What Diseases Cause Shaking in Dogs?

Cerebellar Hypoplasia

Dogs may shake due to cerebellar hypoplasia, a condition caused by incomplete development of the cerebellum. This part of the brain is responsible for coordinating and regulating voluntary muscle movement. First seen in puppies learning to walk, symptoms include:

• Head bobbing
• Limb tremors that are aggravated by moving or eating but disappear during sleep
• Unsteadiness or clumsiness with a wide-based stance
• Inability to judge distance and disequilibrium which results in falling or flipping over

Shaker Syndrome

Also known as generalized tremor syndrome, shaker syndrome can be diagnosed in dogs of any size, breed, gender, or age. However, medical texts surmise that white-coated dogs are more likely to have shaker syndrome due to their size. 

Shaker syndrome is most common in younger and middle aged dogs versus older dogs.Symptoms include full body shakes that are tied to an inflamed central nervous system. However, the cause has not yet been fully determined.  

Shaking Puppy Syndrome

Shaking puppy syndrome, also known as hypomyelination, is hereditary or predisposed by breed. This central nervous system disease is caused by a lack of myelin production. Myelin is a fatty protective layer that surrounds each nerve. When this layer becomes too thin, nerve impulses become lost and go unregistered, causing malfunctions in coordination.

Typically occurring in puppies as young as 2 weeks old, shaking puppy syndrome will cause your puppy to shake, lose balance, and have trouble walking. If your puppy suffers from this condition, their legs may appear wider when they walk and they might struggle not to fall. 

Hypoadrenocorticism 

Also known as Addison’s disease, hypoadrenocorticism is an endocrine disorder that occurs when the adrenal glands fail to produce hormones. The adrenal glands produce steroids—particularly aldosterone and cortisol—that help regulate your dog’s sodium and potassium levels. 

Symptoms of Addison’s disease include:

• Depression
• Lethargy
• Lack of appetite
• Weight loss
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Bloody stools
• Alopecia
• Increased urination
• Increased thirst
• Dehydration
• Shaking
• Weak pulse
• Irregular heart rate
• Low temperature
• Painful abdomen
• Hypoglycemia
• Hyperpigmentation of the skin

Hypocalcemia and Hypoglycemia

Hypocalcemia is caused by low calcium concentration, while hypoglycemia is caused by low blood sugar. With hypocalcemia, your dog can experience muscle trembling and seizures. With hypoglycemia, your dog can experience muscle twitching and seizures.

Distemper

Similar to the common cold in humans, which is spread via the air or direct contact, distemper in dogs is a highly contagious disease. Vaccinations are available that need to be boosted every year for puppies. In older dogs, the vaccination only needs to be boosted every three years. At Anasazi Animal Clinic, provide comprehensive care which includes up to date vaccines. 

This potentially lethal disease comes in stages. The first stage shows the following symptoms:

• Fever
• Clear nasal discharge
• Purulent eye discharge
• Lethargy
• Anorexia
• Coughing
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Inflammation of the brain and spinal cord

Stage two produces neurological signs such as head tilt, seizures, and muscle twitching. Because this stage is fatal, if your dog has shown signs of a cold followed by tremors, it may be an emergency. Anasazi Animal Clinic’s emergency services involve a team of at least one veterinarian and several technicians. We have trained personnel on duty six days a week.

Schedule a Wellness Exam Today

When your puppy or dog starts to shake, make sure to rule out behavioral issues such as fear or anxiety before concluding that it is a physical reaction. Keeping your dog’s temperature regulated can also reduce shaking. 

At Anasazi Animal Clinic in Gilbert, we always treat your pets with loving care. If your dog is trembling consistently without reason, or trembling with accompanied symptoms, please contact us right away. We are committed to your pet’s health and safety above all else. 

Photo by Raphael Renter on Unsplash

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What can you for your pets with separation anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic? Many of us have spent so much quality time with our pets while social distancing. Some of us have created new work-from-home routines and have now been able to take our pets on more walks than usual. For our furry friends experiencing anxiety, this has been extremely helpful. But what happens when we begin to transition back into office life? Our pets are now used to a new schedule.What can we do to help our pets transition? To help our pets with separation anxiety, our team at Anasazi Animal Clinic in Gilbert have put together this list of things to keep in mind as our lives shift once again.

What is separation anxiety?

Separation anxiety is a condition in which dogs are overly attached or dependent on their people. When explaining canine behaviors, The University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, lists characteristics of dogs that have separation anxiety.

These include: 

• Vocalization (barking and howling)
• Destruction (chewing, digging, etc)
• House soiling (urinating and defecating)
• Physical unrest (restless, shaking, dilated pupils, escaping)
• Refusal to eat

What causes anxiety?

A pet is likely to experience separation anxiety during times of stress and change. There are many things that could cause this to happen. A change of guardian or family, household membership (absence or death), residence, or a change in schedule. Dogs are incredibly intuitive and pick up on variances in their day, but are unable to vocalize their needs and concerns regarding shifts in their life. 

What can you do? 

Although we may get frustrated, avoid punishing or scolding your dog. Our first response may be to want to punish the dog for their behaviors in our absence. However, punishing pets with separation anxiety may lead to a further upset, causing the problem to worsen. Instead, consider the following techniques:

• Counter conditioning
  • This is a process that can be implemented over time to prepare your pet for your absence by slowly associating positive rewards with exit cues, such as putting on your shoes or grabbing your keys.
• Mental and Physical Stimulation
  • Having treats and toys that are provided as a special circumstance, specifically for when you leave, can reinforce good behavior when you are not around. Make sure to introduce these tools when your pet is not experiencing anxiety so that positive associations can be made.
• Crating or Confinement
  • Crating or confining your pet to one room can be helpful when dogs associate their crate or area with a safe space.

• Exercise
  • Providing a substantial amount of physical activity before you leave may be enough to expel your pet’s excess energy and assist them in feeling more relaxed in your absence.

Give us a Call 

If you are concerned about your pet experiencing separation anxiety, contact us for a consultation and additional support. Keeping your pets safe and happy is our number one priority. Contact Anasazi Animal Clinic in Gilbert by contacting us online to discuss anxiety treatment options for your furry friend!

Image by Mikorad from Pixabay

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What is a Hot Spot?

Hot spots are a fairly common skin condition occurring in both cats and dogs. When Fido or Fluffy have an irritated patch of skin, their natural instinct is to lick, nip, or scratch the affected area. In the process, they can develop a moist bald spot that looks red and could even contain lesions. If the spot continues to go untreated and gets infected, the skin can break and emit a foul-smelling odor.

What are Underlying Causes for Hot Spots?

There are a number of reasons your cat or dog may have developed a hot spot. The most common underlying causes for hot spots include: flea or tick bites, an already present wound, stress or boredom, or allergic reactions to things like food, grass, or weeds.

How are Hot Spots Treated?

Hot spots can grow at an alarmingly quick rate. If you notice your pup or feline has developed a moist red spot on their body, we recommend you take them to see the vet as soon as possible. Once there, the area can be properly treated to reduce the risk of further infection. It’s the wet environment, combined with an open wound, that encourages harmful bacteria to set up residence in the hot spot. When a vet treats for hot spots, the fur around the spot will be trimmed to allow the area to dry out, the wound will be cleaned, and some kind of medication will be applied to decrease the itchiness and irritation.

After your pet has seen the vet and you’ve returned home, keep an eye on them and try to decrease their contact with the hot spot. The less they lick, bite, or scratch the area, the faster it can heal. If you’re in the Gilbert, Chandler, or Mesa region and you’re looking for compassionate pet care, give us a call today. Your pet’s health is our highest priority!

Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (06/21/2018) Photo by Krista Mangulsone on Unsplash

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Relieving Pet Anxiety During the Car Ride

Some pets really do love getting in the car, and feeling the wind in their fur. Others fight with all their might to avoid getting into a vehicle. Here are a few tips for relieving your pet’s travel anxiety:

• Allow your pet time to get used to the carrier. Spend time in and out of of it daily. If you are not using a carrier, practice walking your pet around the vehicle while soothing them, and eventually getting in and out without going anywhere.
• While riding in the vehicle, you can use music therapy to help your pet relax; there really is such a thing! There are even specifically designed music programs for your pet. Check out Spotify’s Pet Playlists, or tune into your pet’s favorite radio station.
• Try an herbal calming aid.  

There are several things you as the pet owner can try to help curb car anxiety. Make it a more enjoyable and pleasant ride, rather than just one that ends with a needle or something else they deem unpleasant.

Relieving Pet Anxiety at the Vet’s Office

When your pet finally arrives at the clinic, there are many new sights, sounds and smells that can be distracting for them. Your pet might initially seem excited to socialize, but owners need to be cautious as other pets could be aggressive. We want to protect them while they are in our office, and be certain they leave without an unnecessary bite or scratch. While visiting your veterinarian, some tips for your pet include:

• Keep dogs and cats apart
• Use a short leash so you have good control over them
• Distract your pet with their own toys, affection or play
• Hold small pets in your lap, if possible, to keep them close and comforted.

With all the animals coming in and out, it is wise to keep your pet close. Also, keeping them close will help to decrease their anxiety and feel more reassured.

Dealing with High-Anxiety Pets

Be aware of signs of anxiety and fear besides shaking and cowering so that you can be ready to comfort your pet quickly. Other fearful behaviors include:

• Obsessive licking
• Heavy panting
• Avoiding eye contact
• Rolling over

Recognizing your pet’s fearful behaviors can help you offer them some reassurance or comfort and make your visit to the vet less stressful.

More Tips from Our Vets 

No matter how likeable we are, your pup may have some anxieties when visiting us. It is important to keep your pet calm, and the following techniques have been proven to help:

• Accompany your pet, if possible. You, as their owner, are their biggest source of comfort and reassurance.
• During procedures, it is helpful to gently hold your pet still.
• Treats are a continual benefit for behavioral discipline and can help at the vet.
• Speak in soothing tones to your pet before, during and after the examination.

The best way to get your pet acclimated to new situations is to calmly and confidently soothe them while they are adjusting to the new circumstance. Getting them comfortable in the environment will help decrease their anxiety. Anasazi Animal Clinic is dedicated to great health for your pet with the least amount of anxiety as possible. Contact us today with any questions, or to schedule a visit.

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How to Prepare Your Pet for Boarding

• Meet with your vet to make sure your pet is in good health and that all their vaccinations are up to date.
• Make boarding reservations well in advance so you won’t feel stressed about finding a place for your pet stay.
• Before you drop your pet off, make sure you they are wearing their collar and ID tags.
• Send along your pet’s favorite toys or blankets so they have something that smells like home.
• Provide any medications your pet needs, along with instructions about how to administer them.
• Do not make any dietary changes before boarding, to prevent upset stomach.
• Give your pet extra love and attention in the days before boarding, so they know everything is okay.

When you prepare your pet for boarding they can enjoy their “holiday” without feeling stressed or lonely. Anasazi Animal Clinic knows that boarding your pet can be stressful. We are here to help make it as smooth and easy a transition as possible. When you bring your pet in for their next exam, let us know if you have any concerns about how boarding might affect their behavior.

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