given to them several times per day before they are ready to hunt.
When a dog shakes his toy, he is exhibiting perfectly normal behavior. It is just important that your dog learns the difference between your cat and a toy. They may not be trying to kill your feline friend but their neck can snap quite easily. Most dogs that have been raised around cats never have an issue but puppies of certain breeds or newly adopted adult dogs need to be watched carefully to make sure that there are no casualties.