Why Would a Puppy Shiver When Asleep?

Seeing a dog shiver in its sleep can be a frightening experience, but it doesn't always have to be cause for alarm. A shivering dog can be reacting harmlessly to a dream. There are other reasons for a dog to shake during slumber however, some of which might require swift medical treatment. If an owner is unsure why their dog is shivering, the dog should be given a series of tests by a veterinarian in order to rule out life-threatening problems.

  1. Dreaming

    • The most common cause of a dog shivering or shaking during sleep is a dream. Like humans, when dogs enter the REM state, they dream. During this stage, their minds are active, and their body may undergo involuntary movement, including twitching, shivering, tail wagging and pawing. Very young and old dogs are more prone to shivering in their sleep than middle-aged and adult canines.

    Separation From Family

    • Researchers have seen puppies shake while sleeping after being separated from their mothers and siblings. This behavior usually continues for the first few days after the separation. If it does not cease within a week or so, the dog should be tested for potentially life-threatening health issues, such as epilepsy or a ballistocardiogenic tremor.

    Pain or Cold

    • A puppy could shiver because it is in pain. In this case, the puppy should be taken to a veterinarian as soon as possible. Alternatively, the animal could be cold. As with humans, a puppy's natural body response to being cold is to shiver. Shivering contracts and expands the muscles, which creates heat that helps increase the body temperature.

    Epileptic Seizure or Ballistocardiogenic Tremor

    • Like humans, dogs shake when they are having an epileptic seizure, which occurs from misguided electrochemical signals in the brain. This type of shaking is usually much more violent than the type that occurs during the REM stage, and may include biting, snapping or jerking. Dogs may also shiver while sleeping as the result of a ballistocardiogenic tremor, which is caused by abnormal cardiac contractions that interrupt the heart's blood flow. Many cardiac function tests will be necessary to diagnose such a tremor.