The Yorkshire terriers could shake for many reasons, from temperature fluctuations, anxiety or fear, or any underlying medical condition. Here are some of the reasons elaborated in detail.
Temperature Fluctuation: Most Yorkies have a single coat that lacks the insulation capacity seen in the double coats, making them more sensitive to heat and cold. Thus, when it is windy, chilly, or freezing outside, the Yorkie could shake or shiver, perhaps a degree more than other breeds that have an undercoat.
Remedy: Don’t take it out during winters. When the temperature gets lower than 50 °F, cover your Yorkie with a warm layer of clothing for its comfort.
Stress or Anxiety: Yorkies have the reputation of being over-sensitive and emotional. Thus increased bouts of any emotion, be it fear or happiness, may cause the Yorkie to shake.
Sometimes uncontrollable urination could also accompany the shivering.
Remedy: If the shaking stops in a while, that’s fine; else, you need to find ways to calm your dog and take it out of the situation that has served as the trigger. Like, if a ball game has caused it to get over-excited, then shift its attention to some other game for the time being where it could feel a little relaxed.
Many puppies often shake in agony when lifted or picked up. The best way to help them get over this is to do the activity gradually. Rather than lifting them to your lap suddenly, approach the Yorkie from the side and pick them up gently.
Hypoglycemia: Younger Yorkies, particularly those between 0 and 4 months of age, are more affected by hypoglycemia. In such cases, owners could find their dogs shaking and trembling. However, there are other symptoms, too, like drowsiness, weakness, and difficulty in walking.
Poisoning from foods, chemicals, plants, and other medical conditions like distemper, a viral disease, could lead to shivering.
Remedy: Do not ignore the symptoms and take them to the veterinarian at the earliest, especially after identifying that the shivering is not due to any psychological or environmental factor.
Monitoring your dog’s behavior from close quarters and identifying the reason that has caused the shaking would help you address the problem at the earliest.
