Why My Yorkie Shakes

Yorkies are a small dog breed characterized by long, silky hair and small stature; most of these pups weighing in at around 7 pounds. These dogs are sometimes crossbred to create an even smaller version, or simply because of the overwhelming demand for pint-sized pups. However, Yorkies -- whether crossbred or purebred -- may come with genetic or medical conditions specific to their breed. Shaking may be a concern to Yorkie owners, who may wonder why their small pooches partake in this unusual action.

  1. Common Shaking Reasons

    • Common reasons for shaking in a Yorkie include the fact that this breed has no undercoat to help keep it warm, which may mean your dog is simply cold. The shaking may also be due to emotional distress or a condition known as hypoglycemia. The latter is a common condition in Yorkies, characterized by a rapid drop in blood sugar levels, which leaves both humans and animals alike with severe shakes until they can normalize their levels.

    Significance

    • While there are several key reasons a Yorkie might shake, mostly fairly benign, it is still important to rule out the more serious of causes -- hypoglycemia. If left untreated, extensive shaking may be a symptom or sign that the condition is worsening, or more adversely affecting your Yorkie. Seek veterinary attention to determine a course of treatment for hypoglycemia.

    Remedies

    • The remedy for shaking depends on the reason for it. If your dog is cold, you may want to snuggle up to it or cover it with a small blanket. If your Yorkie is shaking for emotional reasons, you may want to provide simple comfort. If hypoglycemia is the issue, then you need to get your Yorkie immediate veterinary attention to determine the cause of the condition and settle on a treatment.

    Additional Considerations

    • Breeding -- or crossbreeding to create unique Yorkie mixes -- is common for this dog species. When mixed with other breeds, however, medical and genetic conditions can worsen in Yorkies. For this reason, it is best to get as much background information on your dog as possible before you purchase him or take him home, so you know just what to expect.