Why Is My Yorkie Shaking: 7 Common Reasons

If your Yorkshire Terrier is shaking, it could be a sign of several different things.

The most common reasons why your dog has the shakes is due to stress, excitement, pain, or is cold.

It’s important to try to figure out what has triggered this response so that it can be prevented in the future, if needed.

This article will walk you through some possible reasons why your Yorkie is shaking and how to help your furry friend feel better.

1. Your Yorkie is Excited

There are many reasons why a Yorkie might shake. One common reason is because they are over-excited.

This can be triggered by anything, including seeing another animal or person, being in new surroundings, being surrounded by strangers, or being left alone for too long.

The shaking should not be something that is of concern unless the dog has an active seizure disorder or underlying health issues.

What Should You Do:

Shaking when your pup gets extremely happy is totally normal! It can happen during playtime with other dogs or in response to an unfamiliar sound or smell.

Remain calm, don’t encourage the behavior and reward your dog when it has settled down.

2. Your Yorkie is in Pain

You can watch your pet for signs of pain such as limping, hunched posture, or avoiding contact with people or other animals.

Some dogs won’t eat when in pain, which is a common sign that something is wrong.

Another way that you can tell if your Yorkie is in pain is by watching their tail.

The tail will show the dog’s mood; a wagging tail indicates happiness, while a stiff or slow moving tail may mean that the animal may be in pain. Other symptoms might be drooling or panting.

What Should You Do:

If your dog is shaking uncontrollably, this symptom could be a sign of a serious illness.

It is possible for your dog to be in pain even when they are not obviously showing any other signs of discomfort.

If you notice any signs of distress, contact your veterinarian immediately for an exam and diagnosis because your Yorkie may be in pain.

3. Your Yorkie is Afraid

When confronted with a new situation, your Yorkie may shake in fear.

What you might not know is that this is very typical of them and it’s just their natural instinct.

They may sense that there is something wrong, even when we cannot see the reason.

If you find out what has been scaring your dog, then you can take steps to help them overcome their fear and help them become more comfortable around the things that scare them.

It’s important to note that some dogs will show a range of symptoms when they’re scared, including panting and yawning.

What Should You Do:

Whether it’s an outside object or something inside, it can be hard to teach your dog that there’s nothing to worry about in these situations.

However, there are ways that you can help your pup become less frightened.

The best way is to allow the dog to get used to whatever it is they are afraid of in small doses so they can learn not to fear it.

Some other things you can do to help ease your dog’s fear:

• Give them a favorite toy and remove whatever they were afraid of from the room.
• Play games with them, give them treats, or just pet them.
• Distract your dog by praising and talking to it.

4. Your Yorkie is Cold

Yorkshire Terriers do not have fur, they have hair. Because of this, their single coat isn’t enough to protect them when the temperatures dip.

In addition, their thin skin is more sensitive to the cold and quickly loses heat through it.

As a result, your pup can get hypothermia if they’re in a cold environment for too long.

What Should You Do:

Try dressing your four-legged friend up in a thick sweater or wrapping them up in a blanket to keep them warm.

If the condition doesn’t improve, it’s most likely time to pay a visit to your local veterinarian.

5. Your Yorkie has Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia occurs when the blood sugar levels in the body get too low (most common in puppies up to 4 months).

A common symptom of low blood sugar is shaking or shivering, which can make your dog seem like they are not feeling well.

But their symptoms may be more than just shakiness.

Dogs that are experiencing hypoglycemia may also have a change in their behavior, including loss of appetite, disorientation, seizures, or becoming lethargic.

It can be difficult to detect hypoglycemia, especially if you are unaware that it is an issue for your dog.

What Should You Do:

There are some things you can do at home to help with the symptoms and keep them calm during this time until you’re able to go to the clinic.

Try rubbing corn syrup or honey on the gums and feed a small meal if your dog is able to eat.

If you suspect the symptoms haven’t improved at all, it’s important to get your dog to the vet right away.

6. Your Yorkie is Nauseated

Dogs can get nauseated for a variety of reasons, and shaking can be one of the visible signs.

It’s important to figure out the cause so that you can take steps to help your dog feel better.

For example, if your pup shakes while going for a car ride, this is a big indicator that it’s stressed and most likely about to vomit.

Another reason your Yorkie is nauseated is from being fed something they are allergic to.

Some dogs are allergic to common ingredients you’ll find in food like beef, dairy, or chicken.

What Should You Do:

You can try withholding your dog’s regular food and feed your dog a bland diet instead. Try boiled skinless chicken, rice, or potatoes.

If your pet continues to shake and vomit multiple times a day, has bloody stool, or has stopped urinating, go see a veterinarian immediately.

7. Your Yorkie Has Shaker Syndrome

Shaker Syndrome is a disorder that affects small-sized breeds of dogs, primarily with white coats, but this condition has also been found in Yorkshire Terriers.

It generally affects puppies between the ages of six months and three years old.

The disease is an inherited genetic condition, which means it’s passed down from either one or both parents.

It can be hard to notice at first because the symptoms start off as mild tremors in the body and will worsen if the dog is engaging in physical activity or is stressed.

Dogs with Shaker Syndrome are not in pain.

What Should You Do:

There aren’t really any preventative measures to guard against White Dog Shaker Syndrome, but the disease is rarely fatal and treatments are readily available.

You will have to bring your pooch for a dose of prednisone (a steroid that suppresses the inflammation in the dog’s immune system).

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