Why Do Dogs Shake Even When They're Not Wet?

The feeling of being showered with a spray after your dog shakes is a feeling all too familiar to most of us. At times, our dogs might shake when they are dry, and we may find ourselves wondering if we should be concerned about it or not.

There are a number of reasons behind this, and this is what research has to say:

• An irritated skin: while our fingers can scratch just about any itch on our bodies, it is not the same for our canine companions. Their paws have limited reach and if they have an irritated area, they may have to shake the itch instead.
• Ear issues: the frustration of having an irritant inside the ear, may be why your dog is shaking his head. Keep a watchful eye if you have a long-eared breed, as they are more likely to pick up an ear irritant or infection.
• Having the chills: just as we shiver when we are cold, our dogs may shake to warm themselves up too.
• Stress and anxiety: most of us are familiar with the feeling of getting a shiver over our bodies before a performance or speech that makes us nervous. The same can happen for our dedicated dogs, and it can be shown through a shake.
• Getting your attention: if there is one thing our dogs love more than a bowl of pellets, it would be our cuddles. Research has shown that shaking might genuinely just be your doting dog’s way of gaining your attention, and there is nothing to worry about at all!

How often does your dog shake when they’re dry? Let us know in the comments!

Feature Image Source: Pixabay