We receive an email from a reader with a Dachshund that shivers:

Is it normal for a dashund to shiver? Not only when it is cold outside but when he’s on your lap.  I heard it’s a sign of back problems. Thank you in advance.

Thanks for the question! First off, I’m not a Vet, and if you have any medical questions about your pet, you should seek the advice of a Veterinarian.  Your Dachshund may have injured himself or may need other medical attention.   Your Vet will perform an examination with perhaps an x-ray to determine if your pet has back problems.

However, from my experience with my Three Dachshunds, shivering is often an indication of pain or distress.  It may or may not be related to a back problem.

Odie is a short-haired and the girls are long-haired.  Odie frequently sleeps underneath a blanket because he is cold.  It could be the middle of the summer and he still requires that extra warmth to keep from shivering.  This is why we buy dog sweaters for him.

One hot summer night, Odie came out of the covers to lie on top of my chest shivering as if it was the middle of winter.  It turned out that his stomach was upset because his dog food didn’t agree with him.  After I took him outside to potty, he was back to normal.

Odie also shivers when he goes for a ride.  He seems a little nervous and insecure.  Most of his rides have ended up at the Vet due to his back problems so he tends to get scared when riding in a car.

On the other hand, when Chloe injured her back in the past, she shivered when you gently pressed along the side of her spine.  She also gets very tense and tightens her back muscles when you pick her up.  She does not shiver despite her problems when laying on my lap.

So is there a definitive answer why Dachshunds shiver?  The most common cause is to illness or injury. But the only way to tell is to have your Vet examine your pet for the distress that is causing your dog to shiver.

When Odie ruptured his disk, we did not (still do not) have pet insurance. His surgery ran into the thousands. Lucky for him, we were able to afford the necessary care to ensure a successful recovery.

But for many dachshund owners, they cannot afford the cost of surgery which leads to putting down their favorite doxie or leaving him paralyzed for life.

Check with your Vet to see what plans are offered.

You want a pet health insurance plan that will meet your financial needs as well as be accepted by your local veterinarian.

By Laura Kiemele, Veterinarian Technician

(NC)-Recent research has shown that when pets and people exercise together, they achieve greater success and are more likely to stick with a weight-loss program. Pet owners can truly make a difference for their pets by involving them in The Pet Fitness Challenge, a joint initiative between Hill’s Pet Nutrition Canada and the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA). This summer, commit to help dogs and cats achieve a balanced life through proper food choices, exercise and visiting the veterinarian.

How to Take the Pet Fitness Challenge

1. Weigh-In
• Determine the pet’s current and ideal weight. Visit a Veterinarian for a complete check-up.
2. Get Active
• Dogs require 15 to 20 minutes of physical activity at least three times a day and cats require the same length of activity at least twice a day.
3. Make it Regular
• Schedule a time each morning, afternoon and evening for physical activity. Developing a routine means greater success in sticking to it and seeing results.
4. Proper Food Choice is Key
• Exercise alone can’t do it all which is why food choice is so important. Several products now offer “light” varieties to help a pet achieve and maintain desired weight loss. When selecting a “light” food, ensure the product meets the labelling standards outlined by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). For dry foods, a true light formula should not exceed 3,100 kcal (canine formulas) and 3,250 kcal (feline formulas) per kilogram of food. For canned foods, the formula should not exceed 900 kcal (canine formulas) and 950kcal (feline formulas) per kilogram of food. Hill’s Pet Nutrition markets a variety of foods that meet these standards, and include formulas specifically designed for both weight maintenance and weight loss.
5. Follow the guide
• Before feeding a pet, check the recommended serving amount listed on the package. Use this as a guide and adjust as necessary for proper weight management. Always measure the food carefully to avoid overfeeding. Be aware of snacking and never feed a pet junk food or table scraps.
6. Encouragement goes a long way
• Pay extra attention to the pet, encourage them with praise and playtime.
7. Fun and Games
• Take the time to get outside with dogs and play indoor games with cats. Play hunting is a great way to increase a cat’s level of activity.
8. Checking In
• Keep on track with regular visits to the veterinarian and by keeping a log. Track the progress of both the owner and the pet, and keep the weight off together.

For more information please visit www.hillspet.com, www.petfit.com and www.animalhealthcare.ca.

- News Canada (www.newscanada.com)