What Does Shaking in Cocker Spaniels Mean?

With silky fur and floppy ears, cocker spaniels are known as obedient companion dogs. Most cocker spaniels weigh between 20 and 30 pounds and live for about 12 years. Like all dogs, cocker spaniels can have health problems. One way to help ensure that you get a healthy cocker spaniel is to buy from a reputable breeder. There are a variety of health issues that cocker spaniels can experience. Various types of shaking can be symptoms of several conditions.

  1. Ear Infection

    • Since cocker spaniels have floppy ears, they are prone to recurring ear infections. If your cocker spaniel constantly shakes its head, this might be a sign of a yeast infection in its ear. Yeast likes warm, dark, moist places, and floppy ears create an ideal environment for it to grow. If the dog's ear smells bad, then a yeast infection is the likely cause of the head shaking. Take your dog to the veterinarian to have the problem diagnosed. The veterinarian will probably clean out the dog's ears and prescribe an ear ointment and pills to treat the infection.

    Poisoning

    • Symptoms of poisoning include trembling and shaking uncontrollably, vomiting and difficulty walking. If your cocker spaniel experiences any of these symptoms and you think it may have been poisoned, take it to a veterinarian immediately. A number of toxins can poison a dog, including those contained in compost and fertilizers, rat poison, antifreeze, bleach, drain cleaner, medications and poisonous plants. If the dog ingests antifreeze, it must be treated within four to six hours before permanent kidney damage occurs.

    Seizures

    • Seizures are not uncommon in dogs. Seizures can cause violent shaking, along with loss of consciousness; involuntary defecation, urination or salivation; viciousness; pacing; mental confusion; lack of responsiveness; and running in circles. If your dog has a seizure, take it to a veterinarian for evaluation. If the seizure lasts more than five minutes, get the dog to a veterinarian immediately. Most seizures are caused by epilepsy, which can often be controlled with medication. Some dogs with seizures are helped by a hypoallergenic diet. Be extremely careful around a dog that is having a seizure; the animal may bite or snap at you.

    Hypoglycemia

    • Hypoglycemia, which is caused by low blood sugar, can express itself with shaking and trembling. If your cocker spaniel shakes continuously, take it to the veterinarian for tests. If your dog suffers from hypoglycemia, the veterinarian may recommend a change in diet and feeding times. Hypoglycemia mainly occurs in younger dogs. It is usually outgrown as the dog matures.

    Cold, Scared or Stressed

    • Your cocker spaniel may simply be shaking because it is cold, scared or stressed. If your dog is cold, raise the temperature in your home or wrap the dog in a blanket. A scared or stressed dog should be removed from the situation that is causing the distress.