[Rach_73]

I remember the first time I saw my Dachshund shaking, and my heart dropped. It wasn’t cold, and she hadn’t just been running around, so I immediately worried something was wrong. Was she sick? In pain? I checked her paws, her belly, even her ears – nothing seemed off. After a quick call to the vet, I learned that dogs can shake for all kinds of reasons, from anxiety to low blood sugar to muscle fatigue. In my dog’s case, I think she was just a little stressed from an earlier loud noise. However, she is still shaking often for no apparent reason. I can’t help but worry that there could be another cause.

Are there any health reasons to explain why my dog is shaking?

[Danielle DeGroot]

Hi Rach-73, this is a great question. As a small dog owner myself I know what you are talking about when you describe your dog’s shaking. My Chihuahua Cookie always shook, even on a 95 degree day. My Poogle Falkor also always shakes when he is excited, scared, or stressed. Smaller breeds like the Doxie are more prone to shaking, and sometimes they do it seemingly for no apparent reason. This can be totally normal and isn’t always a sign of a health issue. However, it’s good to be mindful of certain factors.

Here are some reasons smaller dogs might shake without an obvious health concern:

Temperature Sensitivity: Smaller dogs often have less body mass and thinner fur, which makes them more sensitive to the cold. Even a slight chill can cause them to shake, especially if they’re not wearing a sweater or have a warm spot to curl up in. It’s worth considering if the temperature around them might be causing the shake.

Excitement or Anticipation: Some small dogs shake when they’re excited or anticipating something enjoyable, like when they see their favorite person, treat, or toy. The shaking is a way of expressing excitement, and this is typically harmless.

Nervousness or Anxiety: Smaller dogs may shake when they’re nervous or anxious, even in situations that might not seem stressful to us. They may be more sensitive to new environments, loud noises, or changes in routine. If your dog shakes in certain situations (like at the vet, during car rides, or around strangers), it could be related to anxiety.

Genetics: Certain small breeds are simply more prone to trembling. Breeds like Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers, and Maltese, for example, are known for shaking occasionally, even when they’re not cold or anxious. This might be just part of their genetic makeup.

Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia): Smaller dogs, especially puppies or toy breeds, can be prone to hypoglycemia. If their blood sugar drops too low, they may start to shake. It can often be addressed by feeding them smaller, more frequent meals or providing them with treats that help stabilize their blood sugar.

Even though shaking is common in smaller breeds, it’s still important to keep an eye on it. If the shaking seems excessive, happens frequently, or is accompanied by other signs of illness (like lethargy, loss of appetite, or behavioral changes), it’s a good idea to check in with your vet to rule out any underlying medical issues. These can include an illness or infection, injury, exposure to a toxin, seizures, neurological issues, and aging. Your vet can help you determine if your pup’s shaking is normal, or due to more serious issues. We cover this in more detail in our article Why Is My Dog Shaking Or Shivering?

[Author]

Posts