Shaking in a dog can be a sign of many different things, from excitement to pain. However, when coupled with other symptoms, it can indicate that the dog is suffering from kidney failure.
From the 4th stage of a dog’s chronic kidney failure, shaking and twitching are common symptoms and they are brought about by a drop in sugar levels which leads to muscle weakness. The dog will also feel cold and have a loss of appetite. If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, it is important to take them to the vet as soon as possible for treatment.
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What is a dog shaking?
Dog shaking can be defined as any involuntary muscle movement or tremor. This can range from a very slight trembling to full-blown seizures. Shaking can affect any part of the body, including the legs, head, trunk, and even the tail.
The link between dog shaking and kidney failure:
Shaking is often one of the first signs that a dog is suffering from kidney failure. This is because the kidneys are responsible for filtering toxins out of the blood. When they begin to fail, these toxins build up in the bloodstream and cause tremors and muscle twitching.
Low sugar levels can also cause shaking:
Another reason why dogs with kidney failure may shake is because of low blood sugar levels. This can happen when the kidneys are not able to regulate blood sugar properly.
Muscle Spasm Misdiagnosis:
One of the problems with diagnosing kidney failure is that the symptoms often mimic other conditions. For example, muscle spasms can be caused by everything from dehydration to an electrolyte imbalance. This makes it difficult for even experienced veterinarians to identify kidney failure without further testing.
The shaking caused by failing kidneys is brought about by the toxins in the blood. As the kidneys are not able to filter these out, they build up and cause the muscles to twitch and spasm.
Chronic kidney failure can lead to tremors:
Chronic kidney failure is a slowly progressive condition that can take months or even years to develop. In the early stages, most dogs will only show mild symptoms that can be easily mistaken for something else. As the condition progresses, however, they will begin to exhibit more obvious signs of illness, including shaking.
Addisonian crisis:
One of the most serious complications of kidney failure is an Addisonian crisis. This occurs when the body cannot regulate its electrolyte levels and leads to a potentially fatal drop in blood pressure. Addisonian crises are often brought on by stress, and shaking is one of the most common symptoms.
When the adrenal glands are inactive, it is unable to produce the hormones needed to regulate blood pressure. This can lead to a sudden drop in blood pressure, which causes the blood vessels to constrict. This, in turn, leads to increased heart rate and shaking.
Demyelinating disorders :
Demyelinating disorders are another possible cause of shaking in dogs. These disorders cause the myelin sheath, which protects the nerve cells, to break down. This can lead to a loss of muscle control and tremors.
While demyelinating disorders are not common in dogs, they can occur. If your dog is shaking and you cannot find another explanation, it is important to have them checked by a veterinarian.
There are many possible causes of shaking in dogs, from excitement to pain. However, when coupled with other symptoms, it can indicate that the dog is suffering from kidney failure. Kidney failure is a serious condition that can be fatal if not treated promptly. If your dog is exhibiting any of the symptoms listed above, it is important to have them seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Other symptoms of chronic kidney failure in dogs:
In addition to shaking, there are several other symptoms that can indicate that a dog is suffering from chronic kidney failure. These include:
· Increased thirst and urination
· Weight loss
· Loss of appetite
· Fatigue
· Weakness
· Depression
· Muscle wasting
· Difficulty breathing
The ideal sugar levels in normal dogs are between 70 and 120.
If your dog’s sugar levels are consistently below 60, or if they experience any of the other symptoms listed above, it is important to have them seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Chronic kidney failure is a serious condition that can be fatal if not treated promptly.
Euthanizing a dog with chronic kidney failure:
When a dog is diagnosed with chronic kidney failure, the first thing that many owners want to know is how long their dog has to live. Unfortunately, there is no easy answer to this question. The severity of the condition will vary from dog to dog, and some may live for years while others may only have a few months.
If your dog has been diagnosed with chronic kidney failure, it is important to work closely with your veterinarian to create a treatment plan. There are many options available, and the goal is to improve the quality of your dog’s life for as long as possible.
Euthanasia may eventually need to be considered, but it should only be done when all other options have been exhausted and your dog is no longer responding to treatment. Chronic kidney failure is a difficult condition to deal with, but with the right care, many dogs can enjoy a good quality of life for months or even years.
Caring for a dog with kidney failure:
If your dog has been diagnosed with kidney failure, there are several things that you can do to help them. First, it is important to feed them a high-quality diet that is low in phosphorus and sodium. You may also need to give them supplements to help replace the nutrients that their kidneys are no longer able to process.
It is also important to encourage them to drink plenty of water. This will help to flush the toxins from their body and prevent dehydration. You may need to give them subcutaneous fluids if they are not drinking enough on their own.
Finally, it is important to monitor their weight and keep an eye out for any other changes in their condition. Kidney failure can be a difficult condition to deal with, but with the right care, many dogs can enjoy a good quality of life for months or even years.
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Hi there! My name is Ben Domb, an owner of two pets and I am one of the co-founders of OurPets HQ. I have several years of experience as a pet care professional in the New England region having spent time in various roles including a stint at a veterinary hospital in Upstate New York, Syracuse area. I am a certified pet care professional and mostly spend my time researching pet nutrition and sharing my thoughts in various blogs and columns. With quarantine and COVID restrictions, I have been spending a lot of time a lot with my dogs and cat and loving it! I also run a small consulting business providing advice to parents on pet nutrition, and especially safe homemade options to try. You can reach me at ben@ourpetshq.com
