13/09/2026
DID YOU KNOW? Why dogs do that shake?
After waking up: Dogs often shake when they get up because it helps “reset” their body after being still for a while. It loosens their muscles, gets everything moving again and can help straighten out their coat. It’s basically the dog version of us having a massive stretch after getting out of bed. 😂
When they’re wet: This one is much more practical - they’re literally trying to throw the water off their coat. A dog’s full-body shake is incredibly effective at removing water quickly, which helps them dry faster and reduces the amount of heat they’d lose if their fur stayed soaked.
Dogs also shake in other situations - after playing, after being stroked or handled, after meeting another dog, or following something exciting or slightly stressful. In those cases it’s often called a “shake-off” and seems to help them transition from one state of arousal or tension back to normal.
So when your dogs get out of bed, has a giant shake and trots off like they’re ready for business - they’re basically going, “Right then. New day. Where’s breakfast?” 😂🐾
