Food allergies, nausea, consuming large amounts of toxins, and eating cold food are the most common causes of shaking in dogs after eating. Consuming toxins is generally bad for dogs and can lead to additional issues such as vomiting, an upset stomach, and other symptoms.
Dogs communicate with their owners via bodily and vocal cues and signs, such as shaking.
Shaking is a common sight in dogs. They shake for many reasons. Some of them are harmless, while others are cause for concern.
All dogs love eating. It is a favorite activity of most dogs. But if your dog, or puppy, is shaking after eating, there is a problem that requires your attention.
This article discusses the most common causes of shaking in dogs after eating and equips you with the solutions for them.
Dog Shaking After Eating: Should You Be Concerned?
Nausea is one of the leading causes of shaking in dogs. If your dog ate something undigestible, it causes severe discomfort, which leads to shaking. Contact a vet if it continues for an extended period.
Most dogs eat voraciously. They tend to bite anything and everything. Dogs shake for several reasons. Some of them are unrelated to whether your dog ate or not.
Your dog can be suffering from a stomach issue if it is shaking vigorously after eating. It is also plausible that your pooch is shaking to remove water from its coat.
Identify the root cause of the problem and observe your dog’s behavior. If you see any unusual signs and symptoms, consult a veterinarian to provide a proper checkup for your dog.
Adult Dog vs. Puppy Shaking: Is There a Difference?
Adult dogs and puppies shake for a variety of reasons. Puppies usually shake due to fear and anxiety. Adult dogs shake due to medical and environmental reasons.
Shaking is not limited to adult dogs. Young pups also shake due to several reasons. There isn’t much difference in the causes of shaking between adult and young dogs.
Fear, anxiety, stress, and medical issues can cause uncontrollable shaking regardless of age.
Young pups are more prone to shaking with fear and anxiety than adult dogs. These emotions usually rescind with time and proper training.
6 Reasons Dogs & Puppies Shake After Eating
Your dog can be shaking after eating due to several factors. The most common reasons are nausea and food allergies. Giving your dog frozen food can also lead to shivering.
Shaking is your dog’s way of communicating with you. Uncontrollable shaking indicates an underlying problem that needs to be rectified. Observe your dog’s behavior and try to find the main cause of the shaking.
Here are some of the most common reasons why dogs shake after eating.
1. Food Allergies
Food allergies are uncommon among dogs, affecting only 1 in 500 dogs[1]. Allergies can cause pain and discomfort leading to excessive shaking in dogs. The most common allergens are corn, soy, cheese, and food additives.
If your dog encountered any of these allergens or if you have recently changed your dog food product, it can lead to shaking. Consult a veterinarian to identify whether or not your dog has allergies and take precautions during future feeding times.
2. Nausea
Some dogs eat voraciously. This can lead to overeating and excessive air intake, resulting in nausea. Nausea is one of the most common causes of shaking and discomfort in dogs.[2]
Symptoms of nausea in dogs include:
- Vomiting
- Drooling
- Excessive licking
- Diarrhea
- Dry heaving
Visit a veterinarian if your dog is showing any symptoms of nausea or if the shaking becomes obsessive.
3. Cold Food
Cold temperatures can cause dogs to shiver. Eating cold food makes your dog chilly from the inside, which again can cause excessive shaking. Icy drinks, ice creams, or other frozen foods require a lot of energy to digest, increasing the chances of shaking.
Your dog’s digestive system works harder to metabolize cold food. It also has to regulate its body temperature. That’s why It is natural for dogs to shiver after eating frozen food.
Always give your dog food at room temperature to avoid making it feel cold. If it is extremely hot outside, you can give your dog a bowl of icy water to help cool it down.
4. Upset Stomach
Poisoning is another reason for shaking in dogs after a meal. Contaminated food or food with large amounts of toxins can cause food poisoning and make your dog sick.
Some dogs also love to eat grass or soil. Eating anything other than regular food can be toxic for dogs. Keep an eye on your dog’s eating habits and only allow it to eat the food you prepare.
Take your dog to a veterinarian if it starts to vomit and experiences diarrhea after a meal.
5. Dental Issues
Head shaking is not common among dogs. If your dog is shaking its head while eating, it can be suffering from dental issues. Aching teeth or infected gums cause pain. Take your dog to the vet immediately.
Some of the most common dental issues in dogs are:
- Infected teeth
- Swollen gums
- Broken teeth
- A foreign object stuck in the mouth
Check your dog’s mouth for abnormalities. It is possible your dog has an infected tooth making it tremble in pain. Your dog can also be shaking if a foreign object is stuck in its teeth.
Puppies should not be allowed to eat crunchy or hard foods until their teeth are grown out. The teething process itself can also cause pain during dinner time, which causes light shaking.
6. Generalized Tremor Syndrome
Generalized tremor syndrome, or Shaker syndrome[3], is a condition that causes uncontrollable shaking in dogs. Dogs with Shaker syndrome experience episodes of sudden shaking, which last for a couple of minutes. The exact cause of GTS is unknown, but both puppies and adults are affected.
West Highland Terriers, Maltese, and Poodles are some of the most affected dog breeds.
Consult a veterinarian if your dog is suffering from this condition to get proper care and treatment for it.
How to Stop Dogs from Shaking After Eating
Identify why your dog shakes after eating before treating it. Try switching your dog’s food in case it’s reacting to allergens or toxins, and look for signs of nausea and an upset stomach. Look for signs of teething if your dog is still a puppy.
Excessive shaking is not normal for dogs and requires your attention. Identify the signs and symptoms of shaking in your dog and choose the right course of action accordingly.
Here are some of the steps you can take to stop your dog from shaking after eating:
- Identify your dog’s allergies and tailor its diet to remove the allergens from it.
- Train your dog to eat slowly and calmly to avoid sucking excess air inside its stomach.
- Ice creams and cold drinks can be given to dogs in limited quantities. Shaking due to cold food is usually not a cause for concern.
- Keep a close watch on your dog when it is outside so it doesn’t eat grass or soil, which can make its stomach upset.
- Take your dog for regular dental checkups to avoid teeth issues.
Visit a veterinarian if the shaking continues over time or if you notice other signs and symptoms.
Conclusion
Dogs shake for a variety of reasons. Nausea and food allergies are some of the most common reasons for obsessive shaking in dogs. The first step in solving a problem is to identify it. Observe your dog’s behavior and look for signs of discomfort.
It is possible that your dog’s shaking has no relation to its eating. Consult your veterinarian to get better insights on how to proceed.
FAQs
Why is My Puppy Shaking After Eating?
Your puppy can be shaking after eating due to food poisoning or nausea. If your dog ate something that is difficult to digest, it can cause pain in its stomach which leads to obsessive shaking.
Why is My Dog Shaking After Eating?
Your dog can be shaking due to nausea. It is one of the most common causes of shaking in dogs. Food poisoning, dental issues, and allergies are also probable reasons for obsessive shaking in your dog. Observe your dog’s behavior and identify the root cause of the problem. Consult a veterinarian if the shaking persists or if you are unable to calm your dog down.
Why is My Dog Shaking After Eating Ice Cream?
Eating cold food makes dogs shake. Your dog’s body digests the food product along with its body temperature. This causes your dog’s heartbeat to rise to make it shake. Ice cream cools down your pooch’s body from the inside, leading to excessive shivering. It should go away after a brief period.
