1. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar): Small dogs like yours are prone to hypoglycemia, especially if they skip meals or have certain medical conditions. Symptoms can include weakness, shaking, tremors, and anxiety.
2. Excitement or Fear: Shaking can be a normal response to strong emotions like excitement or fear. If your dog shakes when meeting new people or going for walks, it may be due to these emotions.
3. Anxiety or Stress: Dogs can experience anxiety and stress just like humans. Changes in routine, separation anxiety, or loud noises can trigger anxiety and cause shaking.
4. Pain: Shaking can be a sign of pain or discomfort. If your dog has an injury, dental problems, or any other painful condition, they may express it through shaking.
5. Neurological Disorders: Certain neurological disorders, such as cerebellar degeneration or idiopathic head tremor, can also cause persistent shaking or trembling in dogs.
6. Old Age: Some shaking can occur as a natural part of aging in dogs. It's important to distinguish normal age-related changes from potential medical disorders.
Given your dog's age and breed, it's essential to address any significant shaking or trembling. Since excessive shaking can indicate a range of conditions, take your dog to a veterinarian as soon as possible for a thorough physical examination and appropriate testing or diagnostics. If necessary, the vet will recommend suitable treatment or management strategies based on the underlying cause.